"Alerted.org

Utility Technician

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/rochester/jobs/newprint/5080883)

Apply



Utility Technician

Salary

$51.67 - $60.79 Hourly

Location

Rochester MN 55906, MN

Job Type

Regular FT

Job Number

20250075

Department

Rochester Public Utilities

Opening Date

10/03/2025

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The City of Rochester now welcomes applications for

Utility Technician

Rochester Public Utilities

RPU, a division of the City of Rochester, MN, is the largest municipal utility in the State of Minnesota. RPU serves over 57,000 electric customers and 42,000 water customers in a 60 square mile service area and has revenues nearing $161 million annually.

www.rpu.org

Vision- "We Will Set the Standard for Service"

The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.

It takes us all working together.

Nature of Work

The Utility Technician is responsible for performing electrical installation, testing, commissioning, calibration, and maintenance of protective relaying and control systems and other utility apparatus in electrical substations and generation facilities. Duties also include, but are not limited to, testing and troubleshooting utility electrical equipment such as communication systems, transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, switching devices, station power equipment, metering, SCADA equipment, and wiring; and field operation of substation switching devices. Additionally, this position may provide electrical services for other RPU facilities or customer facilities as required.

2025 starting rate of pay

$51.67/hour with advancement to $60.79/hour after 18 months

To have your application considered in the first round of reviews, apply before October 20, 2025.

Please note that candidates may be required to complete a written, job related assessment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.

*Conduct substation protection systems maintenance and equipment testing in compliance with NERC requirements.

+ Test, calibrate, troubleshoot, maintain and repair protective relaying equipment, control systems, communication systems, and substation monitoring devices.

+ Compile and maintain test and maintenance records in various paper and computerized files and databases.

+ Perform revisions and update record drawings.

+ Recommend changes to procedures to ensure the reliability and security of substation equipment and protection systems.

*Perform or assist in construction, commissioning, testing, and maintaining utility systems and equipment

+ Collaborate with Engineering in the preparation of commissioning, calibration, and testing procedures.

+ Collaborate with Engineering and Lead Utility Technician to review project electrical diagrams, schematics, and controls logic.

+ Collaborate with the SCADA Engineer in the construction, operations, testing, calibration, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of SCADA system components, communications processors, automations controllers, telemetry communication equipment, and similar equipment. Investigate and correct communication problems between protective relaying systems or between the SCADA Master Station and the field RTU’s, RTAC’s, and PLCs.

+ Inspect and perform initial operation of new protection and control systems and substation equipment; identify needs and recommend modifications of the job or systems when needed.

+ Assist Engineering in the preparation of specifications, project cost estimates, and acceptable vendor lists.

*Perform inspections and maintenance of substations and utility equipment.

+ Inspect the operating condition of substations and all associated equipment; act on or report any conditions that require maintenance, repair, or attention.

+ Monitor, program, and maintain load management field equipment.

+ Complete assigned scheduled maintenance work orders: prepare reports of work activity as may be required.

+ Maintain and update digital files, drawings, and other records pertaining to the Utility’s protective relays, SCADA communications systems, field equipment, and other electronic equipment.

+ Perform technical projects relating to calibration, troubleshooting and maintenance on protective relaying and control systems.

+ Identify equipment and material needs and requisition items as required.

+ Repair, maintain, and support calibration requirements of RPU electronic test equipment.

*Perform or assist other electrical workers in construction, testing, electrical repair, or replacement of utility equipment.

+ Perform or assist in substation equipment construction.

+ Perform or assist Sr. Substation Electrician with general electrician duties for RPU Water department and Facilities department personnel.

+ Provide technical support for Electric and Water utility equipment including electronic components of relaying and control systems, communication systems, metering, equipment controllers, and load management.

+ Assist Lead Plant Electrician and perform such duties with RPU Power Resources department.

*Perform field operation of substation equipment.

+ Write and proofread switching procedures for the safe isolation of equipment.

+ Perform switching duties as directed by the System Operations department or others.

Other Duties

+ Test, troubleshoot and repair distribution transformers.

