Substation Technician – EM

City of Naperville, Illinois; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 74,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Naperville’s Electric Utility is seeking a Substation Technician to install and maintain high voltage substation equipment, test and repair lines, transformers, switchgear, and related components.

Work includes confined spaces and working on energized equipment; CDL, 1–3 years substation experience, and post-secondary technical training required. The 2025 starting salary is $65.41 per hour with wage adjustments following the contract.

Qualifications

• Substation construction or maintenance experience: 1-3 years.
• High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Post-twelfth grade technical training in electrical maintenance and related fields.
• A valid State of Illinois CDL is required.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, and operate substation equipment including transformers and switchgear.
• Locate and repair faults in substation lines and components.
• Operate and program electronic controls and monitors.
• Read and record monitoring instrumentation.
• Assist in constructing substation structures and maintaining tools.
• Perform substation switching operations and tests as required.
• Work in energized manholes or near energized equipment per safety protocols.
• Adhere to union and collective bargaining requirements.

Skills

Substation maintenance

Electrical maintenance

Electronics

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical training in electrical maintenance

CDL (Illinois required)

Tools

Aerial bucket

Hot stick tools

Substation tools

Job description

The City of Naperville’s Electric Utility is currently seeking a Substation Technician to perform skilled work in installing and maintaining electric substation equipment and components. The Substation Technician tests and repairs substation high voltage lines, equipment, and switchgear and performs other work involving substation construction and maintenance. The Technician will also work in confined spaces and/or on or near energized equipment including but not limited to manholes, handholes, and basements.

This position is represented by the IBEW Local 9 union. Wage rates and other benefits are subject to the language in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The 2025 starting salary for this position is $65.4100 per hour. The 2026 wage will be implemented once a new collective bargaining agreement is ratified.

• Uses an aerial bucket, hot stick tools, and other equipment in the installation, repair, and operation of substation underground and overhead high voltage electric utility lines, transformers, switchgear, and other substation equipment.
• Locates, isolates, and makes repairs in electric lines, cables, and other component parts of the substation.
• Installs and repairs component parts of electric substations, such as power transformers, metering equipment, conduits, circuit breakers, switchgear, panel board wiring, and other parts, as well as other substation components.
• Operates, interrogates, programs, and installs electronic equipment and controls. This includes using computers to program and download information.
• Installs, reads, and records a variety of monitoring equipment and instrumentation.
• Assists in the construction of substation structures including towers, poles, buswork, underground cables, and high tension lines.
• Assists in the care of equipment and tools used in electric utility construction and maintenance work.
• Performs substation switching operations.
• Works on substation testing such as taking readings, oil tests, relay tests, and other troubleshooting.
• Performs routine substation grounds maintenance as assigned.
• Performs work in energized manholes or similar locations and structures.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Required

• One to three years of substation construction or maintenance experience.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Post-twelfth grade technical training and skills in electrical maintenance, electronics, mechanical devices, and specifically-related fields.
• A test will be given to each candidate who applies to help determine their level of qualifications and particular skills related to the needs of the substation group.
• A valid State of Illinois Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

The City of Naperville, Illinois is a dynamic community of 153,000 residents, conveniently located 28 miles west of Chicago.? Various publications have named Naperville as one of the best cities in the United States in which to live. The City has gained national recognition for our family-friendly environment, excellent schools and library system, low crime rate, and vibrant downtown area. It’s also a great place to work! Our municipal government employs over 900 dedicated individuals in a wide range of job categories and provides a collaborative working environment, a forward-looking leadership team, and a competitive benefits package.

THE CITY OF NAPERVILLE IS AN E. O. E.

The City of Naperville complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals needing accommodations in the recruitment process should notify Human Resources in advance at [phone].