What are the responsibilities and job description for the Substation Technician position at Colorado Springs Utilities?
Substation Technician
Join Colorado Springs Utilities as a skilled technician in our Substation Operations group as a Journey-level Substation Technician. In this job, your experience and expertise will play a critical role in the construction, maintenance, and safe operations of low to high-voltage substation equipment. This includes troubleshooting equipment and diagnosing malfunctions of electric, electromechanical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic oil, and gas components of the substation and customer equipment. You will also play an important role in training and educating apprentices on our team.
*Starting pay rate for a Substation Technician is $62.87/hr. Your pay rate will increase to $66.01/hr upon successfully completing probation (typically 6 months).
*This position is eligible for relocation assistance
Key Areas of Focus:
- Adjusting, calibrating, repairing, and replacing substation equipment as appropriate
- Installing, testing, and maintaining substation equipment and customers equipment
- Testing substation components using sophisticated test equipment and being able to interpret test results (Power factor testing, breaker timing and travel testing, battery capacity and resistance test, and DGA and dielectric test of oil filled apparatus)
- Performing equipment inspections and preventative maintenance
- Constructing new and modifying existing substations
- Assisting the engineering department with new construction and redesign of facilities and comparing specifications of new equipment (Power factor testing, breaker timing and travel testing, battery load test)
- Providing technical advice to contractors and other utility departments including cable technicians, linemen, power plants, apparatus shop, and troubleshooters
- Responding to emergency situations and making appropriate decisions involving substation equipment
- Ensuring safe working conditions for all personnel and equipment
- Providing training, technical guidance, proper work techniques and procedures, and safety procedures to substation apprentices and other crew members
Who you are…To qualify as a journey-level substation technician you will have completed a five-year substation apprenticeship or equivalent formal training program and offer one or more years of demonstrated experience working at the journey level.
In lieu of a formal training program, we will consider applicants who bring 5 years of specialized experience leading inspections, testing, maintenance, and operations activities for substation electrical equipment.
Additionally, please note the following certification and licensing requirements:
- A Valid, unrestricted driver’s license
- Driving a Colorado Springs Utilities commercial vehicle is required for this position, as such a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) w/ tanker and airbrake endorsements are required at the time of hire OR must be obtained within six months and maintained
- Medical Exam Certification
- First Aid Certification
- CPR Certification
You will be responsible for participating in an on-call rotation, and performing duties during emergency call-outs; which may include overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Exerts 50-100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 25-50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 10-20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
- Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions and intense noises.
- Positions in this class typically require exposure in all weather conditions.
Who We are...Colorado Springs Utilities is a community-owned enterprise with a 100 year reputation of excellence. As a pioneer in providing four utility services (electric, gas, water, and wastewater) in one enterprise, we cultivate a work culture dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. With our dedication to the place we call home, we provide critical services to our community. Maybe that's one reason we are often rated a top city in the nation to live, work and play! Colorado Springs offers something for everyone; come breathe the fresh, clean air of the Rocky Mountains!
Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.
Time Off to Recharge
- Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
- Personal Leave –3 days per year
- Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
- Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
- Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually
Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month
- Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
- Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
- Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
- Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
- Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
Financial & Retirement Security
- Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
- Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
- Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
- Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs
Additional Support
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
- Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness
Salary : $63 - $66