+ Oversee and provide the on-the-job training to apprentices or other electrical workers. Provide written documentation as required.

+ Install, troubleshoot or remove load management control equipment when directed.

+ Respond to after-hours callouts.

+ Inspect and care for vehicles, tools and equipment assigned to the crew.

+ Prepare written requisitions for Stores materials. Receive and account for all materials issued from Stores and removed from service.

+ Perform other duties as assigned.

* ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Associates degree from an accredited curriculum in Electrical Engineering Technology or similar discipline and eight or more years of combined experience in power system relaying, PLC's, electric equipment control and communication systems; maintenance, operation, and construction of utility or industrial electrical substations and associated equipment.

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered at the discretion of the hiring supervisor/manager.

Special Training

Relay and control theory and applications, substation equipment maintenance and operation, electric metering, and high voltage electrical safety.

Licenses and Certifications

Valid Minnesota driver's license class D.

Minnesota State Class A Journeyworker Electrician License

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

Additional two years of combined experience in power system relaying, control and communication systems; maintenance, operation and construction of utility or industrial electrical substations and associated equipment.

Special Training

Electric revenue metering classes

Licenses and Certifications

Minnesota State Class A Master Electrician License, or ability to acquire within one year.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

THIS POSITION MAY BE COVERED BY THE CITY'S RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM (based on job assignment)

Employees in this position are required to use respiratory equipment and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY RPU'S AREA RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

In order to provide timely services, RPU has designated specific positions which must comply with an area residency requirement, based on job-related necessity where employees in such positions must reside within thirty (30) driving miles of their normally scheduled work reporting location.

New Hires

Individuals hired for designated positions with RPU covered by an area residency requirement who do not meet this requirement shall be allowed no more than twelve (12) months, from their date of hire, in order to meet the thirty (30) driving mile requirement.

Current Employees

RPU employees in designated positions covered by the area residency requirement and who reside at a location that allows them to report to work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified, prior to March 9, 2012, shall be deemed to comply with RPU's area residency requirement provided that they remain at their current address. If a current RPU employee in a designated position covered by the area residency requirement relocates, their new address/residence must be located within thirty (30) driving miles of their normally scheduled work reporting location and notice must be given to their immediate supervisor prior to relocating to ensure compliance with the area residency requirement.

Promotional Opportunities

Promotions to designated RPU positions covered by an area residency requirement shall be withheld from employees whose address/residence is located more than thirty (30) driving miles from the normally scheduled work reporting location of their new position, with the exception of employees who are willing to relocate within 12 months from date of promotion in order to comply with the thirty (30) driving mile area residence requirement; OR employees who immediately prior to their promotion were in a designated position and resided at a location that allowed them to report to work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified.

Noncompliance with Residency Requirements

In the event that an employee fails to comply with the residency requirement, the employee will be considered to no longer meet the minimum requirements of the position. In such instance, the City will take formal action, up to and including termination. An employee may be granted an extension if there is credible basis, as determined by the employer, for justification as to why the employee has failed to comply. Said basis shall consist of circumstances not caused or controlled by the employee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: practices, methods, tools and materials used in the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment at an industrial facility; the operational characteristics of analog and digital instrumentation, discrete control devices, motor control centers, and other equipment commonly used in industrial processes and control systems; practices, methods, tools and materials used in the maintenance and repair of electrical equipment at an industrial facility; and occupational hazards and safety practices.

Skill in: working both independently and as part of a team in a comprehensive power system maintenance program; communicating effectively in both oral and written formats, organizing one's own work while coordinating work with others; the use and care of tools, equipment, and materials used in the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment; use of computers and mobile electronic devices; and the use of electronic test equipment.

