Station Servicer

American Electric Power•San Benito, TX

About The Position

Perform installation, maintenance, operation, inspection, repair, and removal work involving station-related equipment. Respond to station trouble and emergency call-outs, analyze conditions after failures, perform repairs when safe and practicable, and coordinate prompt restoration of service, including emergency switching. The role includes routine and emergency substation switching, station inspections and minor maintenance, repairs to assigned-area FACTS devices and specialized equipment, DC supply work, communications-system inspections, environmental and security duties, recordkeeping, and support for other employees. Employees may also perform related or incidental work as assigned and are expected to respond to a high percentage of call-out assignments. The position requires thorough knowledge of electricity, station equipment, transmission policies and procedures, switching practices, safety requirements, and the ability to work from electrical drawings and communicate instructions clearly. A valid Class A commercial driver’s license is required. Considerable travel may be required, and candidates must successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test. The physical demands include heavy work, lifting and carrying specified weights, walking, climbing and working on ladders or structures and in elevated buckets or lifts, and discriminating between colors. Compensation is listed as $34.96–$59.76. AEP states that it offers a comprehensive benefits package, but specific benefits are not enumerated in the posting.

Requirements

Associate degree in electrical, mechanical, or industrial maintenance technology, or equivalent education and/or qualifying experience. The stated equivalencies are limited to technical military training and experience (such as aviation or nuclear instrumentation technician), or recent experience within the last six months as a Station Electrician or equivalent job title with another electric utility or contractor.
Satisfactory work experience as a Station Servicer A or Station Electrician A, with the stated pathway requiring 24 months of satisfactory experience in the applicable classification and additional qualifications as described in the posting.
Must have performed the duties of and have all qualifications of Station Electrician A or Station Servicer A, and qualify through Company demonstration, examination, and/or performance appraisal, including demonstrated high responsiveness to overtime calls.
Valid Class A commercial driver’s license; must meet vehicle operation requirements under applicable federal and state law.
Thorough working knowledge of electricity and the construction, maintenance, operation, and function of station equipment and related standards.
Thorough working knowledge of Transmission Policies and Procedures.
Thorough understanding of switching procedures and methods, including emergency response and extra-high-voltage practices.
Ability to receive, interpret, and transmit instructions clearly and precisely and work from electrical drawings.
Ability to deal courteously and professionally with customers and other employees.
Ability to plan work and properly instruct and brief others.
Understanding of Company safety rules and practices and proficiency in resuscitation and First Aid as presented in the Company’s Safety Manual.
Must successfully complete the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
Considerable travel may be required to complete work assignments.
Must meet the stated physical demands, including lifting and carrying specified weights, walking accumulated distances over a shift, climbing and working on ladders or structures and in buckets or lifts, and color discrimination.

Responsibilities

Respond to emergency calls involving station trouble; analyze station conditions following failures and repair when safe and practicable, or coordinate prompt restoration of service, including emergency switching.
Perform routine and emergency substation switching as directed and in accordance with station procedures; perform switching for line construction and maintenance, including EHV switching as necessary.
Take ownership of assigned stations, inspect them on schedule, oversee maintenance contractors as needed, perform minor repairs, and report conditions requiring major repairs.
Independently perform minor maintenance, including LTC filter replacements, gas additions to breakers and transformers, replacement of fan motors and contactors, and animal-mitigation repairs.
Repair FACTS devices and unique station equipment in the assigned area.
Collect asset data using approved asset-management software; report unusual conditions and meter readings; check relays, batteries, chargers, temperatures, regulators, pumps, cooling equipment, and supplies; renew transformer fuses and change nitrogen tanks as required.
Follow DC Supply Maintenance and commissioning procedures to support NERC compliance and proper equipment operation; lead DC supply installation and repair work in the area and ensure proper documentation.
Periodically inspect radios, carrier current, telemetering, pilot wire, control equipment, and other communication systems to ensure NERC compliance.
Monitor and track station inspection workplan progress and report progress for assigned stations.
Perform minor environmental cleanup, report environmental issues, and collect oil samples for periodic testing.
Inspect station perimeters, investigate theft and vandalism at Company station facilities, and coordinate with law enforcement authorities as required.
Maintain station lighting and security systems; replace control cells, outdoor lamps, and batteries as required.
Operate automotive equipment and associated equipment and perform incidental duties related to its operation.
Keep tools, equipment, and work areas clean and orderly.
Maintain records and prepare and submit required reports using standard asset software within required intervals.
Assist with departmental safety meetings and training other employees; assist employees of equal or higher classification and direct assigned assisting employees.
Follow Company safety rules, operating regulations, and practices, and report unsafe conditions and practices.
Perform similar or less-skilled work as assigned and respond to a high percentage of call-out assignments.