Part Time Power Utility Inspector

Job Description

Job Description

Summary/Objective:

The Power Utility Inspector assists and acts as a liaison between contractors, engineers, and utility clients, and is responsible for the inspection and observation of electrical equipment installation and substation construction projects.

This position will work under the supervision of the Field Operations Manager and Resident Engineer/Project Engineer. This position will assist, as needed, with field inspections, documentation, and contract administration to ensure that substation and electrical construction work is built in accordance with project plans, specifications, and applicable utility, NESC, NEC, and IEEE standards.

Applicants must be capable of physical activity in an outdoor setting including but not limited to light lifting, bending, stooping, and climbing structures and ladders, walking and standing for prolonged periods of time, and regularly operating motorized vehicles. Work may require close proximity to energized electrical equipment, and strict adherence to safety and PPE requirements is mandatory. All applicants must consent to a background check and motor vehicle report as a requirement of employment.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts routine visual inspections and specified tests on electrical equipment, materials, and substation construction work to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Inspects installation of substation equipment, including power transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, disconnect switches, control wiring, protective relaying, bus work, and grounding grids.
• Inspects civil and structural aspects of substation construction, including foundations, structural steel, control buildings, and site grading/drainage.

Verifies that construction and installation work complies with project plans, specifications, utility company standards, ANSI standards, and applicable NESC, NEC, and IEEE codes.

• Witnesses and documents equipment testing, commissioning, and energization activities.
• Performs material sampling and testing as required.
• Prepares and maintains project documentation, including daily inspection reports, field logs, and quantity calculations.
• Provides support for residency audits and ensures compliance with requirements.
• Enters data and updates records in SiteManager/AASHTOWARE Project or other project tracking software. Not relevant
• Tracks contractor time and activities for accurate project management.
• Verifies utility locations and collaborates with team members, engineers, and client companies to ensure accurate site information.
• Identifies defects or non-conforming work in materials and installation processes through observation and testing.
• Compares inspection and test results to specifications, reporting findings to supervisors for analysis and further action.
• Interacts with staff, contractors, utility clients, and the public in a professional manner.
• Maintains comprehensive quality records and documentation as needed.
• Adheres to all job-site safety requirements, including those specific to work around energized electrical equipment and substations.
• Travel is required and expected; applicants must be willing to accept long-term and short-term out-of-town projects.

Competencies:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• Thorough understanding of NESC, NEC, IEEE, and utility company construction specifications.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical one-line diagrams, schematics, and construction drawings.
• Thorough attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software as needed to complete reports.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements and arc flash awareness.
• Familiarity with substation equipment such as transformers, breakers, switchgear, relays, and SCADA systems.

Work Environment:

The Inspector will frequently operate in outdoor settings and must be prepared for a range of weather conditions, from extreme heat to cold. Work will take place on active substation and electrical utility construction sites, which may include exposure to energized equipment, requiring strict adherence to established safety protocols and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; climb structures, ladders, and stairs; and reach with hands and arms. Employee will need good vision to see their surroundings; glasses are acceptable. This position requires the ability to lift weight occasionally. The employee may need to walk through rough terrain and work at heights.