Apprentice Apparatus Substation Technician, 1st Period - IBEW

Job Summary:

Participates in a structured training program, as part of the LUMA's Apprenticeship Program, designed to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become an Apparatus Substation Technician. Under close supervision, the apprentice will progressively be taking on more responsibility following the steps progression designated under the LUMA’s Apprenticeship Program and Policy until completion of the program.

Job Description:

• Performs assigned tasks under supervision of a qualified Apparatus Substation Technician o higher classification, assisting with equipment setup, material handling, and basic field operations on substation equipment — including transformers, circuit breakers, capacitor banks, disconnect switches, voltage regulators, surge arresters, battery banks, control cables/wires, and grounding mat/ground grid systems — to develop foundational skills and contribute to team productivity while gaining hands-on experience with substation maintenance, testing, and repair activities.
• Learns and applies safety procedures through hands-on and classroom training, including exposure to safety practices associated with power system switching and permit processes and work around substation equipment, reducing risk, improving hazard awareness, and promoting a consistently safe work environment.
• Maintains accurate records and reports of work performed, on-the-job training hours, and basic equipment/maintenance observations, ensuring compliance with program requirements and supporting reliable tracking of employee development.
• Assists with the use and basic upkeep of tools and equipment, including introductory, supervised exposure to insulation oil purification equipment and to cranes, forklifts, bucket trucks, and manlifts used to move substation materials, to support daily operations and build foundational technical and documentation skills.
• Participates in team discussions and follows instructions to contribute to a respectful work environment and develop communication skills for future roles.
• Follows safety instructions and participates in briefings to learn hazard awareness and support a safe work environment.
• Follows established company policies, procedures, and standards to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and industry regulations.
• Assist the crew during emergency response efforts by following instructions and performing basic tasks during storm restoration and outage repairs, gaining hands-on experience under adverse conditions while supporting community power reliability.
• Performs additional tasks aligned with role expectations and qualifications to support team goals and operational flexibility.

Additional Job Description:

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:

• Technical degree/program or relevant certification/diploma in Electrical Power Technology, Mechanical Technology or other industry recognized is required, or
• High School diploma with 3 years’ experience within LUMA’s relevant experience as a field worker.
• Must be available to work overtime, weekends, holidays, rotating shifts and outside of regular shift hours as needed, including during emergency response situations, to support system reliability and restoration efforts.
• As a first-response role supporting business needs, this position requires availability for stand by (on-call) duty and shall respond within 30 minutes of receiving call activation.
• This position requires rotational assignments across various locations as part of the employee’s educational and technical development. Therefore, the individual must be available to relocate to different business sites as the program progresses. Additionally, the role includes required classroom instruction, and the individual must be available to attend in person classes at LUMA College in Canóvanas periodically or as requested. Notifications for classroom instruction and training will be provided in advance.
• For LUMA College for Technical Training in-person classes, may be required for employees based in the Arecibo, Mayagüez, or Ponce regions to stay in company-provided lodging to comply with training schedules and to mitigate fatigue-related risks associated with extended travel, in alignment with LUMA’s safety standards. Lodging will be arranged in accordance with internal policies and applicable regulations.

This position is with IBEW Union 222. If you accept an offer of employment, you will be required to affiliate with the Union.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in engineering.
• Experience working with computers and MS Office Tools.
• Understanding of industry safety practices and procedures.
• Experience working in the Utility Industry field; experience in substations, high voltage electrical testing, protection and control related instruments and software applications.

Additional Qualifications:

Additional requirements for an apprentice to receive credit for previous experience:

• Military training/experience: Applicants must submit a DD-214 to verify military training and/or experience if they are a veteran and wish to receive consideration for such training/experience. Validation of military training, in combination with demonstrated experience and other qualification requirements, will determine the apprenticeship period placement for which the candidate is eligible.

Competencies (Skills)

• Safety Awareness: Follows safety protocols and promotes a safety-first culture.
• Progressive Skill Acquisition: Demonstrates growth in technical and safety skills over time.
• Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with peers and supervisors.
• Feedback Responsiveness: Accepts and applies feedback from mentors and supervisors.
• Reliability & Punctuality: Demonstrates dependability in attendance and task completion.

Licenses/Certifications

Required:

• Valid Puerto Rico driver’s license Category 9 is required. However, a valid Puerto Rico license in any other category will be accepted with the commitment to obtain the required license within the first six months (180 days) of employment to be in compliance.
• Permit to Operate Commercial Vehicle from The Transport and Other Public Services Bureau (NTSP, "Negociado de Transporte y Otros Servicios Públicos de Puerto Rico". If you do not have a heavy-duty category license to obtain the required permit, you must commit to obtain one within the first six months (180 days) of employment to be in compliance.
• Driver's Record (DTOP)

Candidates must meet all applicable federal requirements under DOT regulation, including pre-employment drug test and medical certification.

Preferred:

• Helper/Master Electrician license
• OSHA
• Certified in CPR/ First Aid
• Confined Space Certification
• AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

Travel Requirements

• 30%

Physical Demands

• Stationary Position: Seldom
• Pushing/ Pulling/ Reaching: Frequently
• Kneel: Frequently
• Grab: Frequently
• Bend: Frequently
• Lift/ Carry over: 36 to 50 pounds

 

Working Conditions

• Wet or humid: Frequently
• Working near or on moving mechanical parts: Frequently
• Working near or on heavy machinery: Frequently
• Working in high places: Occasionally
• Exposed to fumes or airborne particles: Occasionally
• Frequency of working in outdoor weather conditions: Frequently
• Work with electricity: Constantly
• Loud noise conditions: Constantly

LUMA Energy is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, military status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal or local laws.