Jesse Bamber grew up working on his family’s dairy, and helping out on other farms in the area. He learned how to work hard, and set the foundation for a successful career, both in farming and now as a foreman for a powerline company.
Bamber graduated from Dublin High School in 2010. “I kind of bounced around after high school, working around here and farming,” he said.
In 2011 he moved to Burnet to work at a feed store for a family friend. “I’d known him pretty much my whole life,” he said.
Bamber stayed there for two years, then moved back to Dublin to work at Tejas Tubular, a pipe company, where he did quality control.
After Bamber had been there a couple of years, the company had to make some cuts and Bamber was laid off. “I went back to farming because that’s what I always knew growing up,” Bamber said.
But soon another opportunity arose at a company called Scott Pole Line LLC. “They were looking for CDL drivers, and I had my CDL,” he said.
The company works on power lines, inspecting and repairing them to make sure they are safe. Over the next few years, Bamber worked his way up from being a ground hand to being a crew foreman.
“My day-to-day routine at work consists of figuring out what material we need for the day, coordinating with property owners to get access to the poles we need to replace, and making sure my guys are working safely, efficiently and the right precautions are taken as we work with high voltage lines,” he said.
His favorite part of the job is traveling for work. “We’re in different areas all the time, never really on the same property for more than a few days,” he said. “When there are natural disasters, like hurricanes, a lot of times we get to go help out. We’ve been to Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma and Arkansas.”
Bamber recently earned his journeyman lineman license by completing 7,000 hours of training in an apprenticeship program approved by the United States Department of Labor.
When he’s not working, Bamber is usually spending time with family and cooking out with family and friends. He and his wife Alexis met in high school and started dating in 2014. The Bambers have two children, Briles, 2 and Lakyn, 8 “Lakyn’s getting to the age where where she pretty much plays everything; soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball,” he said. “She keeps us pretty busy with practices and games.”
Bamber’s mother Karen lives in Edna Hill. His father Heath passed away two years ago. Bamber credits his parents with his work ethic and sense of duty. “Growing up, my parents made sure we never did without, so I just try to do the same,” he said.
Bamber’s advice to Dublin graduates is to believe in their own potential. “Chase your goals,” he said. “Anything you choose is achievable with hard work and determination. Never give up and always try to keep learning and moving up.”
Editor’s Note: This column chronicles what Dublin graduates have done since high school. If you have any suggestions for other grads, email publisher@dublincitizen. com.