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Substation Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Substation Technician

Tracy, CA · On-site

The Permanent High Voltage Substation Technician provides continuous, localized oversight ... Associate degree in Electrical Technology, completed electrical apprenticeship, or equivalent ...

City of Palo Alto

Substation Electrician

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$153K - $188K/yr

The Position The Substation Electrician is a skilled, journey-level position that performs a ... Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade; and, Completion of an accredited apprentice ...

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Substation Apprentice information

What is a substation apprentice?

Substation apprentices are entry-level workers who learn to install, maintain, and repair electrical substations under the supervision of experienced technicians or journeymen. They participate in a structured apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction to develop the technical skills and safety knowledge required for the role. Substation apprentices work with high-voltage equipment, perform routine inspections, assist with upgrades, and follow strict safety protocols. Over time, they gain the experience needed to become fully qualified substation technicians or electricians.

What does a substation apprentice do?

As a substation apprentice, you work at an electrical substation while training under the direct supervision of a journey-level substation technician. Your duties typically involve the installation and maintenance of electrical wiring and substation equipment. During an apprentice program, you also learn other aspects of substation construction, such as installing fencing and testing circuit breakers, switches, and metering equipment. Depending on the details of the apprenticeship, your responsibilities include attending classes during or after regular working hours or responding to emergency calls or outage reports with your training technician.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substation apprentice?

To thrive as a Substation Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of electrical theory, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by vocational training. Familiarity with electrical testing equipment, hand and power tools, and adherence to OSHA safety standards are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and a willingness to learn make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability when working with high-voltage electrical systems.

What are some common challenges faced by substation apprentices during their training period?

Substation Apprentices often encounter challenges such as adapting to rigorous safety protocols, understanding complex electrical systems, and working in various weather conditions. The role demands strong attention to detail and the ability to learn quickly from experienced technicians and supervisors. Additionally, apprentices must balance hands-on fieldwork with classroom instruction, which can be demanding but provides a solid foundation for career growth in the electrical utility industry.

What is the difference between Substation Apprentice vs Substation Technician?

AspectSubstation ApprenticeSubstation Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications, experience in electrical systems
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction sites, utility facilitiesOperational substations, maintenance sites, repair environments
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, electrical contractorsUtility companies, electrical service providers

Substation Apprentices are in training to learn electrical systems and substation operations, often working under supervision. Substation Technicians are experienced workers responsible for maintaining, repairing, and operating substations. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the technician role, which requires more hands-on experience and certifications.

More about Substation Apprentice jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Substation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Substation Apprentice jobs in California?

For Substation Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substation Apprentice jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Substation Apprentice jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:

Substation Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Substation Technician

GETSG Logo

Tracy, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Conduct routine inspections, thermal imaging scans, and physical walk-downs of substation assets.

  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on high-voltage equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and instrument transformers.

  • Coordinate switching, voltage schedules, and plant curtailments with the local utility and balancing authority.

Job description

Description:

The Permanent High Voltage Substation Technician provides continuous, localized oversight, maintenance, and emergency response for dedicated utility-scale substation asset. Operating under a long-term Balance of Plant (BOP) contract, this individual serves as the primary on-site technical expert. The role guarantees daily facility integrity, rapid fault remediation, and seamless grid reliability for localized renewable generation or transmission infrastructure.

Requirements:

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Daily Site Stewardship: Conduct routine physical walk-downs, thermal imaging scans, and visual inspections of localized substation assets.
  • Perform inspections on met towers, maintain culverts and simple road repairs.
  • Equipment Maintenance & Testing: Execute preventive and corrective maintenance on transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and instrument transformers.
  • Diagnostic Execution: Lead routine electrical testing, including insulation resistance (Megger), transformer turns ratio (TTR), and contact resistance.
  • Local Grid Coordination: Coordinate switching orders, voltage schedules, and plant curtailments directly with the local interconnecting utility and balancing authority.
  • BOP Compliance Management: Manage on-site NERC PRC-005 compliance records, battery bank testing logs, and environmental SPCC containment checks.
  • Rapid Emergency Response: Serve as the first line of defense for localized forced outages, diagnostic alarms, or weather-induced grid events.
  • Contractor Monitoring: Supervise specialized third-party testing crews or OEM technicians during major turnarounds or transformer oil processing.
  • Support the owner with various contractors on site performing post construction inspections.

Safety & Environmental Leadership:

  1. Zero-Incident Culture: Maintain strict compliance with OSHA regulations, site-specific safety rules, and NFPA 70E electrical safety standards.
  2. Daily Hazard Analysis: Lead the Job Safety Environmental Analysis (JSEA) process for all on-site personnel and local contractors daily.
  3. LOTO Control: Serve as the primary Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) isolation coordinator, ensuring a safe work zone through strict switching execution.
  4.  Facility Environmental Compliance: Monitor localized oil-containment systems, track SF6 gas inventory, and maintain site spill-prevention materials, vegetation inspections and hand removal in areas of immediate concern.

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Experience: 3–5 years of dedicated experience in high-voltage substation maintenance, utility operations, or localized renewable BOP environments.
  • Technical Education: Associate degree in Electrical Technology, completed electrical apprenticeship, or equivalent military technical training[RG2.1][MV2.2].
  • Certifications: OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E, and CPR/First Aid certifications are highly preferred.
  • Schematic Proficiency: Exceptional skill in reading complex electrical schematics, logic diagrams, three-line prints, and wiring diagrams.
  • Autonomy: High degree of technical independence and self-motivation to manage site needs without constant direct supervision.

Working Conditions & Local Physical Demands:

  • Zero Travel Lifestyle: Position is strictly local to the designated regional facility asset hub, requiring no overnight travel.
  • Outdoor Resilience: Ability to work outdoors year-round in regional weather extremes and navigate gravel-heavy substation yards.
  • On-Call Availability: Participation in a regular, localized on-call rotation for evening, weekend, and holiday emergency response.[RG3.1][MV3.2] Must be on call 24-7 unless time off is scheduled with management.
  • Proximity Requirement: Must reside within a designated radius (e.g., 45–60 minutes) of the primary substation facility for response windows.

Core Values:

Green Energy Technical Services Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to engaging a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status.

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