Apprentice through 1st Class Electrician in Colchester - Green Mountain Power

General Summary (What is done and why.)

The Apprentice Electrician position is primarily responsible for performing a variety of functions related to the construction, repair and maintenance of GMP's power plant and substation high voltage electric transmission and distribution systems. Work is varied in nature. Incumbent applies knowledge of electricity to work performed. Works under general supervision and in compliance with established policies, procedures and regulations.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions (Majority of duties, but not meant to be all-inclusive nor prevent other duties from being assigned as necessary.)

Functional:

• Must become familiar with the use, testing, maintenance and repair of power plant, substation equipment, and auxiliary substation systems (e.g., transformers, regulators, switches, capacitors, circuit breakers, reclosers, generators, motors, bus work, structural work, conduits and wiring).
• Required to work as a helper with EMAC Electricians of a higher rating, and to operate vehicles assigned to the department.
• Must become familiar with the different types of electrical apparatus used on the system.
• Must possess the mechanical dexterity to make repairs to simpler electric equipment, and with direction, be able to operate oil filters and associated apparatus.
• Required to work a various elevations to install structures and bus.
• Must have the desire and ability, with training, to progress to First Class Electrician (EMAC).
• Assist with the testing of substation and power plant equipment including: Doble, Megger, Turn-to-Turn Ratio and Hipot tests.
• Must become familiar with State and Federal regulations regarding the handling, transporting and storage of hazardous waste materials; required labeling of hazardous waste containers; proper and safe methods for cleanup of hazardous waste spills, and providing accurate and complete required documentation.
• Under direction, assist in identifying trouble and restoring service on substations equipment of all voltage common to GMP's system.

SECONDARY Responsibilities

• May be occasionally assigned short duration duties in the Transformer Shop. Based on qualification, assist in storm restoration efforts to include storm damage assessment, line patrolling, bird-dogging contract crews, and operating distribution protective devices.
• Under direction may assist other utilities and businesses with the maintenance and operation of their high voltage electric systems and generating facilities.
• Assist in maintenance and repair of GMP's wind turbines and associated equipment.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (Minimum education, experience, technical and communication skill levels and licenses/certificates normally required to perform the duties of this position.)

• Must live within 35 minutes of their operating headquarters and be available for emergencies.
• Must obtain a CDL permit within 90 days of accepting the position and hold a valid Vermont Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) within one year of accepting the position, with hazardous materials and tanker endorsements, excluding tractor trailer and be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws with a driving record suitable for insurability.
• Must develop a basic understanding of the company's safety rules and practices.
• Must be able to take direction and perform work under direct supervision.
• Must develop basic skills in the use of protective equipment.
• Must develop technical proficiency in the techniques, procedures and use of the materials, equipment, tools and methods employed in the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical facilities.
• Basic written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must have appropriate math skills with the ability to calculate three phase loads.
• Must enroll in the company's Apprentice Electrician program and must complete necessary course work, work hours and tests to advance to First Class Electrician.
• A high school education is required and an Associate's Degree in Electrical Technologies, or equivalent, is highly desirable.
• Must develop the ability to utilize current technologies in computers to utilize test equipment and access the internet for equipment and testing updates.
• Must have the ability to serve and satisfy internal and external customers and be a strong customer service advocate for the company.

Working Conditions (Typical working conditions associated with this type of work and environmental hazards, if any, which may be encountered in performing the duties of this position.)

Field/plant Internal Work is normally performed in climate controlled plant or substation environment, where exposure to conditions of extreme heat/cold, poor ventilation, fumes and gases is limited. Noise level is occasionally high and includes sounds of turbines, engines and power equipment (tools, etc.). Work involves potential exposure to bodily injury from moving mechanical parts, electric shock and toxic or caustic chemical agents while performing preventive maintenance to building or equipment. Occasionally work is performed in small cramped workspace, at heights up to 75 feet, and around water.

External Work is routinely performed where there is exposure to outside atmospheric conditions or extreme heat/cold or moisture and exposure to traffic while performing work functions. Work is frequently performed at heights up to 75 feet, on uneven and slippery terrain, and occasionally at heights up to 150 feet on wind turbine equipment.

Special Work requires scheduled and unscheduled overtime including response to emergency calls regarding power outages. Employee may be required to accept storm pager. May also be required to work out of town, staying overnight for a period of time, as the job requires.

Physical Demands (The physical effort generally associated with this position)

Must be physically able to perform all job duties which involves standing and walking for most of the time, working at heights up to 75 feet above ground, and occasionally at elevations up to 150 feet on wind turbine equipment. Work routinely includes pushing, pulling, or carrying objects weighing up to 80 pounds floor to bench, 50 pounds floor to overhead, and holding 35 pounds extended at shoulder height such as tools, crossarms, insulators and braces above head.

Working Relationships/Contacts (Positions, other than supervisor and immediate co-workers, with which incumbent has frequent contact and the reason for contact.)

Internal Frequent contact with other members of Substation Operations department as well as Field Crews from all departments, Engineering, Accounting, Purchasing, Control Center, Power Production, Fleet, Facilities, IT.

External Customers using GMP services, manufacturers, other utilities, service engineers.

Supervision of Others Not required at this level

Accountability (Budget/asset amount managed, revenues/profits produced, and/or other financial resource incumbent is accountable for. Also indicates judgement/decision-making level.)

This position is directly responsible for the safe and successful completion of assignments related to the installation and maintenance of GMP's Electric infrastructure.

About Green Mountain Power

Green Mountain Power serves more than 275,000 residential and business customers in Vermont with electricity that's 100% carbon free and 80% renewable on an annual basis. GMP is partnering with customers to provide solutions that deliver resiliency and affordability while cutting carbon and costs for all. GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use business as a force for good. GMP was named to Fast Company's 2024 Most Innovative Companies in the World list, the sixth time earning that honor. In 2024, 2023 and 2021 the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) honored GMP as a nationwide leader in energy transformation. And, in 2022 GMP was named to TIME's list of the 100 Most Influential Companies for its groundbreaking resiliency work to transform the grid for customers.