Posted: 16-Jan-26
Location: Gainesville, Virginia
Type: Full Time
Preferred Education:
Energize your future by joining our team at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)! NOVEC's mission is to create value for its members, employees and communities by providing safe, reliable electricity and quality products at competitive prices.
NOVEC is a locally owned electric distribution system headquartered in Manassas, VA. NOVEC provides reliable electric service to more than 180,000 homes and businesses in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties, the City of Manassas Park, and the Town of Clifton. NOVEC's service reliability is the best in the region with a 99.99% average system reliability.
As a leader on the high-tech frontier, NOVEC is using proven, cost-effective technology to improve productivity and reliability, reduce expenses, and increase cybersecurity – a national priority. Today’s technology includes what the industry calls "smart grid", as well as fiber optics, and mobile workforce.
NOVEC is unable to provide work authorization or sponsorship for this position.
OVERVIEW:
The Substation Electrician is responsible for operating, testing, maintaining and constructing the Cooperative's T&D Substation and Telecommunications facilities.
There are open positions in Manassas, VA and Aldie, VA.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Other related duties may be assigned. An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and effectively. Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Perform electrical switching and energized high voltage work in the transmission and distribution substations on voltages up to 230kV.
- Construct or assist in construction of substations including steel erection, switch installation, minor foundation work, bus work installation, wiring and equipment installation.
- Perform maintenance on SF6 high voltage breakers, and circuit switchers.
- Install, test and maintain all vacuum reclosers.
- Install, test and maintain all voltage regulators, LTC's and controls; un-tank and troubleshoot defective internal components; calibration and programming of voltage regulators with DNP over Ethernet IED controls.
- Perform oil circuit recloser and sectionalizer maintenance and testing.
- Install, maintain and inspect all battery banks and chargers and IED battery monitoring systems including programming and monitoring through Ethernet connections.
- Installation and repair of legacy SCADA equipment, as well as new DNP network terminal units in facilities.
- Program, install and test IED's, network switches and all other equipment required for DNP communications.
- Install and test fiber optic cables and equipment.
- Perform monthly inspections of substations and telecommunications facilities.
- Perform high current ground test for new ground grids; retest same as scheduled; and test personal protective grounds for line crews and substation electrician crews.
- Paint equipment as needed in designed facility following prescribed procedures to ensure safe operation and protection of the environment.
- Test, maintain and install automation telecommunications equipment.
- Operate the oil processing equipment to filter contaminants and drain and fill electrical equipment.
- Install, maintain and perform periodic inspection of Power Transformers to ensure reliability and maximum life. Performs TTR, CT Ratio and Meggar tests on new installations and prescribed maintenance intervals.
- Perform repair work and testing on distribution equipment such as transformers, and padmount switch gear.
- Perform protective relay testing following established procedures utilizing relay test equipment.
- Write Load Transfer Requests and emergency Switching Orders as directed by department management.
- Generate requests for price solicitation and requests for purchases for maintaining adequate stock levels of spare parts, maintenance material and construction projects material/equipment.
- Assist line personnel with the installation of pole mounted voltage regulators and performs switching activities to energize or bypass and to properly test the functionality and control calibration.
- Assist with project management responsibilities, as assigned, to maintain work flow and schedules.
- Review existing procedures and provide input and recommended changes to improve the efficiency of the department.
- Perform all position responsibilities in accordance with NOVEC policies and procedures and VOSHA safety rules.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High School diploma or recognized equivalent is required. Formal education and/or training in electrical theory or electronics and network and telecommunications is desired. All levels of experience are welcome to apply! Selected candidate will enter apprentice program based on education and experience below:
Substation 1st Class/Journeyman: Successful completion of a certified Substation Electrician Training Program is required. Two years of experience as a Substation Electrician 2nd Class or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and experience is required.
Substation Electrician 2nd Class: Two years of experience as a Substation Electrician 3rd Class or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and experience is required.
Substation Electrician 3rd Class: One year of experience as an apprentice electric utility lineperson, apprentice electrician, electronics technician or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and experience is required. Completion of formal education described above and demonstrated knowledge in these areas may be substituted for work experience.
Must be able and available to work weekends, holidays, evenings, nights and other times outside of normal duty hours to assist in service restoration and/or other emergencies that may arise.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Class B Combination driver's license.
Must have an acceptable driving record and be able to operate company pool vehicles as necessary.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- The ability to operate proficiently the following test equipment: High Current Tester, High Current Ground Tester, M.E. Control Test Set, relay test set, micro-ohm Meter, TTR, Meggar, Volt Meter, Ammeter, Oil Dielectric Tester, Hot Stick Tester, Battery Impedance Tester, Combustible Gas Detector, and other new equipment as acquired.
- Demonstrated ability to apply analytical methodology to problem solving and relate theoretical and/or technical concepts to practical application including but not limited to writing test procedures and recording technical data.
- Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and relate technical drawings, specifications, system books, and maps to distribution and transmission systems.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively and professionally communicate with all levels of staff and the general public both orally and in writing while maintaining professionalism and control under all circumstances.
- Demonstrated ability to perform job responsibilities in a safe, timely and accurate manner within established guidelines under minimal supervision while providing superior customer service
- Demonstrated proficiency with general computer operation, Microsoft Office applications network analyzers, RF service monitors and related software systems including but not limited to Microsoft Office, network operating systems and protocols.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of assigned construction equipment, tool and meter use.
- Demonstrate the ability to operate two-way radio following established procedures.
- Demonstrate potential to perform as a qualified forklift operator.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Competitive salary and Incentive plan
- Premier health benefits, including an onsite wellness center.
- Survivor and Disability benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% base salary match and an additional match of your contribution at a rate of 50% up to the first 12%
- Life insurance
- Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave
- Educational Assistance
- Annual Company Events
If you're ready to take the next step towards advancing your career, apply today! NOVEC is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. We do not provide sponsorship for this position.