Substation Ground Technician

About the Role

A Substation Ground Technician is an entry-level, non-exempt position focused on the construction, maintenance, and repair of substation equipment and systems. This role involves working in confined spaces, elevated work areas, and with various trade-specific construction equipment. The position may require independent work or collaboration with others, occasional long hours during emergencies, and travel to various locations, including out-of-state assignments based on customer demands.

Responsibilities

• Perform new construction, maintenance, repair, testing, adjusting, and troubleshooting of substation equipment/systems, including but not limited to:
  • Concrete foundations, ground grids, and steel erection
  • Buswork (high and low voltage)
  • Airbreak/hookstick switches
  • Control cable and terminations (high/low voltage)
  • Control buildings
  • Conduit and duct banks
  • Capacitor bank installations (23kV–230kV)
  • Transformers, regulators, and circuit breakers
  • Circuit switchers, motor-operated, and manual switches
• Maintain company vehicles, test equipment, and tools in good working condition.
• Work safely with energized high-voltage systems, ensuring personal and team safety.
• Operate various types of heavy equipment, including:
  • Bucket, derrick, and boom trucks
  • Backhoes, excavators, and skid steer loaders
  • Articulating man-lifts
  • Pressure diggers and trenchers
  • Track crawler loader/backhoe
  • Rough terrain telescopic forklifts
• Work overtime or extended hours during emergencies or as requested, with schedules subject to frequent changes and short notice.
• Adhere to company safety rules and policies.

Requirements

• Able to perform rigorous physical labor.
• Capable of climbing and working at heights up to 125 feet above ground.
• Must possess or obtain a Commercial Driver’s License within 6 months.
• Must supply own personal hand tools required for the job.
• Must supply own safety-toed work boots.
• Capable of lifting in excess of 50 lbs.
• Able to work in confined spaces.
• Capable of working independently or as part of a team.
• Willing to travel extensively (90% travel required, including out-of-state assignments such as Florida).
• Willing to work outside of normal hours, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.

Physical Demands

The role involves regular physical activity, including:

• Standing, walking, and using hands to handle tools or equipment.
• Frequent reaching with hands and arms.
• Exposure to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and vibration.
• Occasional exposure to extreme conditions at construction sites.
• Working in loud environments and outdoor weather conditions.

Skills

• Emphasis on safety
• Self-motivated and team-oriented
• Customer-focused and trustworthy
• Commitment to reliability and punctuality
• Professional appearance and attitude
• High productivity and strong work ethic
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Receptive to constructive instruction and coaching

About the Team

This role is part of Pike’s Electric team, which partners with utilities nationwide to address energy infrastructure challenges. Responsibilities include designing new transmission and distribution systems, upgrading smart meter technologies, and integrating renewable energy sources onto the grid.