System Operations Technician - Apprentice at Holland Board of Public Works in Holland, Michigan

Job Description:

Reports to: Operations and Metering Supervisor
Job Summary: This apprenticeship position will learn and apply technical skills in the operation, maintenance and construction of the electric sub-transmission, substations and distribution system. As an apprentice, will begin by assisting with essential duties and transition to performing them independently as apprenticeship progresses.

Essential Duties
Assist in the operation and monitoring of the 138kV sub-transmission and 15kV distribution systems. Initiate or take requests for switching from various sources; determine feasibility, schedule and write procedures for. Evaluate systems for loading, power factor correction and voltage support and make changes as needed. Generate load and other system related reports. Assist in maintaining, troubleshooting, and testing low voltage station power systems, control panels, control circuitry, protective relays, metering, general substation, and other equipment as directed. Assist in maintaining, troubleshooting, and testing all 138kV transmission and substation power transformers, load tap changers, SF6/Oil circuit breakers, circuit switchers, voltage transformers, air break switches, surge arrestors and related bus equipment. Assist in maintaining, troubleshooting, and testing all 15kV substation class vacuum circuit breakers, reclosers, isolation switches, bus PTs, capacitor banks and controls, low voltage AC/DC station power systems, control panels, and other related equipment. Independently, or with IT and Engineering develop and maintain SCADA/OMS applications. Integrate SCADA with smart grid technology, and provide export data for engineering use or web applications. Oversee operational sequencing during construction periods. Run functional checkout of new or modified equipment and perform functional tests. Oversee Electric T & D tagout system. Formulate, coordinate and implement all Lockout/Tagout switching orders. Maintain compliance and proficiency with all applicable NERC standards and requirements. Service traffic signal lights and their controls for city, county and state. Perform all other tasks as assigned.
Essential Qualifications
Associates degree in electronics or related field, or equivalent education and experience. At least two years experience in solid state electronics. Demonstrate ability to understand and apply electrical theory as related to power transmission, distribution and utilization. Ability to work independently and provide effective leadership. Ability to coordinate and oversee the work of others. Ability to understand substation prints, manuals, schematics and other technical documents. Valid Michigan Drivers License. Residency within 20 miles of the municipal boundaries, or ability to comply with residency requirement within 1 year of hire. Must be available for afterhours work as well as working in the on-call rotation. Effective workplace skills as demonstrated through WorkKeys assessments (Workplace Documents 5, Graphic Literacy 5, Workplace Observation - 4).
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Outside work with frequent exposure to extreme hot or cold weather conditions. Working in close proximity to environmental hazards associated with electrical, mechanical, acidic, gas, oil and/or power equipment.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties assigned to or required of this position.