Our Journey Substation Technician performs journey-level skilled and semi-skilled work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical substations, circuit breakers and related facilities.
The starting pay rate for this position is $55.04 per hour with a potential increase after the successful completion of a 6 month probationary period.
This opportunity will be available until the position is filled. Please provide your resume, cover letter, and Apprenticeship Completion Certificate/Journeyman card (if applicable) at time of application. The City of Loveland is looking for an experienced and motivated Journey Substation/Relay Technician to join our team. The emphasis of this position will be focused on the installation, testing, repair, maintenance and calibration of protective relays (electromechanical and electronic), SCADA, and metering related apparatus. Our ideal candidate for this position has completed a four-year accredited apprenticeship program and has three years of progressive experience as a Journey Substation Relay Technician.
To learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City, please view our video
Working at Loveland. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: - Maintains and operates substation equipment including 15-kV switchgear, associated relays, control devices, power transformers, load tap changers and regulators, station batteries, and chargers.
- Performs tests using hi-pot, vacuum, power factor, TTR, meggar, resistance, capacitance, current, relay, and communication test equipment and performs analyses of test results to determine status and condition of electrical equipment.
- Troubleshoots substation equipment and control systems.
- Performs switching on distribution and transmission system. Installs, tests, programs and maintains SCADA, RTU, master station and associated communication equipment at a journey-level.
- Performs substation testing and checkout for new substations and equipment additions that may include wiring relay panels, control panels, and other equipment as needed.
- Remove and replace main breakers, feeder breakers, and ground breakers.
- Provides safety watch for nonqualified workers/non-electrical workers accessing substation facilities.
- Performs bi-monthly substation checks, gathering information for electrical engineering.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: - Assists other electric crews with construction, operation and maintenance of high and low voltage electric distribution systems.
- Provides information to other departments concerning electric operations of the distribution system.
- Works with electrical engineering to assure compliance with FERC and other regulatory agencies associated with electrical substations.
- Helps prepare the division budget relating to substations.
- Works with electrical engineering to develop and maintain technical specifications.
- Assists in preparing/reviewing substation switching orders.
- Works closely with apprentice substation technician.
- Works closely with Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) personnel as assigned.
- Performs monthly checks on special field apparatus; regulators, reclosers, and capacitors.
SUPERVISORY DUTIES: The Journey Substation Technician does not supervise the work of others, however, administrates apprentice training and oversees apprentice work when an apprentice is on staff.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Knowledge of principles of electricity, electronic circuitry and mathematics through trigonometry.
- Working knowledge of tools and equipment associated with the industry.
- Understands and practice safe electrical working procedures in order to aid other workers in emergency situations.
- Accurate record keeping skills, reliability, and dependability.
- Ability to follow directions and use prints and drawings.
- Demonstrated good electrical and electronic troubleshooting skills.
- Skilled in reading one-line, three-line, wiring and control schematic diagrams.
- Possess knowledge of SCADA and communication equipment.
- Skilled in panel wiring and installation of substation instrumentation.
- Knowledge of operation and maintenance of electromechanical and solid state relays.
- Ability to use laptop computer / PC with various office productivity and technical software applications and Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) interfaces.
- Knowledge of NESC safety policies and electric utility safety practices.
- Must be able to work unsupervised.
- Knowledge of battery testing and maintenance.
Required Education - High School or GED
- Completion of an approved Substation Apprentice Program.
Experience - Required: One (1) year of experience as a Journey Substation Technician
- Preferred: Three (3) years of experience as a Journey Substation Technician
Certifications: A valid Driver's License required
Core Competencies: Accountability, Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness
Material and equipment directly used: - Laptop computer, 2-way radio, telephone, and printer
- Calculator, voltmeter, ohm meter, watt meter, meggar, Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR), hi-pot, oscilloscope, and relay test equipment
- Power and hand tools
- Communication test equipment and various software interface programs
- Vehicle, pickup, van, and bucket truck
Working environment/physical activities: - Work is performed both indoors and outdoors under all weather conditions during day or night.
- Hazards include working around high voltage equipment and machinery with moving parts, excessive noise from machines or equipment.
- Moderate physical activity required by moving and positioning objects up to 350 pounds occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds frequently.
- Work may include pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and reaching to perform essential functions of the job.
- Working environment may include working in confined spaces, below ground installations, above ground ladders, aerial device or equipment at varying heights, working around energized equipment (110 volts to 230kV AC) and (130 volt DC).
- Must have good distance vision and be able to distinguish the basic colors of red, orange, yellow, brown, blue, green, and purple in order to distinguish color-coded computer screen images and control cable color-coding.
- Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with coworkers and the public.
- Work may involve long hours and overtime during holidays, emergencies, weekends, etc.
- Subject to call-back work and must be capable of responding to an emergency situation upon short notice at the sole discretion of the City.
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
City of Loveland job descriptions are designed to describe the general nature and level of work necessary to perform well in the job; they are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. City of Loveland job descriptions may be updated periodically, and additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate.
With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home. Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains. The community is bustling with a thriving arts, brewery, foodie and shopping scene. Enjoy headliner concert and theatre productions, professional hockey events, endless community recreation and open space opportunities, art and sculpture shows, and several local festivals. Loveland also boasts an award-winning golf course and an inclusive library and community center. Loveland, Colorado has EVERYTHING YOU LOVE!
In 2020, Loveland was the only Colorado City to win the Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence, is the top residential recycling City in the state for 4 consecutive years and has been ranked as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S. and as one of the Most Idyllic Picturesque towns in America.
Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance.
A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong! Benefit Eligible Package Includes: - Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
- Dedicated, exclusive Wellness Clinic
- Chilson Center - Employee Health & Wellness Center (self/family) with discounted recreation passes
- Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays and medical leave
- Flexible spending including Dependent Care
- Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
- Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary 529 College Invest program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Referral Program
- Personal and Professional Development opportunities
- Discounted recreation passes
- Employee recognition program
- Exceptional work-life balance
- Market based pay & regular performance reviews
- Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program
The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.
The City of Loveland participates in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit
E-Verify.gov for more information.
Employment offers will be conditional on the successful completion of a driving record and criminal history background check.
