Substation Technician

At Cleco, we're not just powering lives—we're powering a cleaner, smarter future for Louisiana. With bold investments in innovative energy solutions, we’re transforming how we power our communities: smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable. This is a long-term commitment to our people and our communities because our future—and the future of generations to come—depends on it. If you're ready to make an impact where it matters most, join us at Cleco—where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow.

The Substation Technician II is an experienced technician with knowledge and experience in the maintenance and calibration of electrical power transmission and distribution equipment. Responsible for the operation of computer-based test equipment to maintain, diagnose and correct problems with electrical power transmission and distribution related equipment. Proactively takes the initiative to identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working condition which are hazardous. Takes prompt corrective measure to eliminate and or mitigate them.

Key Responsibilities

• Champions a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence.
• Programs, calibrates, maintains and repairs electronic controls for Load Tap Changers (LTCs), regulators, reclosers and capacitor banks. Applies settings and/or performs functional testing for regulators, hydraulic reclosers and oil switches for Distribution Operations as per their request. Applies settings to relays and controls for electronic reclosers.
• Studies, understands and practices all Safety rules, procedures and protocols associated with working safely as a Cleco employee.
• Performs the installation, testing, maintenance and repair of high voltage circuit breakers and power transformers in transmission, distribution and generation stations. Operates Doble Power Factor tester, Vanguard Speed Trace analyzer, Parts per million (PPM) tester, Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR), Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA), Megger and other test equipment.
• Operates oil processing van. Maintains nitrogen systems, along with cooling equipment to assure proper transformer ratings. Operates SF-6 gas cart, maintains SF-6 gas levels in breakers and programs SF-6 gas density monitors.
• Serves as a member of scheduled call-out team to ensure timely restoration of service. Diagnoses complex mechanical and electrical problems in order to restore service and increase reliability. Demonstrates knowledge and judgment that results in safe, efficient and timely restoration of service.
• Performs annual substation checks in transmission and distribution substations. Takes accurate oil samples for quality assessment, breaker oil analysis (BOA) and tap changer activity signature analysis (TASA). Operates infrared thermography camera and provides computer generated reports for T&D personnel.
• Maintains SAP Equipment Maintenance database used for keeping accurate and concise historical records of apparatus equipment on the Cleco system. Maintains accurate daily drivers log books in conjunction with CDL license requirements.
• Installs, maintains and places mobile transformers in service in transmission and distribution substations, usually under emergency circumstances. Performs emergency repairs of substation power equipment for outside customers as needed to promote strategic goals of the corporation.
• Supports Distribution Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (DSCADA) systems by installing, testing, and maintaining downline and substation Automation Equipment.
• Performs switching in T&D stations and downline equipment for scheduled work and service restoration.
• Supervises contractors commissioning apparatus equipment. Uses numerus computer software and SAP system to provide, evaluate and maintain concise maintenance and equipment records.
• Assist entry-level staff within assigned project teams, leveraging technical experience to help to onboard them and in support of meeting project milestones.
• Provide communication to their supervisor to provide status updates on work, and identify risks in delivery or resourcing needs.
• Support senior staff to provide their manager with technical updates to Director level management on a regular basis.
• Facilitates periodic training on apparatus equipment for Operations personnel.

Qualifications
Required Education, Skills & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Two years vocational or technical training in Electrical Technology or related field preferred.
• 3-5+ years of related experience
• Step progression levels based on skill proficiency and scope of job.
• Strong business acumen pertaining to the Utility industry
• Strong planning and project management skills
• Willingness and ability to learn new technologies on the job
• Proficient at functioning effectively within a team environment, present ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner
• Progression to this level is strictly restricted based on critical individual capabilities and business requirements; must be supported by market survey data.
• Pass appropriate EEI Pre Employment Test

Licenses and Certifications

• CDL license required within 6 months of employment
• Certified forklift operator required within 6 months of employment

Key Competencies
BEHAVIORAL

• Building Partnerships
• Leading Teams
• Business Acumen
• Communication
• Courage
• Building Self-Insight
• Driving for Results
• Energizing the Organization
• Driving Execution
• Building Trusting Relationships
• Driving Innovation
• Planning and Organizing
• Safety
• Establishing Strategic Direction

TECHNICAL

• Analytical skills
• Compliance
• Equipment utilization
• Transmission operations
• Transmission operations quality
• Transmission operations resource management
• Transmission operations risk management

May perform other duties as assigned.

Salary dependent on experience, skills, education, and training.