Control Electrician A - Substation

About the role

Control Electrician A is a non-exempt position in the construction, maintenance and repair of substation electrical equipment and systems. The role requires a 6–8 year working knowledge of 525 kV and below substation electrical equipment, apparatus, and wiring. Work is performed in confined spaces and elevated areas using trade-specific construction equipment. The position demands a strong grasp of electrical theory with emphasis on AC/DC circuits, transformers, breakers, overcurrent/recloser schemes, and PLC logic. The electrician may work independently or lead/coach crew members and must be prepared to work extended hours during emergency conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform new construction, maintenance, repair, testing, adjusting and troubleshooting of substation electrical equipment/systems including:
  • Circuit breakers
  • Transformers
  • Battery banks and chargers
  • Control cable and terminations (low voltage)
  • Control panel placement/installation
  • Control buildings
  • Cable tray/raceways
  • Conduit and duct banks
  • Capacitor bank installations (23 kV–230 kV)
  • Circuit switchers and motor-operated switches
  • Annunciators
  • Fiber optic cable
• Maintain company vehicles, test equipment and tools in good working condition.
• Work in close proximity to energized components while protecting against outages and ensuring safety of self and others.

Requirements

• Ability to perform rigorous physical labor.
• Capable of climbing and working at heights up to 60 feet above ground.
• Must possess or be capable of obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License.
• Must supply own personal hand tools required by the company and own safety-toed work boots.
• Capable of lifting in excess of 50 lbs.
• Capable of working in confined spaces/areas.
• Ability to work independently or with others.
• Operational experience with heavy equipment including backhoes, excavators, skid steer loaders, articulating man-lifts, trenchers, and rough terrain telescopic forklifts.
• Willing to work overtime or long hours during emergency conditions and/or when requested; schedules can change frequently and with short notice.
• 90% travel required.
• Must follow company safety rules and policies.
• Extensive knowledge of construction standard practices, techniques, quality requirements, applicable electrical codes and standards.
• Capable of working in close proximity of energized substation equipment.
• Ability to interpret substation electrical drawings (conduit details, conduit plans, cable schedules, cable termination prints, schematics) and communicate with customers and subordinates.
• Ability to accurately appraise technical situations and recommend resolutions.
• Ability to lead/coach subordinates on the crew.
• Ability to develop and interpret material lists.
• Ability to trace out phasing in a substation and verify to three-line diagrams.
• Proficient knowledge in all aspects of substation electrical systems.
• Ability to determine proper phase shift and rotation in paralleling transformer banks.
• Capable of running the job without supervision.
• Proficient in the use of voltmeters, meggers, ammeters, and rotation meters.
• Ability to neatly terminate, connect and bundle control wiring.
• Proper use of basic rigging (slings and clevises) and hand signals.
• Properly terminate and ground control cables in control panels and equipment.
• Basic operational knowledge of substation equipment (transformers, breakers, capacitors).
• Thorough knowledge of IEEE device numbering standards.
• Ability to recognize, correct and document errors/changes in engineering drawings.
• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. Noise levels can be loud. The position is performed in outside weather conditions.

Competencies

• Emphasis on safety
• Self-motivated
• Team-oriented
• Customer-oriented
• Trustworthy
• Commitment
• Professionalism demonstrated through unwavering reliability and punctuality
• Good appearance and attitude
• High productivity work ethic
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Receptive to constructive instruction/coaching