Apprentice/Technician/Journey Substation Technician
Ogallala, NE, US, 69153-4606
Apprentice/Technician/Journey Substation Technician
Salary Range - $36.28 -$45.35
Location - Ogallala, NE Ogallala Operations Center
Posting Date: February 10, 2026
Closing Date: February 24, 2026
Are you hard-working and eager to make a meaningful impact in the ever-emerging energy industry? Come join us!
By joining the Nebraska Public Power District team, you’re becoming part of a close-knit community that embodies the values and traditions of the state. More than generating and delivering power, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. With safety at the helm, we have created a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and growth. Here, you’re not just an employee; you're a valued member of a family that respects and supports each other.
Our power grid has been consistently ranked one of the most reliable and resilient, but our reputation for excellence extends beyond our customer service to our employee satisfaction. Many of our team members have built lifelong careers here, advancing through the ranks thanks to our robust training programs and opportunities for professional development. With us, you’ll find a place where your efforts are recognized and rewarded, where you’re making a deep impact on the communities around you, and where you can truly power a career that you can be proud of.
Get to know us more here
Position Summary
These positions are directly responsible and accountable for performing effective substation maintenance/testing and operation activities required for "Safely keeping the lights on" for the assigned area. Responsibilities include: installation, checkout, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and operation of electrical equipment, frequent travel, overnight stays, respond to after-hours trouble calls, and responding to emergencies.
Assignment to one of these positions and a condition of continued employment will be the ability to arrive from your residence to the NPPD office that you report to within 30 minutes of notification of a call out.
Due to North American Electricity Reliability Council (NERC) regulatory requirements regarding medium substations, all Substation Technicians must obtain and maintain a satisfactory NERC background check.
Education, Training and Experience
Associate's degree in electro-mechanical, electronics, electrical technology.
OR
An associate's degree or certificate of completion from an approved community college or correspondence school in a related field.
OR
Have Substation Technician experience within NPPD or with another utility or electrical contractor that is considered an acceptable equivalent to the formal education options listed.
Applicants hired external to NPPD will be placed into the T&D Substation Technician Progression Program based on previous experience and education.
Training/Progression: Job levels within the Substation Technician positions are based on a series of evaluations to determine advancing levels of proficiency and accountability.
Substation Technician - Requires general substation proficiency (i.e. switching, grounding, clearances, etc.). Completes requirements for general substation maintenance and operation as outlined in the training progression program and performs responsibilities as defined in principle accountabilities. This position assists in making decisions as defined in Decision-Making authority.
Progression advances as follows:
Apprentice Substation Technician - Entry-level position. Assists with responsibilities as defined in principle accountabilities of position.
Substation Technician - Requires general substation proficiency (i.e. switching, grounding, clearances, etc.). Completes requirements for general substation maintenance and operation as outlined in the training progression program and performs responsibilities as defined in principle accountabilities. This position assists in making decisions as defined in Decision-Making authority.
Journey Substation Technician - Requires specialized competencies - responsibilities based on business need. Completes requirements for specialized Journey level as outlined in the training progression program and is responsible for making decisions as defined in Decision-Making authority. Leads other levels of technicians in the absence of the supervisor. Provides training for other technicians. Provides oversight of projects. Ensures all technicians perform safely and utilize all available human performance tools.
Licenses and/or Certifications
Maintain Commercial Driver's License (CDL) operator's license, switchman certification, and other certifications as required. Must obtain and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certifications.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Perform Acceptance and Diagnostic Testing of Substation Components associated with Transmission and Sub Transmission Substations. This could include design, configure, and install revenue and specialized metering. This involves the use of computers with various operating software to interface with diagnostic test equipment. This requires knowledge of Computers, Software, and Test Equipment, and how they interface. The technician will be required to interpret the results.
Perform diagnostic troubleshooting and repairing of equipment associated with Transmission, Sub Transmission, Distribution, Metering equipment. This requires technicians to perform testing on equipment in service without jeopardizing the stability of the system.
Respond to after-hours trouble calls to perform diagnostics and repairs of substation and metering equipment.
Install, test, and maintain various substation equipment. Requires knowledge on safely operating man-lifts, high reaches and substation vehicles.
Install, test, and maintain various mobile substation equipment. Requires knowledge on safely operating this equipment.
This position will have direct contact with various customers and is required to perform duties while working for and with various customers. Assist other Technicians in performing their duties as needed.
Accountable for other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
Salary Information - Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary range listed below, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range. Successful applicants will be provided more information regarding the incentive program at the time of an interview.
Apprentice Substation Technician non-exempt pay grade 10: $39.29/hour
Substation Technician non-exempt pay grade 12: $47.15/hour
Journey Substation Technician non-exempt pay grade 13: $57.63/hour
Travel Required: 25% to 50% (With frequent overnight stays, more than 3 per month, typically within state of Nebraska) Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.
Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.
Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer