Austin Energy Electric Utility Trainer (Smart Grid)

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 98,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin invites applications for an AE Electric Utility Trainer responsible for developing, delivering, and assessing highly technical training programs for Electric System Field Operations. You will train journeyman level staff across Distribution, Transmission, and Metering, while coordinating with engineers to keep materials current.

You will create curricula, schedule classes, administer the training system, and perform field visits to capture on‑the‑job training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; eight years in a related field, including four at journeyman level.
• Knowledge of AE and City of Austin practices, safety rules, and design standards.
• Ability to teach AE and OSHA safety rules and adult learning principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct classroom and hands-on technical training for AE electrical systems.
• Ensure training complies with City policies, codes, and safety standards.
• Develop written and instructional training materials and curricula.
• Determine training methods, administer tests, and assess competency for advancement.
• Identify training needs through ongoing assessments and update materials accordingly.
• Schedule and deliver training sessions; manage the City's training system; coordinate facilities.
• Perform field visits to verify on-the-job training conformance.

Skills

Electrical systems

Adult learning principles

Training delivery

Blueprint reading

Communication

Field assessments

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

LMS course system

Electrical test equipment

Job description

About This Position

The AE Electric Utility Trainer is responsible for all facets of training concerning Electric System Field Operations, with a focus on distribution smart grid systems. This position will also be responsible for Continuing Education for all journeyman level staff within ESFO. This position trains different groups of employees within the utility including, Distribution, Transmission, Network, Distribution Metering Operations, Substation and Relay Apprentices and Journeyman level staff in each of the fields. This position is responsible for training both internal and external customers in a variety of topics including Electric Utility Overview. This position reports to the Craft & Field Staff Development Program Manager.

Purpose

Under minimal direction, this position is responsible for developing, delivering, and assessing highly technical training programs for skilled craft positions directly related to electrical systems.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Conducts classroom and hands‑on technical training and instruction on Austin Energy (AE) electrical systems and equipment for employees in skilled craft positions.
• Ensures skilled craft employees are trained in compliance with City policies, procedures, codes, specifications, and ordinances and AE Safety Rules and Regulations, Construction Standards, General Work Procedures, and Design Criteria.
• Creates and develops written and instructional training materials, teaching outlines, visual aids, reference materials, and course curricula for technical training.
• Determines instructional methods for delivery of technical training; develops, administers, and evaluates testing; determines the employees skilled craft level of competency; and recommends employees for advancement or dismissal.
• Develops and performs ongoing needs assessments to identify and analyze technical training requirements.
• Confers with AE engineers to update training materials as practices and standards change.
• Schedules, coordinates, and delivers training modules and programs and serves as an administrator for the City’s training system, recording training.
• Coordinates training schedules and prepares facility for delivery of assigned training.
• Performs crew site visits to capture on‑job training and classroom instruction conformity.

Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of AE and City of Austin practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of utility electrical systems.
• Knowledge of AE complex metering, network, transmission and distribution design and construction standards.
• Knowledge of AE and OSHA safety rules, regulations, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Local environmental requirements for construction and maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of related codes and standards.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of training techniques and adult learning principles.
• Knowledge of the electrical theory and principles related to electricity, magnetism, circuits, and electrical equipment (i.e. transformers and switches).
• Knowledge of installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment, apparatus, and instruments.
• Knowledge of the City’s purchasing and procurement guidelines for purchasing tools, equipment, supplies, course materials, contracts, etc.
• Skill in maintaining effective oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in operating computers and related software applications.
• Skill in teaching AE and OSHA safety rules, regulations, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in reading, preparing, interpreting, and modifying blueprints, diagrams, sketches, maps, and drawings.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to perform field assessments to ensure conformity.
• Ability to lead, facilitate, and deliver technical and complex training.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work in field conditions, temperature extremes, and in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to assist in collision, property, or incident investigations.
• Ability to properly inspect and safely use various hand and powered tools, equipment, materials, and cables and conductors.
• Ability to demonstrate and use electrical related test equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with City employees, customers, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus eight (8) years of experience in a field related to the job, including four (4) years of experience which were at the Journeyman level or equivalent.

Licenses and Certifications Required

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Installing and maintaining electric Transmission; Distribution and Generation Metering Systems.
• Experience delivering formal training using adult learning principles in instructor‑led classroom training.
• Experience designing and delivering hands‑on electrical and technical training for both apprentices and journey‑level staff.
• Experience leading a project/program, getting all materials/resources required, scheduling and delivery of final product.
• Experience in a lead role in one of the following work groups: Distribution, Network, Transmission, Substation, Relay and/or Metering at an electric utility.
• Skill and experience in presenting electrical/technical information to general audiences.

Pay, Schedule, and Location

• Pay Range: Entry: $47.13 - Mid: $60.33.
• Schedule: Monday - Friday (6:00AM -2:30PM).
• Location: 14910 Cameron Road, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

Driving Requirement

• Valid Texas Class "C" Drivers License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date.
• External New Hires must meet the https://austin.widen.net/s/xt6dclw2hx/coa-driver-safety-standards.
• To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty‑six (36) months.

Essential Employee

This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery.

Fair Labor Standards Act

This position is considered FLSA non‑exempt. Non‑exempt employees will be compensated for any additional hours worked when such compensation is required by law.

EEO Statement

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Join the City of Austin Team

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward‑thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest‑growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work‑life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike‑friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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