Substation Electrician Apprentice I

New Braunfels Utilities•New Braunfels, TX

3d•$0 - $31

About The Position

The Substation Electrician Apprentice I works under direct supervision on construction, operations, and maintenance of electric substations and transmission facilities, including distribution and transmission breakers and apparatus, power transformers, control systems, structures, substation properties, and transmission rights of way. The role responds to substation trouble calls during and after normal business hours and in all weather conditions. The apprentice is expected to learn NBU systems and processes and carry out routine and abnormal work safely and efficiently while developing skills that contribute to the team's capabilities. The apprentice must complete the training and demonstrate competency in the skills established for Level I of NBU's Substation Apprenticeship Program within 12 months. With management approval in extraordinary circumstances, up to six additional months may be granted. The position requires residence within a 45-minute response time of the NBU Service Center, as measured by an internet mapping tool. Minimum qualifications are non-negotiable.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
No prior work experience is required.
Maintain a Class C driver's license as a condition of employment.
Reside within a 45-minute response time of the NBU Service Center, measured by an internet mapping tool.
Strong mechanical aptitude and safe work habits.
Positive technical and behavioral performance history.
Flexibility in work schedule for emergency response, holidays, weekends, and after-hours work as required.
Ability to serve periodic on-call duty 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, typically for two weeks at a time.
Ability to learn new skills, perform them consistently, and recall and apply them over time.
Ability to understand operations concepts and repeat similar tasks in varying circumstances and environments.
Ability to work on and near equipment energized at hazardous voltage levels, in confined spaces, and at hazardous heights.
Ability to read, write, and understand verbal and written communications in English.
Ability to understand design plan sets and technical specifications.
Ability to lift and carry tools, equipment, and materials in hazardous environments and across uneven ground.
Ability to distinguish colors accurately.
Ability to use basic computer software, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Adhere to NBU safety and administrative policies, procedures, and practices.

Nice To Haves

Verified prior apprenticeship program experience, at NBU or another program, and appropriate field experience may qualify an individual for placement within NBU's Substation Apprenticeship Program. The individual may be required to demonstrate knowledge and competency through field and/or classroom testing for appropriate placement.

Responsibilities

Maintain clean and organized service trucks, control houses, storerooms, and workstations.
Assist with substation and transmission operations, including 12.5 kV and 138 kV switching operations.
Assist with information gathering and with purchasing, storing, receiving, retrieving, and distributing equipment, tools, and supplies.
Support NBU staff with tasks related to or located near substations and transmission rights of way.
Learn substation design plan sets and technical specifications with guidance from senior substation personnel.
Schedule, plan, and complete the training courses and competency demonstrations in Level I of the NBU Substation Apprenticeship Program.
Assist with periodic site and equipment inspections, report findings, and perform routine maintenance to support proper operation.
Change compressed gas cylinders; perform manufacturer-prescribed equipment maintenance; replace, adjust, and modify equipment and components; conduct infrared camera inspections and address areas of concern; and repair power and control wiring and AC and DC power systems and equipment.
Assist with periodic and reactive inspections of transmission lines and rights of way and report findings.
Assist with building, modifying, and enhancing substation and transmission facilities.
Learn, with guidance from senior personnel, how to ensure the safety and quality of construction and capital improvement work performed by contractors, consultants, NBU staff, LCRA, and other utility personnel.
Learn construction project management duties, including reviewing and developing contracts, design drawings, and specifications; supervising contractors and consultants and inspecting their work; resolving requests for information and change orders; resolving material procurements; and reviewing completed projects and reporting successes, lessons learned, and improvement opportunities.
Respond to substation trouble calls during and after normal business hours and in all weather conditions.
Maintain safe driving habits and a clean driving record.
Follow NBU safety and administrative policies, procedures, and practices, and ensure NBU staff, contracted staff, and visitors adhere to safety and security standards.
Maintain regular attendance and manage leave so it does not interfere with assigned tasks, special projects, or deadlines.
Develop and maintain effective customer service skills when communicating with coworkers, customers, and the public.
Maintain confidentiality of business, employee, and customer information and safeguard sensitive documents.
Exemplify NBU's Core Values of Safety, Team, Integrity, Culture, and Stewardship, and participate in and support initiatives to reach annual NBU Performance Measures.
Perform other duties as assigned.