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Substation Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Substation Trainee information

See California salary details

$13

$20

$35

How much do substation trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation trainee in California is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substation trainee?

A Substation Trainee is an entry-level worker who assists in the operation, maintenance, and repair of electrical substations. These trainees work under the supervision of experienced technicians and engineers, helping to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity. Their duties often include learning to inspect equipment, perform basic maintenance tasks, and follow safety protocols. Over time, trainees gain the hands-on experience needed to advance to higher-level positions within the power industry.

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

To thrive as a Substation Trainee, you need foundational knowledge in electrical engineering, power systems, and safety procedures, often supported by a relevant technical diploma or degree. Familiarity with tools such as testing equipment, SCADA systems, and interpreting electrical diagrams is typically required, and industry certifications like OSHA or NETA can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork make a candidate stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring safe, reliable operation and maintenance of electrical substations, which are essential for uninterrupted power distribution.

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

Substation Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, understanding complex electrical systems, and acclimating to outdoor or physically demanding work environments. Adjusting to shift work and responding to emergencies can also be demanding for newcomers. However, comprehensive on-the-job training and close mentorship from experienced technicians help trainees build confidence and competence over time.

What is the difference between Substation Trainee vs Substation Technician?

AspectSubstation TraineeSubstation Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic technical trainingTechnical diploma or certification; relevant experience
Work EnvironmentOn-the-job training, supervised settings, learning phaseOperational substation environment, hands-on work
Employer UsageEntry-level role for training purposesSkilled worker responsible for maintenance and repairs

The main difference between a Substation Trainee and a Substation Technician is the experience level and responsibilities. Trainees are in learning and development stages, while Technicians perform skilled tasks independently. Both roles are essential in the power industry, with trainees progressing to technicians after gaining experience and certifications.

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

The most popular types of Substation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Substation Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Substation Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Substation Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,414 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Technical Services Technician Level 2 (Western Region)

San Diego, CA


SOLV Energy
Clean Energy Semiconductors Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

Good employer

Respectful managers


$39K - $49K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

SOLV Energy is a leading provider of infrastructure services to the power industry, designing, building and maintaining utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation projects nationwide.

Job Description Summary:

The Technical Service Technician level 2 is responsible for supporting PV corrective maintenance and repairs, on SE projects as well as supporting third party repairs and repowers with technical support.
This role is located full-time on a jobsite in the Western Region and will require travel. Specific location details and expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Job Description:

*This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Stresses the importance that safety is the most important function, ensuring that all employees follow safe practices while working

  • Perform site testing, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting and energized electrical work strictly adhering to company and industry safety standards

  • Ensure a safe working environment through strict adherence to and enforcement of company and industry safety standards

  • Understand,followand communicate safety regulations and work procedures

  • Preparetimelyandaccuratedocumentation and required reports

  • Complete other responsibilities as assigned

  • Complete a job with theassistanceof Technicians and Trainees

  • Able towork on various jobs simultaneously

  • Communicate effectively with teammatesand onsite SEtechnicians

  • Uphold diversity and inclusion as an unconscious part ofSOLV Energyculture.

Objectivesor Goals to Measure Performance:

  • Adherence to Company policies and procedures

  • Excellent attendance and punctuality

  • Understanding of and adherence to safety and quality procedures and practices

  • Customer/Client satisfaction

  • Improved personal professional growth and education

  • Staff development and training

  • Positive project team attitude

Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or equivalent

  • Ability to travel80% oftime

  • Valid NFPA 70e Safety Training certification or equivalent

  • Demonstrated ability to recognize work hazards and mitigate using proper tools and procedures

  • Demonstrated ability to work alone and safety under any conditions

  • Ability to troubleshoot network and telemetry issuesincluding fiber opticcables

  • Ability toread and understandelectrical schematics andsymbols

  • Ability toidentifyand isolate an energized electrical source to create a safe workingcondition

  • Effective computer operation skills

  • Effective verbal and written English language communicationskills

  • Effective organizational skills

  • Ability to provide detailed list of items needed for estimates and project bids (such as materials,manpowerhours, and timelines)

  • Ability to work at remote locations in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, inclement weather)

  • Ability to work on an "on call" basis (may include weekends or after-hours situations)

  • Valid driver's license, satisfactory drivingrecordand ability tooperatecompany vehicle

  • Confined Space - Entrant/Attendant/Supervisor

  • CPR/First Aid training

  • Be able to pass SE safety second trainingand ifpossible,substation switch persontraining

  • Equipment operator training and certifications

  • Basic metal fabrication skills

  • Job Safety Analysis

  • Electrical Testing Standard Operating Procedures

Knowledgeof the following equipment, as well as use a computer to do the following tests:

  • GroundFaultlocator

  • Fiber optic testers

  • IV Curve tracer

  • IR Camera and thermography

  • Various cable crimping tools such as String wire and Feeder wire crimpers and terminationrequirements

  • Digital Multimeter(1500V)

  • 1kV Megger

  • Huck tools for tracker repairs andinstallation

  • 5/10KV Megger

  • Oil Test Set

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions:

  • Occasional exposure to weather, harsh outdoor environment, vibration, dust and fumes, electric shock, radiation, toxic/caustic chemicals

  • Requires frequent stooping/bending/crouching, reaching, handling, finger dexterity, sitting, standing, walking, and lifting 50 or more lbs.

  • Constant finger dexterity and ability to see details at close range and at a distance, hear, and talk, andpossessdepthperception

  • Occasional climbing and carrying, proximity to moving mechanical parts, working in high, exposed, or difficult to access places

  • The noise intensity level may be high

  • Working on or near lifts and other machines

  • Working near medium and high voltage

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.

SOLV Energy Is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At SOLV Energy we celebrate the power of our differences. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that improve our communities. SOLV Energy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind against an employee or applicant based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, or ethnicity, mental or physical disability, veteran status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life anddisability insurance. Employees can enroll in our company's 401(k) plan and are provided vacation, sick and holiday pay.

Compensation Range:

$27.18 - 33.97

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

SOLV Energy does not accept unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. We require all third-party recruiters to communicate exclusively with our internal talent acquisition team. SOLV Energy will not pay a placement fee to any third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of our internal talent acquisition team.

In addition, candidate introductions or resumes can only be submitted to our internal talent acquisition recruiting team if a signed vendor agreement is already on file and the third-party recruiter or agency has received formal instructions from our internal talent acquisition team to submit candidates for a particular job posting.

Any unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes sent by third-party recruiters to SOLV Energy or directly to any of our employees, or received through our website or career portal, will be considered property of SOLV Energy and will not be eligible for a placement fee. In the event a third-party recruiter submits a resume or refers a candidate without a previously signed vendor agreement, SOLV Energy explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire the candidate(s) without financial liability to such third-party recruiter.

Job Number:J13312

If you're interested in a meaningful career with a brighter future, join the SOLV Energy Team.



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