Electric Substation Technician

This position is part of an apprenticeship program. Placement in the program depends upon previous experience, training, and education.

Maintains the electric substations, by performing basic repairs on all circuit breakers, switches and power transformers. Performs preventive maintenance on electric power equipment; and repairs the SCADA system and fiber optics equipment; maintains breaker and transformer oil and installing; and maintains a security system within the substation.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Troubleshoots and programs NTU (SCADA); replaces capacitors and fuses in cap bank; repairs fiber optic cable; installs new batteries, security cameras and chargers; and works from a bucket or other aerial device to install new relays and programs.
• Maintains the Electric substations by performing basic repairs on all circuit breakers, switches and power transformers; performing preventive maintenance on electric power equipment and repairing the SCADA system and fiber optics equipment; checking and maintaining breaker and transformer oil; checking gas or air on breakers; installing and maintaining a security system within the substation; inspecting the station grounds for tampering; emptying trash cans; checking batteries voltage and current; checking cap bank fuses, capacitors and temperature gauges on the transformer; maintaining battery with voltage readings, adding water to the cells and cleaning the batteries and terminals; collecting oil samples from the main tank of the transformer, LTC and oil-type breakers
• Documents all power reports related to power demands from feeder relays, batteries and documents power transformer tap changes. Makes sure Transformer LTC is operational.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED supplemented by six months to one year of post-secondary study or training: e.g. vocational, business, technical school, and four to six years of experience.

• Valid Driver’s License (CDL – Class B with DOT Card), with acceptable driving record according to City Criteria
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Flagging Certification
• Fork Lift Certification
• Bucket Rescue Certification
• Confined Space Certification
• Substation Technician Journeyman Card

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work requires medium physical effort, exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.
• Adequate vision, hearing and talking to drive, use computer, and communicate effectively with others.
• Constant standing and walking.
• Frequent sitting, lifting, carrying, reaching, handling, kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, and balancing.
• Occasional pushing/pulling, fine dexterity, and crawling.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.
• May experience frequent emergency situations, irregular work schedule/overtime, change of tasks, and working closely with others as part of a team.
• May experience occasional time pressure, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, tedious or exacting work, and noise/distracting environment.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Typically requires use of computer and related hardware and software; hand and power tools; forklift; and any other equipment as appropriate or required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in shop, substations, and regulator sites, where there is daily exposure to respiratory hazards, extreme temperatures, wetness/humidity, and physical hazards. There is constant exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards. There is frequent exposure to noise and vibration, and occasional exposure to chemical and fire hazards. There is rare exposure to explosives and communicable diseases.

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, steel toe shoes, hearing and eye protection, high and low voltage gloves, blast suits, etc.); and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.