Substation Electrical Technician

JOB OBJECTIVE:The Substation Electrical Technician is responsible for the construction, maintenance, inspection, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing of electrical substations and related equipment. This role ensures the safe and reliable transmission and distribution of electrical power throughout MWEC's service territory.QUALIFICATIONS:Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent. A bachelor's or associate degree from an accredited college or university in the electrical field is preferred. Applicants should have some experience, training, or knowledge in the electrical trade or electrical utility fields.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:•Performs construction, testing, and verification of new substations and substation expansions. •Performs operation and maintenance of existing substations and substation equipment. •Installs, programs, tests, repairs, and replaces protective relays and associated wiring as needed.•Isolates, inspects, tests, troubleshoots, and repairs/replaces substation equipment including transformers, circuit switchers, voltage regulators, circuit breakers, reclosers, motor operators, batteries, and battery chargers.•Interprets manufacturing specifications to develop testing routines for MWEC substation equipment.•Utilizes test equipment and analyzes test results to verify proper operation of protective relays and substation equipment. •Supports the development and utilization of the cooperative's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and provides technical knowledge to assist in its maintenance and operation.•Reads and interprets blueprints to aid with construction at MWEC substation sites. •Reads and interprets schematic wiring diagrams to install, troubleshoot and repair both AC and DC circuitry.•Executes switching operations safely to energize/de-energize equipment, isolate components, or re-route power across MWEC's electrical system.•Utilizes specialized software to download, store, and analyze system disturbances from substation relays.•Collects oil samples from substation equipment for testing and analysis; filters oil and maintains both permanent and mobile oil filtering systems.•Installs and splices fiber optic cable for communication and monitoring systems.•Maintains substation HVAC systems, standby generators, and transfer switches.•Reviews monthly substation inspections to ensure equipment functionality and proper operating condition.•Collects, records, and manages data for asset management and maintenance records.•Stays current on applicable policies and procedures including the National Electric Safety Code, NERC testing requirements.•Adheres to all safety practices, state and federal regulations, and MWEC policies and procedures.•Maintains an attitude that will promote harmony and goodwill among fellow employees, the members, and the public.•Successfully completes all requirements of the Substation Technician Apprentice Training Program including formal training, on-the-job training, and written study.•Attends and participates in on-site/off-site job-related training, conferences, and safety meetings as directed.•Maintains a valid North Dakota driver's license with appropriate endorsements. A North Dakota Class A CDL preferred.•Submits to a random drug & alcohol test per DOT regulations.•Available for after-hours emergencies or problems as needed.•Performs any other duties assigned to fulfill the objective of the Cooperative.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:•Proficient in the use of laptop computers using Microsoft Windows and Office software. Capable of utilizing specialized technical software.•Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from documents such as blueprints, electrical wiring diagrams, operating instructions, maintenance guides, and written procedures.•Experienced in the safe and effective use of hand tools and power tools.•Strong communication skills to effectively interact with members, co-workers, and contractors.•Proficient in performing mathematical calculations relevant to the transmission and distribution of electrical power.•Able to safely operate equipment such as forklifts, bobcats, and payloaders.•Knowledgeable in identifying safety hazards while working in energized substations and switchyards.For a full job description and additional information about benefits, please visit: https://www.mwec.com/careersMWEC is an equal opportunity employer.