Substation Control Technician

Central Virginia Electric Cooperative; Arrington (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k

Paid time off

Job summary

Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) seeks a qualified Substation Control Technician to join the Engineering Services Department. The role installs, operates, tests, troubleshoots, and maintains electronic equipment used in power delivery, monitoring, and control systems.

Responsibilities include installing and testing circuits, inspecting substations, maintaining records, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring safe, reliable operation.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in electrical or electronics technology.
• Five years of related substation control experience.
• Ability to read electrical drawings, diagrams, schematics, maps, safety rules and procedures.
• Virginia Driver's License.
• Willingness to work overtime and respond to field locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Install, program, test, troubleshoot, calibrate, operate, and maintain electronic substation equipment (protective relays, recloser controls, regulator controls, RTUs, metering, battery chargers).
• Plan, install, and test power, control, and communications circuits using drawings and documentation.
• Inspect substations and related equipment for maintenance needs and failures.
• Create and revise interconnection drawings for new equipment additions/modifications.
• Maintain records of inspections, maintenance, testing, oil testing, infrared testing, disposal, and related work.
• Assist with mobile substation installation, operation, maintenance, and transport coordination.
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors for maintenance and PCB testing.
• Maintain tools, test equipment, vehicles, and shop areas in safe condition.

Skills

Electrical theory

Substation equipment

Troubleshooting electronics

Reading schematics

Virginia Driver's License

Education

Associate's degree in electrical or electronics technology

Tools

SEL equipment

Test equipment

Job description

Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) is seeking a skilled and dependable Substation Control Technician to join the Engineering Services Department. This position is responsible for installing, operating, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining electronic equipment used in power delivery, monitoring, and control systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, program, test, troubleshoot, calibrate, operate, and maintain electronic substation equipment, including protective relays, recloser controls, regulator controls, RTUs, metering equipment, battery chargers, and related devices.
• Plan, install, and test power, control, and communications circuits for substation equipment using drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Inspect substations and related equipment to identify maintenance needs, defects, or failures.
• Create and revise interconnection drawings and diagrams for new equipment additions and modifications.
• Maintain accurate records of inspections, maintenance, testing, oil testing, infrared testing, equipment disposal, and related work performed.
• Assist with mobile substation installation, operation, maintenance, and transportation coordination.
• Coordinate with contractors and vendors for equipment maintenance, repair, disposal, environmental services, and PCB testing.
• Maintain tools, test equipment, materials, assigned vehicle, and shop areas in safe and orderly condition.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in electrical or electronics technology.
• Five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in substation control and apparatus work.
• Experience troubleshooting electronics, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Knowledge of electric distribution and substation equipment installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, diagrams, schematics, maps, safety rules, procedures, and technical materials.
• Proficiency with computers and software used to program and test apparatus equipment.
• Valid Virginia Driver's License.
• Ability to work overtime as needed and respond to field locations and division offices when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with an electric utility or similar business.
• Technical knowledge of protective relays, distribution automation equipment, instrumentation, serial and Ethernet communications systems, and DNP protocol.
• Experience with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) equipment and software.
• Fiber optic termination training.
• Experience working in substations and knowledge of single-phase and three-phase power systems.
• Knowledge of the National Electric Safety Code as it pertains to energized substations.
• Regulator, recloser, transformer repair, high-voltage safety, or operations training.

Work Schedule and Environment:

The standard work week is four 10-hour days, with either Monday or Friday off as determined by the supervisor. Approximately 80% of the work is performed outdoors. The position may require occasional overtime, overnight travel for conferences or training, and work in environments involving electrical hazards, mechanical equipment, substations, and varying weather conditions.

CVEC offers competitive benefits including Health/Dental/Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, Elective and Non-Elective 401k; Generous Annual Paid Time Off.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer: Disability/Veteran

CVEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. CVEC is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. CVEC will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, family, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by state or federal law.

Salary: $40 - $45 per hour