The Journeyman Substation Technician is responsible for the day-to-day operations, maintenance and troubleshooting of the substations and switch yards. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. With appropriate supervision performs all of the duties of metering, distribution, maintenance, and other duties within the department.
2. Monitors, maintains, repairs, programs, and tests all substation-related relays and controls, including but not limited to, microprocessor based relays, LTC controls, PLC’s, voltage controls, and capacitor controls. Monitoring includes downloading event reports for system disturbances and analyzing, interpreting, and reporting on the event.
3. Tests and commissions all new substation equipment, including power transformers, high-voltage breakers, circuit switchers, and capacitor banks, including but not limited to, hi-pot, winding ratio, breaker timing, relay testing and power factor testing.
4. Works with the Communications Division to install, commission, and maintain VEA’s SCADA system, including radios, RTU’s and all other related equipment.
5. Works with SCADA technicians to install and commission new reclosers, regulators and their associated control equipment.
6. Ability to program, install and maintain the iNET network radios.
7. Ability to use the department’s specialized software for gathering data, record keeping and testing of equipment and be able to instruct others in its use.
8. A general understanding of how different relay schemes work and to be able to troubleshoot in substations and restore power promptly.
9. Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and retrofit old equipment with new components including microprocessors and digital controls.
10. Knowledge of battery testing and maintenance as well as working with DC voltages.
11. Ability to schedule maintenance activities for ensuring NERC/ISO compliance
12. Reads, understands and follows all applicable safety rules, and conducts all work within those accepted safety standards.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical, Mechanical Technology or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience or hold a certification through an approved apprentice program for Substation Technician.

Experience: Five years of experience in the maintenance and testing of electrical system related equipment in voltages from 25kV to 230kV. Must be well versed in relaying and control circuitry.

Knowledge: Must have or quickly acquire a thorough knowledge of equipment, tools, materials and services used by electric utilities. The employee must have knowledge of State and Federal laws. Must have working knowledge of AC and DC electrical theory.

About Valley Electric Association, Inc.

Valley Electric Association, Inc., (VEA) is a member-owned electric cooperative based in Pahrump, Nevada, with a certified service area covering more than 6,800 square miles in Nevada and California. VEA presently provides service to over 24,000 services with 2,120 line miles of distribution facilities and 13 substations. VEA is a participating transmission owner and load serving entity in the California Independent System of Operators Corporation (CAISO). VEA is the parent company of a host of wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Valley Electric Transmission Association (VETA), Valley Communication Association (VCA), Valley Electric Services Company (VESC), and Valley Electric Energy Services (VEES). VCA (Valley Communications Association), a wholly-owned subsidiary based in Pahrump, NV, will offer commercial and residential optical fiber broadband service, with speeds up to 1 gigabit, to VEA members throughout Nevada. SolPower is Valley’s full-service solar company specializing in the design, installation, finance, maintenance, and warranty of solar electric systems. Our systems are built to utility standards for our members. VEA offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Please apply for this position online at www.vea.coop/careers

Connections working at Valley Electric Association, Inc.