Substation Apparatus Technician Electrician
Elk River, MN
Applications due:  January 29, 2023

More than power, we're about people. At Great River Energy (GRE), people are our first priority--both customers and employees. Here, you will find a team-centered environment that's rewarding, challenging, and exciting. As a cooperative-owned generation and transmission company, we are Minnesota's second largest utility based on generating capacity.

Great River Energy is  seeking a substation apparatus technician electrician to provide for the operation, installation, testing, checkout and maintenance of substation apparatus and associated equipment on the Great River Energy (GRE) system. Responsible for working safely while following GRE safety rules, procedures, and guidelines. Keeps supervisor, foreperson and/or lead informed of overall conditions and status of work activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs and/or assists in the maintenance of substation apparatus such as circuit breakers, transformers, voltage regulators, reclosers, mobile substations, load tap changers, station batteries and chargers, capacitor banks, circuit switchers, motor operators, and associated equipment. 
• Performs and/or assists in the installation, testing, checkout of new substation apparatus equipment such as circuit breakers, transformers, load tap changers, station batteries and chargers, capacitor banks, circuit switchers, motor operators, and associated equipment. 
• Performs routine inspection of substations, switching stations, and capacitor bank equipment. 
• Develops and updates maintenance procedures along with maintaining equipment records in area of responsibility. 
• Performs all other related duties and special projects as assigned by the supervisor or foreperson. 

Education & Experience: Minimum education requirements include a two-year technical degree or diploma in electrical or computer or electronics related courses; or completion of a four-year IBEW Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) program. Prefer a minimum of four years substation apparatus experience.

• Candidate must be able to live within a 30 mile living radius or 45 mile driving distance to the service center in Elk River.  Relocation allowance provided.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of AC and DC circuits including Ohm’s law.
• Knowledge of power, current and voltage transformers.
• Knowledge of high voltage electrical equipment.
• Knowledge of safety rules, procedures, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of AC power measurement, familiarity with inductance, capacitance, and power factor.
• Knowledge of pneumatics and hydraulics.
• Skilled at effective communication that includes good interpersonal skills as well as written and verbal communication.
• Skill and ability to use personal computers and related software including test equipment software, asset management software, Windows-based programs, and email.
• Skill and ability to maintain various types of mechanical equipment.
• Ability to perform “switching personnel” duties when required.
• Ability to coordinate work or tasks and delegate if needed to appropriate personnel.
• Ability to be self-motivated and be able to work alone without direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license to perform the essential job functions.
• Ability to maintain a current medical card to perform the essential job functions.
• Ability and responsibility to work safely alone and with others while following GRE safety rules, certifications and procedures.
• Ability and responsibility to ensure security procedures are followed including immediate notification of potential incidents.

Great River Energy Employee Skills/Competencies:

Promotes GRE culture, collaborates, communicates with courage, learns with agility, understands the business, drives results, inspires potential and thinks strategically.

Working Conditions

(Include the travel requirements; physical requirements, office/field requirements; ADA compliance requirements)

Working conditions will be indoors and outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather conditions of extreme cold or heat. Schedules shall be any combination of eight, ten or twelve hour shifts and may require the incumbent to live within a 30 mile living or 45 mile driving distance from reporting location. There will be occasional overnight travel, overtime and/or working weekends. This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, lift up to 75 lbs., climb, balance, work at heights and work with arms above your head occasionally and/or frequently. Ability to frequently and/or occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, twist and squat, work on even and uneven surfaces and ability to work occasionally in confined space areas. Ability to frequently push, pull, carry, grasp and finger objects. Subject to frequent vibration and hazards and on occasion exposed to fumes, dust or mist. Must be able to differentiate colors, speak and hear.

Qualified candidates will find we have a lot to offer: comprehensive benefits package, wellness programs, continuing education, generous retirement plan, a team-based, collaborative culture and more! Qualified candidates, please apply atwww.greatriverenergy.com under the Careers page. Great River Energy values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.

About Great River Energy

Powering what’s possible Great River Energy is a not-for-profit electricity provider owned by our 28 distribution cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin for which we generate and transmit electricity. We provide wholesale electric service to our member owners who distribute electricity to approximately 660,000 member consumers - or about 1.7 million people. A diverse mix of generation resources - Our power plants generate more than 2,800 megawatts of electricity and several solar arrays capable of producing 650 kilowatts. In addition, we purchase wind and hydroelectric energy.Your electricity is delivered through power lines to you. Every time you plug in your toaster, television or other electrical device, a system of power lines goes to work to bring you the power you need. Our job at Great River Energy is to keep the lights on by providing a safe & reliable supply of electricity.

Connections working at Great River Energy