Substation Technician – EM

Transmission & Distribution World; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Naperville in Illinois seeks a Substation Technician to install and maintain electric substation equipment and components, including high voltage lines and switchgear. The role tests and repairs substation systems and involves work near energized equipment and in confined spaces.

The position operates within the City’s Electric Utility, with wage details governed by the collective bargaining agreement. A CDL is required and the candidate may undergo testing to assess qualifications.

Qualifications

• One to three years of substation construction or maintenance experience.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Post-twelfth grade technical training in electrical maintenance, electronics, mechanical devices, and related fields.
• A test will be given to determine qualifications and skills for the substation group.
• A valid State of Illinois CDL is required.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, and operate substation equipment and switchgear.
• Locate, isolate, and repair substation components and lines.
• Install transformers, meters, conduits, and related substation parts.
• Program and operate electronic equipment and controls; read data from computers.
• Conduct testing and monitoring of equipment readings and oil tests.
• Assist in substation construction, grounds maintenance, and switching operations.
• Work in energized manholes or confined spaces as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Substation maintenance

Electrical maintenance

CDL

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.

Duties

• 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.

Qualifications

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).

Additional Information

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].