Substation Technician – EM (1st Shift)

City of Naperville, Illinois; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Naperville’s Electric Utility seeks a Substation Technician to install and maintain electric substation equipment and components. You will test and repair high voltage lines, switchgear, transformers, and related gear, and work in confined spaces near energized equipment.

This is a local, steady, long-term opportunity represented by IBEW Local 9. Starting wage is $65.41 per hour with future wage updates under the collective bargaining agreement; the city offers comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Post-twelfth grade technical training and skills in electrical maintenance, electronics, mechanical devices, and related fields.
• Journeyman line worker certificate or 1–3 years of substation construction or maintenance experience.
• Valid State of Illinois Driver's License; must obtain a Class A CDL within three months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, and operate substation equipment including transformers, switchgear, and panel wiring.
• Test and inspect high voltage lines and equipment and perform related maintenance tasks.
• Work in confined spaces and near energized equipment such as manholes and basements.
• Assist in substation construction and maintenance and perform routine grounds maintenance as assigned.
• Operate, program, and download data from monitoring and electronic control equipment.
• Perform substation switching operations and troubleshooting like oil and relay tests.

Skills

High school diploma or equivalent

Education

Post-twelfth grade technical training in electrical maintenance/electronics

Journeyman line worker certificate or 1-3 years substation experience

Valid State of Illinois Driver's License; CDL-A within 3 months

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.

Why work for Naperville?

• Work close to home: All work is performed within Naperville, so you’ll spend less time traveling between jobsites.
• Great benefits: Receive a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension plan.
• Career stability: Build a long-term career with a stable municipal electric utility.
• Experienced team: Work alongside skilled utility professionals committed to providing safe, reliable electric service.

If you’re an experienced Substation Technician looking for steady, local work and a long-term career, consider joining the City of Naperville’s Electric Utility.

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

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Post-twelfth grade technical training and skills in electrical maintenance, electronics, mechanical devices, and specifically-related fields.
• Journeyman line workers certificate or one to three years of substation construction or maintenance experience.
• Valid State of Illinois Driver's License. Must obtain a valid State of Illinois Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within three months of hire.

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].