Apprentice/Technician/Journey Substation Construction Technician

Position Summary

Substation Construction Technician positions are responsible and accountable for the construction and maintenance of NPPD's worksites, such as substations and other associated electrical equipment within T&D Operations. Functions include climbing steel towers, layout of substation and other worksites, building concrete forms, placing and finishing concrete, installing electrical equipment, assembling steel structures and towers related to the construction, modification, and maintenance of Operations infrastructure (for example, substations). Responsibilities include frequent travel, overnight stays, and responding to emergencies. These Technicians will also assist in storm restoration as needed. They need the ability to run heavy equipment including mobile cranes, highway diggers, and large cranes.

Education, Training and Experience

All Levels: Entry level position, which requires a high school diploma or equivalent OR 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 is preferred OR Applicants, hired external to NPPD, will be placed into the Operations Construction Technician Progression Program based on previous experience and education.

Journey Substation Construction Technician: Must have achieved Substation Construction Technician status with NPPD.

Apprentice Substation Construction Technician: Two years construction type work required.

Substation Construction Technician: Experience required as outlined in the Construction Technician Progression Program. Applicants hired external to NPPD will be placed into the Operations Construction Technician Progression Program based on previous experience and education.

Journey/Senior Substation Construction Technician: A total of five years' combined experience at the Apprentice Substation Construction Technician and Substation Construction Technician levels is the normal minimum requirement for progression to the Journey Substation Construction Technician (as outlined in the CSD Operations Construction Technician Progression Program). Equivalent experience outside of NPPD will also be considered.

Licenses and/or Certifications

All Levels: Must maintain cardiopulmonary resuscitation/automated external defibrillator (CPR/AED) and first aid certifications. Obtain commercial driver's license (CDL) within six months and maintain CDL. Must obtain other certifications as required for the position. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Lay out Operations worksite (for example, substation), and other work according to drawings and specifications. Build concrete forms, place and finish concrete to meet specifications. Place rebar and anchor bolts as required.

Interpret one-line electrical, mechanical, and structural drawings.

Be familiar with and apply chemicals under proper and safe conditions for vegetation management of Operations worksites.

Maintain favorable public relations with property owners, other District personnel, business establishments, and customers.

Assemble and erect steel structures, towers, and substation equipment stands using proper rigging and safety procedures required to maintain a safe and secure Operations infrastructure. Install electrical equipment, transformers, breakers, underground cable, ground field, etc.

Assemble, mount, and adjust substation switches. Install substation bus work and conductor and connect substation equipment.

Safely operate and maintain skid loaders, trenchers, mobile and hydraulic aerial equipment, and other heavy equipment associated with construction.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies