Substation Technician

About the position

Under the general supervision of the Substation Supervisor, the Electrical Substation Technician is responsible for the maintenance, operation, installation, and testing of electrical, mechanical, and electronic equipment (for both 12.5 kV distribution and 138 kV transmission voltages) in electrical substations. The role involves diagnosing problems, installing, removing, operating, and maintaining substation distribution and transmission equipment, communication equipment, and protective relays. The technician will also inspect, test, repair, and calibrate substation equipment including transformers, circuit switches, generators, substation capacitors, feeder circuit breakers, motor operators, and control equipment. Additionally, the technician will ensure safe working practices, perform substation transmission and distribution switching operations, maintain optimal electric system operations, and ensure compliance with established standards and codes.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose problems for, install, remove, operate, and maintain substation distribution and transmission equipment, communication equipment, and protective relays.
• Inspect, test, repair, and calibrate substation equipment including transformers, circuit switches, generators, substation capacitors, feeder circuit breakers, motor operators, and control equipment.
• Take oil and SF6 samples from substation equipment for testing and analysis.
• Prepare and maintain necessary maintenance records and inspection reports in an asset management software.
• Troubleshoot and analyze system failures, insulation viability, contact resistance and wear, and perform tests as required.
• Ensure safe working practices by demonstrating proper use of tools, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), and performing all work in accordance with CSU's established safety policies and procedures.
• Perform substation transmission and distribution switching operations in planned and emergency situations.
• Maintain optimal electric system operations, ensuring consistent communication and coordination with coworkers as well as the Transmission & Distribution, Operations, and SCADA divisions.
• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and test results.
• Ensure equipment meets established ERCOT, NERC, PUCT, and Texas RE standards and codes. Meet compliance requirements through data collection and documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Three (3) years technical training with electrical transmission and/or distribution equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Texas Driver License.
• Basic computer application skills.
• Available for on-call duty and emergency response.
• Must maintain a residence within a 40-minute response time of the Utility Service Center within six (6) months of accepting position.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to progress through the skill plan program within a specified period of time, as defined per department's skill plan policy.
• Ability to perform essential duties in an environment that entails a variety of weather conditions and extreme temperatures; working at heights of up to 60' above ground level; frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, climbing, and pushing/pulling; using hoist and dollies to lift and move heavy objects; and physically lifting and moving objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Nice-to-haves

• Associate's Degree in Electrical Power Distribution.
• Ability to perform most duties without direct supervision, relying on previous experience to properly diagnose problems.
• Knowledge of electrical theory and electrical/electronic schematics.
• Knowledge in operation, maintenance, and repair of large DC battery systems.
• Knowledge of industry testing standards and procedures.
• Knowledge of emergency generators and UPS systems.
• Knowledge of substation testing and asset management software.