Description
Summary:
The Ipswich Electric Light Department maintains over 3,500 utility poles, 1,000 transformers, and over 100 linear miles of circuits, which are connected via 3 substations. The distribution infrastructure serves over 7,000 customer meter endpoints throughout 33 square miles of system territory. In addition, the ELD owns transmission and generation assets including 1.25 miles of transmission lines, a 1.5 MW wind turbine, and a 5MW reciprocating power plant. The Department strives to provide its customers with high reliability, fair and reasonable rates, improved carbon intensity, and exceptional customer service. The Department’s priorities include system resiliency, customer satisfaction, employee wellbeing, operational effectiveness, and sustainability.
Under the supervision of the Senior Station Technician, performs technical tasks and hands-on labor associated with Electric Light Department generation and distribution infrastructure. Specifically, this position assists with the operation, maintenance, testing and repair of power plant, wind turbine substation and auxiliary equipment. Electrical and mechanical aptitude is important for long term success in this role.
Responsibilities:
- Under the supervision of the Senior Station Technician, supports operation, maintenance and repair of substations. Performs routine inspections, troubleshooting, adjustment, testing, maintenance and repair of substation equipment, including transformers, voltage regulators, circuit breakers, batteries and miscellaneous electrical equipment. Works on voltages up to 23kV.
- Assists in collection and maintenance of logs and records.
- Contributes to the basic upkeep of generation and substation facilities through manual labor, including sweeping, landscaping, emptying receptacles, stowing equipment, cleaning filters and general care of buildings and grounds. Assists in ensuring that facilities are accessible and clear of snow and interfering vegetation.
- Under the supervision of a senior mechanic, performs operation, maintenance and repair of reciprocating diesel generators and auxiliary power plant equipment.
- Works with the Senior Station Technician and third-party vendors to perform maintenance, operations and repairs of wind turbine(s) and associated equipment.
- Assists with environmental response in the event of an oil release requiring clean-up.
- Successfully participates in continuing education and professional development programs as provided and directed. Develops a thorough working knowledge of all generation and distribution infrastructure under the cognizance of the Ipswich Electric Light Department.
- Supports restoration efforts during power outages and related interruptions. Resets substation relays and alarms when required. Inspects and maintains substation emergency and warning systems.
- Communicates with customers in a courteous manner and functions as a team player in cooperation with other employees of the Utilities Department and the Town.
- Must be available for standby duty at specified times and, in cases of emergency, may be called in at any time.
- Other duties as assigned.
Preparation, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- High school diploma or GED required; additional training, technical certification and/or degree is preferred
- Ability to read, understand and work from electrical line diagrams and technical drawings
- Familiarity with using computers for basic internet and MS Office functions
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to maintain positive public relations for the Town; and to interact effectively with a wide variety of individuals including customers, coworkers and vendors.
- Ability to perform general math including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals
- Ability to follow procedures and directions
- Willingness and ability to learn and perform a broad set of skills
- CPR/First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain within probationary period
- Hold and maintain a valid driver’s license; experience with plowing is desired
- Valid hoisting license, or the ability to obtain within probationary period
Supervisory Responsibility:
Supervises, either directly or indirectly through subordinates, all employees of the Distribution, Metering, Generation and Substation operations.
Working Conditions:
- This position is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, and use hands to touch, feel and operate objects, tools, and controls.
- Frequent sitting, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching is required, as well as the ability to see, talk, hear and smell.
- This position must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perceptions, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Use of tools and equipment including:
- Motorized vehicles, including fork lift and pick-up truck with attached snowplow.
- Tools include scaffolding, ladders, welding torch, magnetic manhole cover lifts, landscaping equipment, conduit snake, megger, ammeter, voltmeter and/or voltage recorder, hand tools, power tools, common office equipment and other equipment commonly used in utility operations.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, as defined under the American With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.