Job Description
GIS is a premier energy services company delivering comprehensive solutions across the evolving energy landscape. While rooted in over 75 years of excellence in offshore and onshore construction and maintenance within the oil and gas industry, GIS has expanded its capabilities to include large-scale utility solar farm construction projects. Our continued commitment to safety, innovation, and operational excellence allows us to support both traditional and renewable energy sectors with the same trusted expertise.
Position Summary
The Substation Electrician is responsible for the installation, termination, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems within high-voltage substations supporting utility-scale solar farms. This role requires hands-on expertise with medium- and high-voltage equipment (34.5kV and above), strict adherence to electrical codes and safety standards, and coordination with construction teams to ensure substations are built to project specifications and utility requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Substation Installation & Electrical Work
- Install, assemble, and wire high-voltage substation equipment, including circuit breakers, disconnect switches, instrument transformers, bus work, and protective relays.
- Perform precision terminations of medium- and high-voltage cables (34.5kV and above), including stress-cone and heat-shrink terminations, following manufacturer and IEEE standards.
- Install grounding systems, rigid and flexible conduit, cable trays, and raceways in accordance with NEC, NESC, and project specifications.
- Perform cable pulling, dressing, lugging, and connection of control, instrumentation, and power cables.
Testing & Commissioning Support
- Conduct insulation resistance, continuity, and high-potential (Hi-Pot) tests on power cables and substation equipment.
- Assist commissioning engineers and technicians with functional testing of protective relay schemes, SCADA integration, and breaker trip/close sequences.
- Verify proper phasing, polarity, and torque requirements for all installed equipment.
- Support energization activities, ensuring all pre-energization checklists are completed and documented.
Safety & Compliance
- Follow all OSHA, NFPA 70E, and site-specific safety protocols when working on or near energized equipment.
- Utilize lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc-flash protection, and PPE in accordance with safety procedures.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal electrical codes as well as utility interconnection requirements.
- Maintain accurate as-built documentation of wiring, cable routes, and equipment installation.
Collaboration & Reporting
- Work closely with construction supervisors, electrical engineers, QA/QC inspectors, and utility representatives.
- Provide daily progress updates, identify installation challenges, and recommend corrective actions.
- Mentor apprentices or junior electricians in substation work practices and high-voltage safety.
Minimum Education & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or vocational training in electrical systems preferred.
- Minimum 5+ years of electrical construction experience, with at least 2+ years in substation construction or high-voltage utility projects.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience terminating and testing cables at 34.5kV or higher.
- Experience on utility-scale renewable energy (solar, wind, or battery storage) projects strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
- Strong knowledge of high-voltage electrical theory, power distribution systems, and utility substation design.
- Proficiency in interpreting one-line diagrams, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and equipment installation drawings.
- Skilled in the use of electrical test instruments (megger, TTR, Hi-Pot tester, multimeter, phasing sticks).
- Ability to work in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions and on physically demanding tasks.
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality workmanship.
- Ability to work safely around energized equipment and maintain strict adherence to safety protocols.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work on ladders, scaffolding, and elevated platforms.
- Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, and working in confined spaces.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind).
- Must pass site-specific safety training, drug/alcohol testing, and background checks as required.
EEOC Statement:
GIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.