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What This Role Delivers
The Substation Intern gains hands-on experience supporting the construction, commissioning, maintenance, testing, and operation of OPPD's transmission and distribution substations. Working alongside experienced electricians, technicians, and relay specialists, this role develops foundational technical skills while contributing to the safe and reliable delivery of electric service. The internship provides practical exposure to substation equipment, protection and control systems, automation technologies, and power delivery infrastructure.
Department: Substation & System Protections
Location: Elkhorn Service Center
Duration: May 2027 ¿ August 2027
Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday, 10-hour days
What You Will Lead & Own
¿ Participate in structured learning experiences designed to build technical knowledge and professional skills while supporting team projects and operational activities.
¿ Assist with the construction and installation of transmission and distribution substations, including foundation installation, structural steel assembly, electrical construction, and equipment setup.
¿ Support the commissioning of power delivery equipment used within OPPD's transmission and distribution systems.
¿ Participate in inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair activities for substation equipment, including circuit breakers, transformers, voltage regulators, reclosers, and related systems.
¿ Assist in the safe operation and maintenance of transmission and distribution equipment used to deliver reliable electric service.
¿ Support the installation, maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of protective relays, control equipment, RTUs, SCADA systems, and associated automation technologies under direct supervision.
¿ Review drawings, prints, records, schematics, and technical documentation to support protection and control system modifications and commissioning activities.
¿ Assist with preparing and executing cutovers, functional, and testing procedures for protection and supervisory control systems.
¿ Support troubleshooting efforts to identify potential issues within protection and supervisory control schemes and assist with corrective actions.
¿ Transport materials, prepare work sites, and provide general field support to construction, maintenance, testing, and commissioning efforts.
¿ Perform all assigned work in accordance with the District Safety Manual, Hold Order System, Personal Protective Grounding Manual, and other established safety standards and practices.
¿ Demonstrate curiosity, responsiveness to feedback, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
What You Will Bring
¿ Current full-time student attending an accredited college or university.
¿ Enrollment in Substation Technology, Electrical Technology, Automation, Relay Protection, Electromechanical Technology, Instrumentation and Control, or related program.
¿ Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
¿ Ability to successfully perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
What Will Help You Stand Out
¿ Interest in electric utility operations, substation construction, and power delivery systems.
¿ Familiarity with electrical schematics, technical drawings, and construction documentation.
¿ Coursework related to protective relaying, automation systems, SCADA, instrumentation, or electrical testing.
¿ Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
¿ Ability to learn technical concepts quickly and apply classroom knowledge in field environments.
¿ Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
¿ Effective communication and collaboration skills.
¿ Interest in pursuing a career in substation operations, electrical maintenance, protection and controls, or utility engineering.
Additional Role Requirements
Time Demands
¿ This is a non-essential position; however, interns may be required to report beyond normal work hours to support restoration of normal business operations when needed.
¿ Must maintain regular and predictable attendance in accordance with departmental expectations.
Work Environment
¿ Work is performed in both substation and outdoor field environments.
¿ Exposure to a variety of weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind.
¿ Work may occur around energized high-voltage electrical equipment, active construction sites, and power delivery facilities.
¿ Requires compliance with all safety procedures, operating practices, and work standards.
Physical Demands
¿ Ability to perform field-based work that may include standing, walking, climbing, lifting, carrying materials, and working outdoors.
¿ Ability to safely navigate construction and substation environments.
¿ Ability to utilize required personal protective equipment and perform work in accordance with established safety requirements.
¿ Ability to participate in equipment installation, testing, maintenance, and commissioning activities under supervision.
¿ Ability to transport materials and support various field activities throughout the internship.
Salary/Wage Info
Min: $20.87
Max: $25.50
The OPPD Difference
Our Culture & Mission
At Omaha Public Power District, everything starts with people. Our teams, our communities, and the customer owners who count on us. As the 12th largest public power utility in the U.S., we serve more than 900,000 people across 13 counties, and we take that responsibility seriously.
We lead with integrity, support one another, and do what is right because how we serve matters just as much as what we deliver. Our goal is simple: provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy today and for generations to come.
We create power with purpose. Your work here has real impact on families, the environment, and on the future of energy. And we believe great ideas can come from anywhere.
If you want to be part of a team that takes care of the community and the people who serve it, you are in the right place. We back up our mission by taking care of our employees, too, which is why our benefits are among the most comprehensive and competitive in the region.
Ready to apply?
Apply By: February 28, 2027
When you apply, be sure your resume highlights the skills and experience that will help you succeed in this role.
EOE: Protected Veterans
If you would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with OPPD, please email OPPD Talent Acquisition at TalentAcquisition@OPPD.com .
Recruiter: Andrew Ray - alray@oppd.com #LI-RA
PLEASE NOTE - Your application has not been submitted unless you have applied for a specific requisition. If you have not chosen a specific opening, your application will remain in 'DRAFT' form and will not be viewed by our Human Capital staff.