Job Description

Substation Technician 3 – Johnson City, TX

The Substation Technician 3 is a highly skilled technical professional responsible for 24/7 system operations, maintenance, testing, and commissioning of transmission and distribution substation equipment. This role supports grid reliability through advanced troubleshooting, protective relay programming, high-voltage switching, and compliance-driven maintenance activities. The technician plays a critical role in capital improvement projects, emergency restoration efforts, and ensuring the safe, reliable operation of substations and associated communication systems.

Job Function

• Perform time-based maintenance and inspections in accordance with maintenance standards, manufacturer recommendations, and NERC compliance requirements.
• Conduct monthly inspections and maintain accurate maintenance records.
• Execute and write formal switching orders for transmission and distribution systems.
• Install mobile substations for construction projects and emergency restoration.
• Perform advanced electrical testing, including TTR, contact resistance, oil dielectric, Doble power factor, winding resistance, SFRA, hi-pot, and relay testing.
• Test and inspect battery banks and chargers, including impedance, voltage, and specific gravity.
• Locate and repair DC grounds within control systems.
• Inspect, test, and repair 69kV and 138kV breakers and SF6 equipment.
• Extract and analyze oil samples for dissolved gas analysis (DGA).
• Inspect and repair transformer load tap changers (LTCs).
• Conduct infrared thermography and partial discharge surveys.
• Support capital improvement projects and commissioning efforts.
• Program and test SEL protective relays and PLC-based protection circuits.
• Perform end-to-end testing of transmission carrier and fiber systems.
• Participate in emergency call-out duty and outage response.
• Maintain compliance documentation for NERC, FERC, and TRE standards.

Education and Experience

• Associate’s Degree in Electrical Power and Controls, Electronics Technology, or related field.
• Directly related experience may substitute for formal education.
• Minimum of two years of Substation Technician II or equivalent experience.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of substation protection schemes and SCADA systems.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams and electrical schematics.
• Working knowledge of electrical theory related to transformers and relays.
• Skilled in the use of Doble, Megger, hi-pot, CT test sets, and SFRA tools.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work safely around energized high- and low-voltage equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation ranging from $45.81 to $57.26.
• Overtime eligibility based on operational needs.

Appealing Facts About Living in Johnson City, TX

• Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country with access to outdoor recreation and wineries.
• Close proximity to Austin and San Antonio while maintaining a small-town lifestyle.
• Strong sense of community with excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods.
• Access to parks, rivers, hiking trails, and year-round outdoor activities.

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Global Talent Resources, Inc. (GTR) is a power industry recruiting firm specializing in substation, transmission, and distribution careers. With 15+ years of experience, we connect engineering and leadership professionals to top roles with leading utilities, cooperatives, EPCs, and consulting firms nationwide.

Many opportunities aren’t listed publicly. Contact the GTR team for insider access, expert guidance, and the next step in your electric utility career.