Ability to: analyze electrical schemes and controls; troubleshoot electrical equipment, and use personal computer and computerized test equipment; ensure that the work performed is of the highest possible quality, build and maintain good working relationships with customers, coworkers, supervisors and staff; work and think effectively under stressful conditions; exercise good judgment; clearly communicate complex ideas and instructions, verbally and in writing; diagnose and repair defects in electrical equipment; read and interpret electrical drawings, technical manuals, and the National Electric Code; perform manual labor associated with equipment repair; follow oral and written instructions (English language); maintain equipment maintenance records; operate power conduit benders, power wiring tools, and testing devices; drive and operate a truck or motor vehicle, forklift, aerial lifts; operate small power excavation equipment.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Medium Work to Heavy Work: Exerting from 50 pounds up to 100 of force occasionally, and/or from 20-50 pounds of force frequently, and from 10-20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

Continuous demands: sitting, standing,

Frequent demands: lifting, walking

Occasional demands: climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, and crouching

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, smell, hearing and touch.

Environmental conditions While work may be completed indoors with limited exposure to any elements, work in the performance of the essential functions of this job may include:

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Noise (needing to shout in order to be heard)

Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body)

Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals

Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather)

Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites)

Work at heights (such as on scaffolding or ladders or aerial lifts)

Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, excavation equipment, trucks, cranes)

Protective equipment required (respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, arc resistant clothing etc.)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY (https://www.rochestermn.gov/home/showdocument?id=42460&t=638708904645058446)

01

The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application and resume. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Which of the following best describes your level of education in the electrical field?

+ High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.

+ Less than 2 years post-secondary training

+ Completion of a 2 year trade school program

+ Completion of a 4 year apprenticeship program

+ Completion of both a 2 year trade school and 4 year apprenticeship program

+ None of the above

04

Other than your high school diploma, which of the following best describes your field of study for your program or degree?

+ Electrical engineering

+ Electronics technology

+ Electrician

+ A field of study closely related to the above

+ My degree is in an area NOT RELATED to any of the above

+ N/A - I do not have a degree

05

Which is your highest level of licensure with the options listed below?

+ Master Electrician

+ Journeyman Electrician

+ Maintenance Electrician

+ Lineworker

+ Power Limited Technician

+ N/A - None of the above

06

Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment experience in power system relaying, PLC's, control and communication systems; and/or general maintenance, operation, and construction of substations

+ No experience

+ Less than 3 years

+ More than 3 years, but less than 5

+ More than 5 years, but less than 7

+ More than 7 years, but less than 8

+ More than 8 years, but less than 9

+ More than 9 years, but less than 10

+ More than 10 years, but less than 12

+ 12 or more years

07

Tell us how your professional, educational, and lived experiences would help you be successful in this role. Be sure to include any certifications and/or experience you feel should be considered.

08

Please indicate the primary type of facility your experience was utilized.

+ Industrial

+ Power Generation

+ Commercial

+ Residential

+ I do not have experience in any of these types of facilities

+ My experience is in a type of facility not specified above

09

What voltages did your electrical experience include? (select all that apply)

+ I have no experience with any of these voltages

+ 120/240 VAC

+ 480/600 VAC

+ 2400 VAC

+ 13,800 VAC

+ >13,800 VAC

10

Did your employment experience include working with any of the following? (Select all that apply)

+ Protective relays

+ Electrical and electronics theory

+ Digital or Analog control systems

+ Using computerized test equipment (oscilloscope, megger, digital multimeter)

+ Reading and interpreting electrical and control schematics

+ Reading and interpreting one-line diagrams

+ Control logic and PLC systems

+ Motor Control Center maintenance

+ N/A - None of the above

11

Did your electrical history include training or experience in any of the following areas? (Select all that apply)

+ Lock-Out Tag-Out procedures

+ Coordination of Switching Orders

+ Combustion turbine plant operations

+ Hydro-electric operations

+ Electrical switchboards, circuits breakers and exporting power to the grid

+ NEC and NESC compliance work

+ Compliance work for NERC requirements

+ I have no training in or experience with any of these areas

12

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to, verification of employment and education records, identification verification, drier's license record, and criminal history.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Rochester

Address

201 4th Street SE Rochester, Minnesota, 55904

Phone

(507) 328-2555

Website

https://www.rochestermn.gov/employment

Apply

Please verify your email address Verify Email