High Voltage Electrician with Class A

Purpose

Performs a variety of specialized journey level electrical and skilled mechanical work on low to high voltage systems in and about electric substations, underground systems, and power generating plants.

Nature and Scope

Under general supervision, works at journey level performing duties associated with voltages up to 230kv AC. Must be familiar with safe working practices for Phasing and Hot Glove requirements for grounding.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow all safety policies, procedures, practices, and exercise caution when performing duties.
• New Construction/Installation of Equipment:
  • Installs steel structures, insulators, and bus; installs high voltage switches, disconnects, and fuses.
  • Installs, splices, and terminates high-voltage cables; installs high voltage transformers, circuit breakers, reactors, capacitor banks, CCVTs, potential transformers and current transformers.
  • Installs conduit, wireways, raceway, fittings, wiring, cabling, conductors, and circuits.
  • Installs underground service conduit, cables, and ground grids (using press and/or cad weld).
  • Installs equipment, switchgear/GIS, motor control centers, motor operated valves, and pressurized systems.
  • Installs and maintains batteries/chargers and related equipment.
  • Installs Microprocessor Relay panels and Protection Schemes for Line, Bus, Generator, and Transformer protection.
  • Installs RTU and SCADA equipment and PLC's.
  • Bends, threads and installs conduit systems (Rigid, PVC and EMT) and hard and string bus.
• Maintenance and Testing:
  • Maintains, tests, troubleshoots and repairs: power transformers and auxiliary equipment such as bushings, surge arrestors, cooling equipment, and tap changers.
  • Power circuit breaker and operating mechanisms including hydraulic, pneumatic, solenoid operated and other stored energy systems.
  • Motors and motor control equipment; control circuits.
  • DC battery systems for protection and control of high voltage equipment.
  • Capacitor banks and reactors.
  • Hydro large generators and associated systems.
  • Maintenance of overhead gantry and bridge cranes.
  • Internal and external electrical systems/equipment such as lighting, lighting control, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Systems), battery monitoring, power distribution, switch boards and breakers.
  • Redundant power distribution systems and equipment such as Standby and Emergency Generators, transfer switches, and power distribution units.
  • Handles, samples, and tests various power interrupting/insulating mediums including vacuum, mineral oil, FR3 and SF6.
  • Performs predictive maintenance (IR scans) on electrical panels, transformers, switch gear and other related equipment.
• Use of Equipment, Tools and Resources:
  • Uses hand tools and small power tools such as drills, grinders, sanders, saws, and cutters.
  • Operates equipment such as boom and bucket trucks, forklifts, aerial equipment, cranes, and uses rigging and lifting techniques to install large equipment.
  • Climbs ladders and steel structures; uses fall protection equipment for working at heights.
  • Uses electrical test equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, DC insulation resistance testers, transformer turns ratio testers, AC and DC high potential test sets, power factor and circuit breaker testers.
  • Use of live line tools.
  • Reads and interprets mechanical drawings, diagrams, and instructions such as layout and erection diagrams, structural elevations, exploded views, cutaway diagrams, and related information.
  • Reads and interprets electrical drawings and diagrams such as wiring diagrams and schedules, schematic and elementary diagrams, one lines, and related information.
  • Follows processes and procedures for oil handling/testing during installation and maintenance of large oil filled electrical equipment.
  • Follows all safety procedures when performing work including, but not limited to clearance, LOTO (Lockout Tag out), switching, verification, grounding, and working on or around high voltage systems.

Required Education

Completion of a recognized apprenticeship or equivalent training in the electrical trade.

Required Experience Qualifications

Demonstrated experience at a journey level in the installation, connection, and maintenance of electrical equipment in one of the following; high voltage transmission and distribution substations, switchyards and large power generating plants.

Required Licenses/Certificates

Must possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License (CDL) and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years). Must also be able to obtain a Class A driver's license with tanker endorsement after completion of the required driver training class.

Knowledge Of

• Basic algebra and trigonometry in order to compute calculations and understand electrical theory.
• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment.
• National Electric Code and Electrical Safety Orders of the Division of Industrial Safety applicable to electrical work, electrical terminology and theory.
• Electrical safety rules and regulations.
• Preventative maintenance on electrical equipment.
• Electrical installations; switchgear; electrical rotating machinery, such as motors and generators.
• Boom and rigging processes and procedures.
• Common and special tools used in electrical work.
• Proper grounding techniques.
• Ferrous and nonferrous materials.
• Hazardous materials.
• Safe lifting techniques and lift charts.
• Proper use of slings.
• Procedures to lay out and fabricate a variety of materials.
• Sheet metal work.
• Safe handling policies and procedures of pressurized cylinders, FR3 oil, SF6, oil transport, spill prevention.
• Hot glove use.
• Safety protocol for discharging water from substations.
• NERC and FERC regulations as it pertains to critical infrastructure protection (CIP) of substations and power plants.
• Switching and taking clearances with distribution and power system operators.

Desirable Qualifications

• Computer and keyboarding skills.
• Work in radiation areas; under adverse conditions, such as extreme heat.
• Willingness to work overtime as workload and deadlines require; and, work on-call as needed.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

On-site Work

This role will be an on-site role that will require being in person at one of SMUD's campuses daily to complete work tasks.

Benefits

• Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Retirement through Public Employees Retirement System
• 457 and 401(k) plans available
• Flexible Savings Account
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Employee and Spouse Life Insurance

CalPERS

SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov.