From Lifeguard to Foreman: The Journey of Kyle Jenkins
Seagulls drift overhead as Kyle Jenkins reapplies sunscreen, eyes sweeping the Atlantic for signs of trouble. Fourteen years later, those same eyes look down from utility poles, restoring light to the very people he once watched over from the shore. At the City of Lake Worth Beach Electric Utilities, stories of dedication and growth are not uncommon, however, few are as compelling as that of Kyle Jenkins. Kyle has built a career rising from lifeguard to a leadership role as a Foreman in the electric utility field through determination and a drive to grow and learn.
Kyle’s journey with the city began in 2012, shortly after completing firefighter/EMT training. With a hiring freeze limiting opportunities in his intended field, he pivoted and took on a role as a lifeguard for Lake Worth Beach. What may have seemed like a temporary position quickly became the beginning of a long and successful career. He advanced to be a lifeguard instructor, gaining experience in responsibility and mentorship, skills that would later prove essential.
In 2017, Kyle transformed his life by entering the Electric Utilities Lineman Apprenticeship Program. Over the next four years, he immersed himself in the technical and physical demands of the trade. From there, he progressed to a lineman role, followed by a specialized position as a substation electrician, where he underwent additional training. Each role added new layers of expertise, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable and skilled member of the team.
Today, Kyle is transitioning from lineman into a Line Foreman position, overseeing a crew of linemen and an apprentice. In this leadership role, he is responsible not only for project execution but also for ensuring the safety and cohesion of his team. For Kyle, no two days are the same. His work includes strengthening the electrical system by replacing outdated infrastructure, installing insulated triplex, transferring services to new poles, and much more. Through it all, safety remains his top priority. He emphasizes that working with electricity requires constant awareness, noting that its extreme heat can melt metal and even concrete, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in the field.
Kyle credits much of his career direction to a conversation with a lineman during his time as a lifeguard. Captivated by the hands-on nature of the work and the opportunity to help others, he decided to pursue a new path. What he enjoys most about his role is the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Whether restoring power or improving system reliability, hearing appreciation from residents reinforces the value of his work.
He also points to the strength of his team as a defining factor in their success. To Kyle, teamwork is essential, not only for getting the job done, but for maintaining morale and ensuring everyone returns home safely. This collaborative spirit is one of the qualities he believes sets Lake Worth Beach Electric Utilities apart, along with the department’s notably fast response times and constant readiness to address outages.
As he looks ahead, Kyle is excited about the future of electric utilities, especially the development of new substations that will enhance reliability and reduce outages for the community. Personally, he is focused on continuing to grow as a leader, developing the skills necessary to guide his crew and potentially taking on even greater responsibilities in the years to come.
For those considering a career in the field, Kyle offers this piece of wisdom: stay positive, be open to learning, and embrace feedback as a tool for growth. His own journey is proof that with determination and the right mindset, a career can evolve in unexpected and rewarding ways.
Kyle Jenkins’ story is more than just a career progression; it’s a testament to the growth and opportunities offered working for the City of Lake Worth Beach and its electrical utilities department.