Switching Operator | Substation Operations Technician

Substation Operations Technician (Switching Operator) – 6-12 Month Fixed Term Contract – South Metro Depot

This position is responsible for being the first responder of network primary plant faults to ensure its timely and efficient investigation, remediation and return to service. Checking and implementation of switching programs to ensure the efficient and safe completion of switching programs and which minimises risk to equipment, personnel, and supply continuity. Issue and coordinate permits, communicate with key stakeholders and adapt to a changing work environment to complete programs in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner.

This role is based at our brand-new state-of-the-art South Metro Depot in Forrestdale, conveniently located next to Tonkin Highway. Spanning across 120,000 square meters. With the latest infrastructure and technology, the depot empowers all employees to create that perfect work-life balance whilst operating in an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Your Role in Action  

• Take personal accountability for safety in the work environment and ensure safe work practises are followed and a safe work environment maintained.
• Plan for work in advance and adapt plan when resources are pulled away for other business priorities or system conditions change.
• Where necessary maintain the integrity of the network with minimal loss of supply. Ensure prompt attendance to faults, isolating the system and taking steps to restore supplies and manage public access as appropriate to the fault type.
• Undertake tactical switching operations tasks to facilitate maximum work effort through consultation and negotiation with requesting groups.
• Providing technical advice on switching operations and commissioning of new plant (including inspections, receiving handovers and inputting on commissioning programs).
• Take personal accountability for work performance and be open to other contributions. Work cooperatively within the team and across Western Power.
• Provide a safe and structured upskilling of this position to the responsibilities and activities required at the Specialist A level.
• Ensure feedback to stakeholders to keep them informed particularly if job not going to plan where appropriate.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Possess Cert III (ESI Distribution / Transmission Overhead / Power Systems Distribution Cable Jointing) and/or Electrical Trade Certificate, and/or Current WA Electrical Workers License endorsed for Electrical Fitting
• Current Electrical Workers License - essential
• Western Power Switching Levels including Level 0(eNAR) plus either ZS, TL, TS, or LOU, HOU, ZS
• A minimum of 5 + years advanced technical experience within a particular discipline, preferably in the Networks business.
• Hold all appropriate industry licences or certificates of competency especially substation inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair
• Specialist advanced experience in the following;
  • Technical knowledge of network switching & outage techniques and practices
  • Knowledge of safety policies and procedures, particularly operating field practices and procedures applying to the power system
  • Knowledge of network construction, maintenance and operation’s field practices and procedures

• Conceptual knowledge of other disciplines associated with network design, including protection, SCADA and communications
• Some knowledge of resource and financial management practices and procedures.

By joining Western Power, you will contribute to powering a cleaner energy future. We are dedicated to fostering career development and promoting a healthy work-life balance, empowering you to drive innovation as we develop a network that will serve the Western Australian community for generations. You will also benefit from a range of perks and opportunities, including: 

• Over 50% of our employment opportunities are driven by career progression.  
• Flexible work arrangements to support part time work, working hours and working from home arrangements. 
• The opportunity to purchase up to four weeks of additional leave per year. 
• Access to salary packaging, social club activities, and discounted health insurance and gym membership. 
• An award-winning employee recognition and benefits programme. 
• An innovative team culture that’s enabling the transition to renewable energy and decarbonisation.   
• In addition to standard leave, enjoy three wellness leave days each year.
• Access to end-of-trip facilities at our Perth office and South Metro Depot, perfect for cyclists.
• 22 weeks paid parental leave and 5 days of First Nations cultural leave to support family and cultural connections.

Applications closing date 30 July 2026.

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and LGBTQIA+ communities. As a WORK180-endorsed employer for women, we are proud of our commitment to inclusion. You can learn more about this through our Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. 

Learn more about Western Power here: About (westernpower.com.au) 

Find out how we’re building A Network for Life: A network for life (westernpower.com.au)