Energy Generation/Power Distribution, Maintenance, Inspection, and Repair Technicians

Working Schedule

Power Systems Technicians (Electrical Field Test Technicians, Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers, and Power Distributors and Dispatchers) work full-time with occasional overtime to meet project deadlines. The job involves traveling to sites, sometimes outside the local area. They may be exposed to various weather conditions when working outdoors, and must always practice safety measures to avoid mishaps and injuries.

Typical Duties

Power Systems Technicians may work as either Electrical Field Test Technicians, Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers, or Power Distributors and Dispatchers. There is overlap sometimes—especially when it comes to the knowledge and skills required.

Power Distributors and Dispatchers manage the flow of power from its origin sources to the end users. Power-Line Installers are focused on the physical infrastructure of power distribution. Electrical Field Test Technicians have a broader role that includes assessing the performance and safety of electrical systems and equipment.

The extent of any duty overlap depends on the specific job setting and employer requirements.

• Install electrical equipment like generators, turbines, boilers, heat exchanges, control systems, transformers, switchgears, pumps, values, conveyors, feeders, emission control systems, cooling systems, batter systems, and renewable energy systems
• Operate equipment and oversee proper functioning
• Perform routine maintenance to keep equipment at optimal performance and extend the system’s lifecycle
• Use diagnostic sensors, gauges, and other instruments to troubleshoot and repair issues
• Consult operating manuals, schematics, and diagrams to troubleshoot problems
• Maintain electric power lines to ensure uninterrupted power supply
• Conduct thorough systems inspections to find any faults, damage, or potential hazards
• Test and calibrate equipment as needed
• Respond to outages and emergencies to get power back up safely
• Keep records of all maintenance work, inspections, and repairs
• Follow established safety procedures to avoid mishaps and injuries; wear appropriate personal protective equipment
• Coordinate efforts with fellow technicians, supervisors, and managers

Additional Responsibilities

• Stay up-to-date on industry regulations and new technologies and processes
• Participate in safety meetings, training sessions, and crew debriefings

Soft Skills

• Adaptability
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Clear communication
• Continuous learning mindset
• Critical thinking
• Detail-oriented
• Independent
• Problem-solving
• Quality assurance
• Safety-minded
• Sound judgment
• Teamwork
• Visualization

Technical Skills

• Ability to interpret and utilize blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics
• Basic electrical and mechanical engineering principles relevant to power systems
• Analysis using data from diagnostic tools and systems
• Familiarity with energy regulations, electrical codes, and safety standards
• Power generation equipment (generators, turbines, etc.)
• General math to calculate electrical loads
• Electrical systems (i.e., high-voltage power transmission and distribution networks)
• Compiling data into reports for maintenance, repair, or improvements
• Safety practices related to high-voltage equipment
• Power systems tools (voltage testers, multimeters, diagnostic equipment)
• Physical stamina, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to work at heights 

• Energy generation companies
• Power distribution firms
• Government agencies
• Research and development institutions
• Maintenance and repair service providers

The work of Power Systems Technicians impacts the safe creation and distribution of the power that runs our communities. They must perform their duties with a high degree of precision, especially when working on high-voltage equipment! The job demands attention to detail and adherence to strict safety protocols.

Sometimes the work environment can be challenging, especially when working outside in extreme weather, at heights, or in confined spaces. That’s why workers in this field need to be in good physical condition. They also have to be ready to respond on short notice to power outages.

Because the associated technology is ever-changing, technicians must commit to an ongoing process of learning new things. That may mean investing personal time to knock out training and certification courses.

There’s a big shift towards integrating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal into the nation’s power grid, as communities push for sustainable, environmentally friendly energy solutions.

However, integrating these variable energy sources into the existing grid infrastructure requires changes to grid management and energy storage technologies. Solar power, for example, relies on sunshine—which isn’t always available (such as at night or when it’s cloudy). Luckily, developments in battery technology like lithium-ion and solid-state batteries are making energy storage more efficient and affordable.

Meanwhile, smart grid technology is helping to boost efficiency and reduce waste by detecting and reacting to local changes in power usage. This is done via communication between the utility companies and the end customers, via smart meters, IoT devices, and energy management systems.

Power Systems Technicians likely enjoyed physical activities and being outside a lot in their younger days. They could have been interested in mechanical and electrical projects or experiments, or just had a general inclination towards technical, hands-on activities!