Job Description

Substation Electrician Apprenticeship

This position is part of a Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeship program within the Substation Electrician trade. Our Substation Electricians are responsible for the construction, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of high voltage substation equipment, ensuring the safe and reliable distribution of electricity to our community. The pay for this position will begin at $36.31/hour and will progress throughout the duration of the apprenticeship based on the schedule below.

• Year 1 - $36.31/hr.
• Year 2 - $46.21/hr.
• Year 3 - $56.11/hr.
• Year 4 - $59.41/hr.
• Year 5 - $62.71/hr.
• Journey Level Turnout - $66.01/hr.

As you progress through this apprenticeship, you will...

• Gain working knowledge of substation equipment, apparatus, and wiring as well as install, maintain, test, adjust, troubleshoot and repair substation equipment which includes, but is not limited to transformers, load tap changers, circuit breakers, circuit switchers, motor-operated and manual switches, bus work, wiring, battery banks and chargers, and substation structures.
• Learn to operate substation equipment, including switching and grounding and perform testing on substation apparatus such as power factor, transformer turns ratio, megger, ductor, battery load testing, oil sampling, and other analytical tests as assigned; many test instruments used are computer-based and results are stored using a variety of programs.
• Work on a crew, be mentored, trained, and expected to learn and perform the skills required for this job, during each step of the five-year apprenticeship program training (OJT).

Who You Are

• Basic knowledge of electrical theory and practice, industrial electronics, substation electrical systems, and/or mechanical devices is valued
• Electrical craft/skilled trades experience and/or relevant education and training (e.g., degrees, certifications, apprenticeships, programs) is valued
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required
• Obtainment of a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Air Brake and Tanker endorsements is required within the first year of employment (company sponsored)
  • Obtainment of a CDL permit within the first six months of employment is required
• Possession of a high school diploma or GED is required due to this apprenticeship being part of a formal Department of Labor (DOL) certified training program
• Ability and commitment to being mentored and trained, and a drive to develop, throughout the apprenticeship program

Additional Expectations

• As an Apprentice, you will be part of a formal Department of Labor (DOL) certified training program. Therefore, you will be ineligible to apply to other positions at Colorado Springs Utilities while you are an apprentice.
• You will be required to track on-the-job training (OJT) hours and task evaluations sign-offs (TPEs).
• You will be expected to follow any regulatory compliance program we are mandated to follow by the Federal Government.
• You will be responsible for tools, test equipment, and vehicles.
• You must be available to work overtime when needed and are subject to after-hours callouts.
• You will be expected to follow all safety rules and company standards, making safety a priority in your daily work.
• You will be required to work in confined spaces, elevated work areas, and with bucket trucks, man lifts, and boom trucks.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Exerts 50-100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 25-50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 10-20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work. Positions in this class typically require exposure in all weather conditions.

Our Commitment to Our Employees

Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness