About This Position
Under general supervision, this position participates in the Austin Energy (AE) Apprenticeship Program and performs apprentice-level tasks to assist in installation, maintenance, and repair of substation electrical equipment, structures, and conductors.
Job Description:
Purpose:
Under minimal supervision, this position performs Journeyman-level tasks to install, maintain, and repair substation electrical equipment, structures, and conductors.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Installs, maintains, and repairs substation electrical equipment including circuit breakers, power transformers, transformers, Oil Circuit Breakers (OCBs), Gas Circuit Breakers (GCBs), switches, motors, battery chargers, battery banks, protective devices, electronic monitoring equipment, etc.
- Responds to trouble calls and installs, maintains, and repairs AE’s electrical substations.
- Responds to on-call, emergency call-back, and after-hour outages due to weather-related events or system disturbances.
- Inspects and monitors AE’s electrical substations and records data on appropriate forms and/or maintenance logs.
- Sets up and operates electric utility aerial equipment (i.e. cranes, boom trucks, bucket trucks, manlift, etc.) and other equipment (i.e. wire puller, cable trailer, skid-steer loader, and forklift).
- Performs testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of substation electrical systems using electronic test equipment (i.e. Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR) Tester, Breaker Tester, Multi-Range Voltage Detector (MRVD), phasing sticks, rotation meters, Digital Multi-Meters (DMM), and clamp-on amp meters).
- Operates high-voltage transmission, substation, and distribution switching devices and equipment, using proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Insulating Protective Devices (IPD), to de-energize and isolate circuits.
- Orders, stores, receives, issues, and distributes equipment, parts, tools, and supplies essential to the construction, maintenance, and repair of AE’s electrical substations.
- Reviews construction, maintenance, and repair work on AE’s electrical substations, for accuracy, craftsmanship, and thoroughness.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
- May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of AE safety rules, regulations, work practices, standards, and procedures associated with electrical substations and high voltages.
- Knowledge of hazards involved with working on and around energized electrical systems (lines and equipment/high and low voltage).
- Knowledge of the electrical theory and principles related to electricity, magnetism, and electrical equipment.
- Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in operating computers and related software applications.
- Skill in properly using, inspecting, maintaining, and safely storing PPE and IPD.
- Skill in using tools and equipment to troubleshoot and then repair or replace electrical/electronic devices/components.
- Skill in setting up and operating electric utility aerial equipment.
- Skill in using the necessary air monitoring equipment prior to entering enclosed or confined spaces.
- Skill in operating switching devices and equipment used to de-energize and isolate circuits and devices on AE's electrical transmission, substation, and distribution system.
- Skill in preparing oral, written, and electronic instructions.
- Skill in drawing or sketching diagrams, profile plans, and control circuit schematics to communicate work assignments and needs.
- Skill in modifying work instructions, profile plans, blueprints, sketches, diagrams, and drawings as needed for field corrections and as-builts for engineering.
- Skill in leading, planning, and organizing work assignments and monitoring preventive maintenance programs.
- Skill in performing various connections, configurations, procedures, and phasing of circuits to transformers, breakers, and disconnects.
- Ability to climb ladders, work on and around elevated work positions/platforms, work in enclosed/confined spaces, and work as an enclosed space attendant.
- Ability to apply knowledge and skills obtained from classroom and on-the-job training to daily work activities.
- Ability to read and understand oral, written, and electronic instructions, technical manuals, blueprints, sketches, diagrams, and drawings.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with City employees, customers, and the public.
- Ability to organize, inspect, and safely use various hand and powered tools, equipment, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical substations and related equipment.
- Ability to perform strenuous work in all types of weather conditions.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions, changes in priorities, and rotating shifts.
- Ability to maintain physical strength, endurance, and agility standards specific to the job function.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years of experience in a related electric utility field.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
- Valid Texas Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) or ability to acquire license and/or endorsements within 120 days of employment.
- Produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to perform continuous outdoor activity, frequent sitting, standing, walking, squatting, bending, twisting upper body, climbing, exposure to extreme heat, cold, inclement weather, noise, kneeling, crawling, carrying/lifting materials, and indoor activity.
- Ability to wear required PPE.
- Ability to pass and maintain functional capacity requirements specific to the position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with installing Substation Disconnects and Breakers.
- Experience operating Boom Trucks and Cranes up to 30 tons.
- Experience operating Personal Lift Bucket Trucks up to 65 ft.
- Skill and experience reading and interpreting substation prints and one-line diagrams.
Note:
Top Candidates will need to complete both a written and field level test at the experience level they are hired in at, before their 6-month probation period ends. Failure to pass the test will result in termination.
Notes to Candidate:
This position will be a part of the Substation Construction work group and will report to the Substation Electrician Supervisor. This position will be working in high voltage substations ranging from 69kV - 345kV. This position will safely assist in the installation, modification, and repairs of Austin Energy's high voltage substations. This position will be available for scheduled, unscheduled, and call back work. This position will be available for rotational on-call stand by and follow all safety procedures and policies.
Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more.
Employment Application:
- The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
- The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
- Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
- Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
IF YOU ARE SELECTED AS A TOP CANDIDATE:
- Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
- If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
- This position requires a criminal background investigation.
Good Standing Employees:
Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and all of the preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included
in the initial interview. Department/division employees must remain in Good Standing through the Top Candidate Selection phase at which time the Good Standing status will be re-verified.
Driving Requirement:
This position requires a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Applicants must possess and maintain the CDL required for the position in accordance with applicable Texas and federal requirements. Federal eligibility requirements for certain non-domiciled CDLs changed effective March 16, 2026. Applicants holding a non-domiciled CDL should review current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements and Texas Department of Public Safety CDL License requirements.
Assessment:
Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.
Pay Range: Commensurate depending on qualifications and experience.
Location/Hours: 2526 Kramer Lane, Austin, TX 78758
Monday – Thursday 5:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. This position is considered “essential” which may require you to work outside of normal business hours.
Work Schedule:
This position is designated as Essential Personnel with the City of Austin and may be required to work during emergencies, severe weather, or other operational needs, including when not regularly scheduled.
- Work hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, call back, and additional hours outside the regular schedule.
- Shifts may change based on departmental or business needs.
- This position is eligible for on-call and call back pay, as applicable.
- Employees are required to follow all applicable City policies, procedures, and work rules related to on-call and call back assignments.
Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 pm the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must
be fully completed before that time.
We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
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EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
