Substation Technician

Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC; Pineville (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC is seeking a Substation Technician II in Pineville, LA to maintain and calibrate electrical power transmission and distribution equipment. You will operate computer-based test gear, diagnose issues, and implement corrective actions to ensure reliable service.

The role requires experience with high voltage gear, safety protocols, and the ability to work as part of a call-out team for service restoration.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two years vocational or technical training in Electrical Technology or related field preferred.
• 3-5+ years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Champions a culture of transparency, integrity, safety, and operational excellence.
• Programs, calibrates, maintains and repairs electronic controls for LTCs, regulators, reclosers and capacitor banks.
• Applies settings and tests for regulators, hydraulic reclosers and oil switches.
• Performs installation, testing, maintenance and repair of high voltage equipment in transmission, distribution and generation stations.
• Maintains diagnostic test equipment and supports DSCADA systems as needed.

Skills

Planning and project management

Teamwork

Utility industry acumen

Learning mindset

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Two years vocational or technical training in Electrical Technology

3-5+ years of related experience

Tools

Doble Power Factor tester

Vanguard Speed Trace analyzer

PPM tester

Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR)

DGA oxygen analysis equipment

Job description

At Cleco, we're not just powering lives-we're powering a cleaner, smarter future for Louisiana. With bold investments in innovative energy solutions, we're transforming how we power our communities: smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable. This is a long-term commitment to our people and our communities because our future—and the future of generations to come—depends on it. If you're ready to make an impact where it matters most, join us at Cleco-where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow.

The Substation Technician II is an experienced technician with knowledge and experience in the maintenance and calibration of electrical power transmission and distribution equipment. Responsible for the operation of computer-based test equipment to maintain, diagnose and correct problems with electrical power transmission and distribution related equipment. Proactively takes the initiative to identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working condition which are hazardous. Takes prompt corrective measure to eliminate and or mitigate them.

Key Responsibilities

• Champions a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence.
• Programs, calibrates, maintains and repairs electronic controls for Load Tap Changers (LTCs), regulators, reclosers and capacitor banks.
• Applies settings and/or performs functional testing for regulators, hydraulic reclosers and oil switches for Distribution Operations as per their request.
• Applies settings to relays and controls for electronic reclosers.
• Studies, understands and practices all Safety rules, procedures and protocols associated with working safely as a Cleco employee.
• Performs the installation, testing, maintenance and repair of high voltage circuit breakers and power transformers in transmission, distribution and generation stations.
• Operates Doble Power Factor tester, Vanguard Speed Trace analyzer, Parts per million (PPM) tester, Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR), Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA), Megger and other test equipment.
• Operates oil processing van.
• Maintains nitrogen systems, along with cooling equipment to assure proper transformer ratings.
• Operates SF-6 gas cart, maintains SF-6 gas levels in breakers and programs SF-6 gas density monitors.
• Serves as a member of scheduled call-out team to ensure timely restoration of service.
• Diagnoses complex mechanical and electrical problems in order to restore service and increase reliability.
• Demonstrates knowledge and judgment that results in safe, efficient and timely restoration of service.
• Performs annual substation checks in transmission and distribution substations.
• Takes accurate oil samples for quality assessment, breaker oil analysis (BOA) and tap changer activity signature analysis (TASA).
• Operates infrared thermography camera and provides computer generated reports for T&D personnel.
• Maintains SAP Equipment Maintenance database used for keeping accurate and concise historical records of apparatus equipment on the Cleco system.
• Maintains accurate daily drivers log books in conjunction with CDL license requirements.
• Installs, maintains and places mobile transformers in service in transmission and distribution substations, usually under emergency circumstances.
• Performs emergency repairs of substation power equipment for outside customers as needed to promote strategic goals of the corporation.
• Supports Distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (DSCADA) systems by installing, testing, and maintaining downline and substation Automation Equipment.
• Performs switching in T&D stations and downline equipment for scheduled work and service restoration.
• Supervises contractors commissioning apparatus equipment.
• Uses numerus computer software and SAP system to provide, evaluate and maintain concise maintenance and equipment records.
• Assist entry-level staff within assigned project teams, leveraging technical experience to help to onboard them and in support of meeting project milestones.
• Provide communication to their supervisor to provide status updates on work, and identify risks in delivery or resourcing needs.
• Support senior staff to provide their manager with technical updates to Director level management on a regular basis.
• Facilitates periodic training on apparatus equipment for Operations personnel.

Qualifications

• Education, Skills & Experience:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Two years vocational or technical training in Electrical Technology or related field preferred.
  • 3-5+ years of related experience
• Step progression levels based on skill proficiency and scope of job.
• Strong business acumen pertaining to the Utility industry.
• Strong planning and project management skills.
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies on the job.
• Proficient at functioning effectively within a team environment, present ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner.
• Progression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data.
• Pass appropriate EEI Pre Employment Test.
• Licenses and Certifications:
  • CDL license required within 6 months of employment.
  • Certified forklift operator required within 6 months of employment.

Key Competencies

• BEHAVIORAL Building Partnerships Leading Teams Business Acumen Communication Courage Building Self-Insight Driving for Results.
• Building Trusting Relationships Driving Innovation Planning and Organizing Safety Establishing Strategic Direction.
• TECHNICAL Analytical skills Compliance Equipment utilization Transmission operations Transmission operations quality Transmission operations resource management Transmission operations risk management May perform other duties as assigned.

Salary dependent on experience, skills, education, and training.

Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC is a regional energy holding company that conducts its business operations through its primary subsidiary, Cleco Power. Headquartered in Pineville, Louisiana, and in business since 1935, the company has approximately 1,200 employees. Cleco Power Cleco Power is a regulated electric utility that owns 8 generating units with a rated capacity of 2,676 megawatts and operates 946 megawatts on behalf of its generation partners. Assets also includes 1,386 miles of transmission lines and approximately 12,228 miles of distribution lines. Cleco Power uses multiple generating sources and multiple fuels to serve approximately 295,000 customers in 24 of Louisiana's parishes through its retail business and supplies wholesale power in Louisiana. Parishes served includes Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Catahoula, DeSoto, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Jefferson Davis, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Vernon and Washington.