Substation Technician

Position Summary

The Substation Technician 3 (O&M) is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of CoServ’s substation infrastructure to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electric service. This role involves performing preventive and corrective maintenance on high-voltage equipment and control systems, troubleshooting electrical issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Substation Technician 1 (O&M) works closely with engineering and operations teams to support CoServ’s transition to owning and operating substations.

Responsibilities 

• Operations and Maintenance:
  • Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on substation equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, protective relays, switchgear, and batteries.
  • Conduct diagnostic testing using tools such as infrared thermography, power analyzers, and insulation resistance testers to identify potential issues.
  • Troubleshoot and repair substation electrical and mechanical systems to ensure reliability and minimize downtime.
  • Support the implementation of condition-based maintenance strategies to extend equipment life and optimize performance.
  • Respond to system alarms and outages, coordinating with dispatch and field teams to restore service safely and efficiently.
  • Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs for compliance and internal reporting.
• Regulatory Compliance and Safety:
  • Ensure all maintenance activities comply with CoServ policies, NERC reliability standards, and ERCOT operational requirements.
  • Follow established safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash protection, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Participate in audits and regulatory inspections by providing documentation and technical expertise.
  • Stay informed of changes in industry regulations and implement necessary adjustments to maintenance practices.
• Technical Support and Troubleshooting:
  • Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to diagnose complex substation issues and recommend corrective actions.
  • Assist in developing troubleshooting guides and standard operating procedures for substation maintenance tasks.
  • Provide field support during substation commissioning and testing activities.
  • Work with SCADA and protection engineers to verify the functionality of remote monitoring and control systems.
• Emergency Response:
  • Serve as a first responder for substation-related emergencies, including equipment failures, weather-related incidents, and unplanned outages.
  • Participate in rotating on-call schedules to provide 24/7 support for critical substation operations.
  • Assist in post-event analysis to identify root causes and implement lessons learned.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Work closely with engineering, project management, and compliance teams to support substation improvements and upgrades.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior electricians and apprentices.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and external contractors to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to project timelines.
• Equipment and Inventory Management:
  • Assist in maintaining an inventory of spare parts and consumables required for routine maintenance and emergency repairs.
  • Coordinate with vendors and procurement teams to ensure the timely availability of replacement components.
  • Participate in the development of long-term asset management plans for substation equipment.

Position Requirements 

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification in electrical systems or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in substation maintenance and operations within an electric utility or industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of substation electrical components, including transformers, relays, breakers, and SCADA systems.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.

Education, Experience, and Certifications Preferred 

• Journeyman Electrician License or equivalent industry certification.
• Experience with microprocessor-based relays and automation systems.
• Familiarity with NERC compliance requirements and ERCOT operational procedures.

Skills and Abilities Required 

• Ability to use test instruments and diagnostic tools to assess equipment performance and identify issues.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Skills and Abilities Preferred

• Training in predictive maintenance techniques such as infrared scanning and vibration analysis.

Physical Requirements 

• Works outdoors majority of the time in all types of weather conditions and environmental conditions such as fallen branches, rough terrain, heavy underbrush, etc.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Drives company vehicle.
• Works extended hours as needed or directed.
• Works at heights up to 100 feet above ground.
• Works in no or low light conditions – using handheld lantern or spotlights.
• Works in potentially hazardous conditions caused by pets and wildlife in or near the work site.
• Works in areas with possible exposure to poison oak, poison ivy, and insect stings.
• Climbs a pole with belt and equipment or hand tools weighing [40-50] pounds.
• Performs call out duties.
• Works in underground confined spaces.
• Operates office equipment such as a computer, telephone, copier, etc.
• Field-based role requiring frequent travel to substation sites across CoServ’s service territory.

Other Requirements 

• Must have and maintain a valid Texas Driver's License.
• Class A CDL Required.