Position Summary
The Substation Electrician Apprentice I, under direct supervision, will perform various tasks in construction, operations, and maintenance of electric substation and transmission facilities to include distribution breakers and apparatus, transmission breakers and apparatus, power transformers, control systems, structures, substation properties, and transmission rights of way. Responds during and after normal business hours to all trouble calls relating to Substations in all weather conditions. Demonstrates safe driving habits and maintains a clean driving record. Expected to learn NBU systems and processes in order to execute both routine and abnormal work activities safely and efficiently. The Substation Electrician Apprentice I develops skills and knowledge developing the overall team's capability. The Substation Electrician Apprentice I is expected to complete the training and demonstrate competency in the skills established within Level I of NBU's Substation Apprenticeship Program after 12 months. In the case of extraordinary circumstances, and with Management approval, the Substation Electrician Apprentice I may be granted up to 6 months of additional time to complete this program step. Minimum qualifications are non-negotiable.
Placement within the apprenticeship program may be commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
SUBSTATION AND TRANSMISSION OPERATIONS
- Responsible to maintain clean and organized work areas such as:
- Service Trucks
- Control Houses
- Storerooms and work stations
- Assist as instructed with
- Substation and transmission operations tasks
- 12.5 kV and 138 kV switching operations
- Information gathering activities
- Purchasing, storing, receiving, retrieving, and distributing equipment, tools, and supplies
- Support NBU staff with tasks related to or collocated with substations and transmission rights of way
- Learn about substation design plan sets and technical specifications with guidance from senior substation personnel
- Schedule, plan, and successfully complete the training courses and competency demonstrations detailed in Level I of the NBU Substation Apprenticeship program
SUBSTATION AND TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE
- Assist as instructed with periodic site and equipment inspections, report findings, and routine maintenance items to ensure proper operation such as:
- Change compressed gas cylinders
- Equipment maintenance as prescribed by manufacturer
- Replace, adjust, and modify equipment and components
- Conduct infrared camera inspections and address areas of concern
- Power and control wiring repairs
- AC and DC power systems and equipment
- Assist as instructed with periodic and reactive inspections of transmission lines and rights of way and report findings
SUBSTATION AND TRANSMISSION CONSTRUCTION
- Assist as instructed with building, modifying, and enhancing substation and transmission facilities
- With guidance from senior substation personnel learn how to ensure safety and quality of construction and capital improvement activities performed on and around NBU facilities by others such as:
- Contractors and consultants
- NBU staff
- LCRA and other utility Personnel
- With guidance from senior substation personnel learn how to perform construction project management duties such as:
- Review and develop construction project contracts, design drawings, and specifications
- Supervise contractors and consultants and inspect their work products
- Resolve requests for information and change orders
- Resolve material procurements
- Review project after completion and report successes, lessons learned, and opportunities for improvement
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ability to learn new skills, perform those skills consistently, and recall those skills for application after time passes.
- Must develop an understanding of operations concepts in order to repeat similar tasks in differing 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
- Maintain regular attendance; leave schedule should be managed so as to not interfere with ability to accomplish tasks, including special projects and assignments with deadlines
- Adhere to NBU safety and administrative policies, procedures, and practices at all times and in all situations
- Ensure NBU staff, contracted staff, and visitors adhere to NBU safety and security standards
- Develop & maintain effective customer service skills for communications with co-workers, customers and the public in general
- Maintain strict confidentiality of business, employee and customer information in written and oral communications and safeguard sensitive documents
- Exemplifies NBU Core Values of Safety, Team, Integrity, Culture, and Stewardship
- Participate in and support initiatives to reach annual NBU Performance Measures
- Other duties as assigned
Formal Education and Work Experience Requirements
Degree/Diploma Obtained: High School Diploma/GED
Work Experience Time Frame: No Experience Required
Field of Study: General Studies
Certification and Licensures Requirements
- Class ‘C’ Driver’s License must be maintained as a condition of employment
Other Minimum Qualifications
- Must reside within a forty-five-minute response time of the NBU Service Center as measured by an internet mapping tool
- Strong mechanical aptitude & safe work habits
- Positive technical and behavioral performance history
- Flexibility in work schedule including emergency response, holiday, weekends, after hours as required. On call duty (24 hours per day, 7 days per week, typically for two weeks at a time) required on a periodic basis.
- Verified previous Apprenticeship Program experience (NBU or other programs) and appropriate levels of field experience may qualify an individual to be placed 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.
- Ability to use basic computer software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Outlook.
