Title: Electrical Test & Repair Specialist
Sacramento, CA, US, 95827-3824
Minimum Pay Rate: $71.11
Maximum Pay Rate: $71.11
Apply by Date: 12/05/2023
Posting Type: Open
SMUD is seeking an Electrical Test and Repair Specialist to join our distribution planning team and support our Zero Carbon Plan. This individual will perform testing and repairs of electrical and mechanical items used by SMUD's Line Construction department, Substation, Network, Locators, Troubleshooters, Elec-Techs, and Utility Technicians. This also includes Substation battery chargers, Auto Transformers used by the line department and portable gas monitors for Network, Substation, Tool Room, and Gas Pipeline.
Purpose
To oversee the operation and maintenance of the Grid Assets electrical test lab and repair facilities; to evaluate, repair and calibrate test equipment and various tools used by the Grid Assets field workforce; to include specialized repair and fabrication work on equipment and materials that are no longer supported by manufacturers.
Nature and Scope
Duties and Responsibilities
- Performs evaluation and testing of materials and equipment such as: wire and cable, electrical apparatus, test equipment and hardware as requested by various work processes including Distribution Standards, Substation Maintenance, Transmission and Distribution Maintenance Planning, Asset Management and New Services.
- Uses tools such as oscilloscopes, calibration equipment, power tools, machinery equipment and power system test apparatus for equipment testing, troubleshooting, repair and service work.
- Safely operates a metal lathe, drill press and hydraulic press.
- Assists in the evaluation of new products, tools, and test equipment and develops appropriate procedures for use; ensures accurate evaluation of materials and equipment to develop cost effective solutions and a continued supply of high quality, safe materials and equipment that meet established specifications.
- Plans and performs testing on materials and equipment and provides analysis of failed materials and equipment by properly conducting relevant destructive and non-destructive tests and evaluating results consistent with industry or SMUD standards or other technical direction; performs quality control analysis; records and maintains test data; and prepares results and/or reports to customers, field construction staff, operating personnel, laboratory staff, and other SMUD, utility or governmental personnel.
- Provides calibration, adjustment, repair or replacement of electrical field test equipment, tools and instruments as required.
- Ensures compliance of new or existing power distribution equipment and materials by preparing receiving inspection procedures; analyzing manufacturer specifications and enabling duplication of those procedures to reliably check manufacturer specifications; conducts or oversees staff conducting electrical and mechanical tests on a new materials to determine suitability for intended use and compliance with specifications, and b existing materials to determine cause of failure and provide a verified basis for changing specifications
- Oversees an effective laboratory operation by directing the daily activities of laboratory technicians; maintains testing tools and facilities; ensures availability of current documentation such as ASTM and SMUD standards for new materials and calibration and specification data for test equipment; provides procedures and on-the-job training to other technicians; maintains sufficient supplies to meet required testing, evaluation, and repair procedures.
- Promotes the safety and health of the laboratory staff, field staff and SMUD personnel by adhering to all SMUD policies and regulations on worker safety; ensures that all tested materials and equipment meet SMUD and regulatory safety standards and requirements; establishes and maintains safe shop practices and up-to-date laboratory and operating procedures.
- Designs and builds custom tools or equipment and/or develops new or special tests and procedures by recognizing and analyzing the conceptual technical need and/or problem; identifies detailed criteria and methods necessary to test operational concepts; develops a working model or procedure which can be reliably and consistently used for test purposes.
- Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors, guides, reviews and conducts work activities associated with department internal/external projects in accordance with established task objectives and schedule as outlined in the project plan/contract
- Purchase tools, equipment and parts to maintain stock or respond to emergency equipment replacements.Works out in the field to identify, locate, analyze, repair and fabricate equipment as needed by Substation personnel.
- Available after-hours, as needed, during emergency equipment repair/replacements.
- Performs related duties as required.
Required Education
- High School diploma or equivalent
Required Experience Qualifications
Five or more (5+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience on high voltage transmission and distribution equipment including high voltage and high current testing and safety procedures, hands-on experience with troubleshooting and repair of electronic and electrical circuitry, and experience in electric utility operations.
Knowledge Of
Skills To
Develop new and revised procedures and practices to provide for the effective operation of the test and repair lab unit; assess training needs for staff and identify training opportunities; oversee adherence to safety policies and procedures; plan, oversee and review the work of others in a lead capacity; analyze manufacturer specifications, industry standards, and implement test procedures to reliably check the performance of supplied materials against the manufacturers specifications; prepare test reports and interpret technical reports; design and build test equipment to implement special tests; review and analyze schematic diagrams; organize and maintain a well-supplied lab; explain technical details to non-technical personnel; convert a concept into a working model; communicate effectively with customers, field construction and operating personnel, staff and other utility and governmental personnel; utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.
Desirable Education
- Up to 4 years of post high school education from an accredited vocational, technical or academic college related to electrical or electronic technology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- Completion of a recognized apprenticeship in a high voltage electrical trade.
Desirable Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience repairing electrical, mechanical, and electronic devices and equipment.
- Experience in use of most hand tools and some power tools.
- Ability to interface effectively with all levels of SMUD employees.
- Strong understanding of electrical and electronic theory.
Physical Requirements
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are
As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.
An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform “substantially similar work,” when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.
SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.
Why Sacramento, California?
The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.
On-site Work
This role will be an on-site role that will require being in person at one of SMUD's campuses daily to complete work tasks.