Substation and Apparatus Technician II

Pend Oreille Public Utility District•Newport, MN

About The Position

The purpose of this journeyman level position is to safely perform electrical installation, repair, and maintenance work related to transmission, switchyard/substation, and distribution facility operations. The position incumbent will work with operations and maintenance staff (including linemen, other technician/electricians and maintenance personnel) and other District personnel to accomplish major repairs and installations. The incumbent will also work independently on routine maintenance assignments. The incumbent will be required to have knowledge and training in electrical theory and practical application, along with possessing and exercising techniques and other unique practices, associated with the installation, operation, maintenance, and procedures of the District. The position is governed at all times by current work practices and procedures as established and modified by the District, and assumes responsibility for completion of tasks in a manner that will ensure the safety of both the incumbent and others.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required
Vocational/apprenticeship training resulting in journeyman level skills that allow the incumbent to fully perform the responsibilities, essential duties and authorities described above.
A minimum of two years of relevant, applicable experience (at the journeyman level) in a utility or industrial/plant setting.
Must be familiar with the operation of distribution apparatus, meter and relay test equipment.
Knowledge of and ability to correctly use appropriate safety practices in an utility setting, including (but not limited to): Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO), confined space entry, first aid/cardio pulmonary resuscitation, including Automated External Defibrillator (AED), etc.
Knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), National Electric Code (NEC) and all applicable Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) regulations.
Ability to apply logical thinking to diagnose and solve practical problems and to comprehend and effectively carry out instructions.
Ability to mathematically add, subtract, multiply, and divide; work with decimals and fractions; and understand and calculate measurements.
Ability to read analyze and comprehend relevant instruction manuals, construction drawings, electrical diagrams, blueprints, schematics, and maps in connection with the essential duties of the position.
Ability to properly prepare required forms and reports.
Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing.
Ability to receive guidance and supervision, follow work rules, safety practices, work procedures, meet punctuality and attendance standards, and complete assignments in an appropriate time period.
All performance standards must be completed in a competent manner.
Ability to exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Sufficient physical stamina to stand, walk, climb, crawl, lift/carry, engage in automobile travel and safely perform all essential functions of this position.
Ability to work effectively under adverse climate conditions, including hot/cold temperatures, rain, snow, humidity, etc.
Ability to traverse over rough, uneven terrain. Occasional use of snowshoes, snow machines and other equipment may be necessary to reach remote, rural locations.
Ability to wear, when required, appropriate company provided clothing and breathing apparatus, and work in confined spaces.
Ability to operate controls requiring grasping and fine manipulation.
Ability to perform under stress when confronted with emergency, critical, unusual or dangerous conditions or in situations when sustained attention and focus is critical to the safe and effective performance of the job.
Corrected vision must be sufficient to meet the essential functions of this position. The correct and accurate recognition of colors is required.
Employee is required to possess and maintain a valid state Driver's License; a Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) endorsement is also preferred.
Must possess and maintain a current (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR)/First Aid Card, as well as other safety-related certifications associated with the essential duties of this position.
Served a minimum of two years as an Electrician/Technician I or Substation and Apparatus Technician I.
Completion of fiber splicing training and demonstrated ability to terminate and splice fiber.
If not already accomplished, satisfactory completion within one-year of hire all of the following criteria, with demonstrated ability to acquire data and make setting as directed by engineering using a laptop computer: a. Minimum 24 Hours of training on the District SCADA System. b. Minimum 24 Hours of training on switchyard/substation and transmission protective relays. c. Minimum 24 Hours of training on the District Sonet (Nortel) Communication System.

Responsibilities

Makes major changes, additions and/or repairs to existing electrical circuits and/or equipment in switchyards/substations, transmission, and distribution system, and other project facilities. This includes power transmission, substation, and distribution systems; protective relay systems, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, communications systems, signal systems and low-voltage heavy duty power distribution cables.
Connects controls for, places pre-established program values on, and performs tests upon protective relay systems, SCADA systems, battery systems, voltage regulators, reclosers, capacitors, and associated electrical, communication, and signal equipment (distribution apparatus); which includes wiring, conduit, etc.
Installs and maintains lighting systems in buildings, on grounds or on structures; runs conduit; installs outlet boxes, wiring devices, fixtures, lamps, switches and panel boards.
Installs and maintains switchboard panels and relays with transmission and/or distribution line protective relays, auxiliary relays, auto-transformers, as necessitated by changes or additions to switchyard/substation equipment and/or circuit changes.
Installs metal or non-metallic underground conduits, pulls cables through underground duct systems, and makes cable splices on cables, along with other associated work.
Installs, maintains and troubleshoots Remote Terminal Units (RTUs).
Installs, maintains and troubleshoots Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
Uses PC type computers and Windows-based software in maintaining voltage regulators, reclosers, capacitors, RTUs, PLCs, and other programmable and/or recordable equipment.
Works independently on the following types of assignments: a. Makes complete and thorough inspection of switchyard/substation transmission and distribution equipment, including the phase angle regulator (PAR), circuit breakers, voltage regulators, reclosers, batteries, current and potential transformers, neutrals, main circuit breakers and high-voltage disconnect switches, electrical panels and their controls, oil-containment systems, etc. Makes such repairs, service or alterations as required, as a result of such inspections. b. Keeps electrical equipment, such as motors, breakers, switchboard, and electrical mechanisms, in good repair and operating condition by making repairs and/or adjustments on regular maintenance inspections. c. Tests and checks operation of electrical devices for protection and shielding circuits; obtains transformer, circuit breaker, voltage regulator, recloser, etc., oil or other insulating medium samples; and performs associated insulating tests, as appropriate, for insulation breakdown. d. Performs other electrical service and repair functions to interior battery, back-up or emergency lighting, and other systems, as assigned.
Uses a megger, volt-ohmmeter, and other meters in testing lines and circuits, normally up to 600 volts. Uses both indicating and graphic voltmeters, ohmmeters, and wattmeters, etc., as required. Uses a variety of hand and power tools normally associated with this craft position. Is responsible for the use, care and custody of electrical equipment, tools, supplies and instruments that are assigned for electrical installation, maintenance and repair operations.
Performs basic maintenance and repair of recording and indicating meters, communications equipment and relays. This includes making adjustments and tests in accordance with pre-determined standards and procedures on relays, radios, equipment, voltage regulators and certain load frequency control equipment.
Performs soldering and other wiring functions for completion of assigned tasks.
Provides electrical and communication drawings and schematics information to other staff/external parties as required.
Responsible for maintaining positive, diplomatic and cooperative relationships with the public and all District personnel.
Follows all District policies and work practices.
May perform other duties for which the employee is qualified and can be performed safely (alone or under the direct supervision of a qualified and trained individual).