Substation Technician I, II, III, IV or JL

Substation Technician

Responsible for the safe and efficient maintenance and operation of substations. Accountable to a senior or foreman level technician for all substation maintenance, training and operation functions. Maintains all components associated with the efficient operation of assigned substations, both energized and de-energized. Assists with the supervision and training of others in all types of construction and maintenance of electrical equipment in substations and in the maintenance of the substation yard. Carries out work order assignments, interprets prints, and prepares daily time sheets, material tickets, and field and inspection reports as required.

There is one position available, and the position will be filled at one of five job grade levels: Substation Technician I, job grade T2; Substation Technician II, job grade T3; Substation Technician III, job grade T4; Substation Technician IV, job grade T5; or Journey Level Substation Technician, job grade T6. This decision will be based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected, and Tri-State business needs at the time of hire.

Tri-State recognizes the value of a highly-engaged and committed workforce and provides an excellent benefits program that includes: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Work Schedules including compressed work week, Life Insurance, 401K, Long Term Disability (LTD), Short Term Disability (STD), Employee Assistant Program (EAP) and Paid Leave Benefits.

Hiring Wage: $64.58 for Journey Level Substation Technician

Substation Technician IV Hiring Wage Range: $58.92-$61.68

Substation Technician III Hiring Wage Range: $53.79-$56.29

Substation Technician II Hiring Wage Range: $49.14-$51.41

Substation Technician I Hiring Wage Range: $44.92-$46.97

Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring salary range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level.

Responsibilities

• Maintain all components associated with the efficient operation of assigned substations, both energized and de-energized.
• Assists with the supervision and training of others in all types of construction and maintenance of electrical equipment in substations and in the maintenance of the substation yard.
• Carry out work order assignments, interpret prints, and prepare daily time sheets, material tickets, and field and inspection reports as required.
• Serve as lead technician and assist in directing the work of crew for the routing and execution of jobs assigned, and planning and laying out the specific work assignments on the job.
• Maintain a first-aid card and the ability to perform first aid.
• Responsible for observance of safety rules by all co-workers.
• Maintain a Chauffeur or Class A driver's license and operate automotive equipment.
• Set up safe clearance with dispatchers and operating personnel.
• Assist with supervising crew in specifically assigned location in coordination with direction from senior or foreman level substation technician.
• Responsible for appraising condition of the substation equipment, such as transformers, switchgear, switchboards, associated electrical control systems, wiring, busses, etc., while performing regular duties and for advising the proper people of any defects or conditions that need attention.
• Responsible for prompt restoration of service during outage.
• Responsible for having all equipment maintained in ready-working condition.
• Do any other work of equal or lessor skill within the capabilities of the individual to meet emergencies or other operating needs.
• Adhere to company policies, programs and procedures as well as Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Corporation (NERC), Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO) standards and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations.
• Maintain safety awareness and comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures to assure a safe working environment. Properly wear and care for applicable safety gear and equipment. Identify and communicate unsafe conditions to supervisor, coworkers, and the Safety functional area and correct or assist in resolving safety concerns and issues. Must understand and comply with the Clearance Procedure as applicable.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Tri-States culture embodied in the Cooperative principles and spirit and core values of technical competency, respect and dignity, accountability, integrity, trustworthiness, and servant leadership to empower or otherwise enable others to optimally perform their job responsibilities. Demonstrate and promote ethics and behaviors consistent with Tri-States culture, Board policies, and business practices. Understand and fulfill the role and responsibility for all compliance programs within the company.
• Because Tri-State is an electric utility with continuous service obligations to its customers, regular, reliable, and predictable performance of the essential functions and responsibilities is an essential function of the job.

Qualifications

Education/Training and Experience:

• Six (6) years of combined education and experience in the electrical and electronic field. This would consist of:
• The equivalent of technical training received in an associate degree Program in Electronics Engineering Technology with advanced studies in industrial electrical and Electro-mechanical controls and digital systems control logic.

AND

• Four (4) years of practical experience and/or be able to demonstrate knowledge in maintenance of industrial electrical- electromechanical -electronic control equipment which must include:
• One (1) year and/or the equivalent knowledge of electric power substation apparatus maintenance experience involving testing of power transformers, testing and repairing of power circuit breakers and electrical insulation system testing and repair.
• Three (3) years and/or the equivalent knowledge of practical experience in testing, calibrating and repairing protective relay devices and revenue meters.

AND

• Must be capable of satisfactorily interpreting electrical schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams and control logic.
• JL Relay and or meter certificate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Possess a considerable degree of skill to perform work by following standard method of procedure.
• Be able to exercise judgment in frequently making decisions and regularly directing a group of workers.
• Have thorough knowledge of the practices used in the electric power industry.
• Be capable of applying artificial respiration and be able to render practical first aid.

Other:

• Must be recommended for this position by foreman, superintendent, and regional maintenance manager.
• Have good health and physical ability adequate for strenuous work.
• Be willing and able to work extra and irregular hours as the utility needs may require, and willing to work under unusual or special working conditions, storms, extreme temperatures, winds, darkness, etc.
• Overnight travel required.
• Must reside within a 60-minute response time to the base location.
• Must have a satisfactory work record.

Note: The above requirements describe the experience and education qualifications for the Journey Level Substation Technician. Those with less experience will be hired at the I, II, III or IV job grade level.

About Us

Tri-State is a wholesale power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, with electric distribution cooperatives and public power district members in four states: Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. Together with its members, Tri-State delivers reliable, affordable and responsible power and energy services to nearly a million electricity consumers across roughly 200,000 square miles of the West. Founded in 1952 by its member systems to provide a reliable, cost-based supply of electricity, Tri-State is now headquartered in Westminster, Colo., employing approximately 1,000 people across five states. Tri-State's electricity is generated from coal, natural gas, hydropower, wind, and solar. This power reaches members via a transmission system that includes substation facilities, telecommunications sites and almost 6,000 miles of high voltage transmission lines. As a member-owned and -governed cooperative, every member has a voice and an equal vote in the future of Tri-State.