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Substation Apprentice Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Line Mechanic

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$52.05/hr

Operates substation equipment to include: open/close breakers and reclosers, operate load tap ... apprenticeship training program preferred. Employees must be able to perform the essential ...

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.

What are popular job titles related to Substation Apprentice jobs in Waterloo, IA?

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

What job categories do people searching Substation Apprentice jobs in Waterloo, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Substation Apprentice jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Substation Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Substation Apprentice job openings:

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Under general supervision, works alone or with a crew to install and maintain electric distribution and transmission systems. Includes all overhead, underground facilities and other utilities, which includes installing, but not connecting gas pipe.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

- Class "A" CDL required - Pipeline/Hwy Alcohol & Drug Testing - CIP certification - Must be an experienced journeyworker, with at least four years related experience, which may include installing overhead and underground utilities, installing poles and steel tower structures, and related hardware. - Current journeyworker card/certificate/license and/or evidence of satisfactorily completing an apprenticeship training program preferred. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Performs the duties of Electric Service Technician, Utility Operator and Meter Utility Person. Performs all work in a safe manner. Complies with all applicable safety rules, regulations and procedures. Performs all work that they are qualified and trained to do in a manner to protect themselves, their fellow employees and the public from injury. Installs, changes, transfers, moves and removes poles, poles line hardware, guys, transformers, lightning arresters, streetlight equipment, electrical cable, gas pipe, cross-arms, energized conductors, insulators, conduit, capacitor bank controls and any and all forms of electrical material and accessories utilized in the construction, maintenance, and operation of electric circuits. Installs, uses and removes protective equipment and devices on energized electric circuits of all voltages. Works with hot line tools on circuits. Performs work on energized circuits of all voltages. Performs steel tower structural work including the erection and removal and repair of steel towers and electrical equipment used in connection therewith. Works with electrical instruments such as voltmeters, ammeters, fault locators, etc. Reads meters. Operates switches and cutouts in transmission and distribution circuits. Patrols transmission and distribution circuits as assigned. Inspects poles and towers, making climbing inspections of conductors and equipment. Drives truck and is responsible for truck, tools, and equipment carried thereon. Must be familiar with and capable of operating all types of equipment associated with the work being performed. Locates underground gas and electric facilities in conjunction with their work. Additionally, performs locates where no Locator/Leak Surveyors exist. Contacts property owners on tree trimming matters. Performs minor tree trimming, cutting brush, removing line detriments to the extent necessary in performance of regular duties. Responsible for completing written reports on fieldwork and proper accounting for materials and time associated with each job. Performs public contacts when necessary. Leads, trains and instructs employees in their work including switching. Installs, removes, changes and turns on or off existing meters of the following classes: Sets voltage recording devices Single and three phase self-contained meters through Class 320 Network meters through Class 320 Changes bill group on demand meters as needed. (Note: This does not include meter types or situations that require programming for installation) Performs duties in Company and customer substations to restore service and perform diagnostics to include: switching, analyzing and communicating relay targets, amp readings, voltage readings, breaker/recloser count or values, voltage regulator information, load tap changer information and similar work to restore service. Operates substation equipment to include: open/close breakers and reclosers, operate load tap changers and voltage regulator controls, install fuses and similar work to restore service as well as other operations consistent with training and ability.


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