Electric Transmission and Distribution Systems Internship

Electric Transmission and Distribution Systems Internship

At Colorado Springs Utilities, the work of transmission and distribution offers a unique opportunity for college students to learn about the careful management of electrical assets. This work is unique in that it combines what are often four unique disciplines within the electrical profession—distribution, substations, relay maintenance and programs management. The many learning experiences acquired within the Electric Transmission and Distribution Systems unit offers a well-balanced introduction into our industry.

This is a seasonal position requiring 20-40 as-needed work hours/week from the end of April through September (if possible). (The position can be designed to support a student’s school schedule.) 

An Electric T&D Systems Internship offers the following learning opportunities:

• Overview of the distribution system within Colorado Springs Utilities
• The programs and best practices of substation maintenance and distribution operations
• Exposure to program management skills (tools, follow-through, reporting, etc.) to ensure careful processes and standards are followed in program implementation
• Extensive training and field experience in customer sharing, education and conflict resolution including tools and services to support same
• General engineering principles and best practices for operations
• Opportunities to explore further education in power systems engineering, program management, and relay protection.

In this position the electrical engineering intern will learn various forms of operations ranging from transmission and distribution programs, distribution operations, substation maintenance, and relay maintenance. 

Specifically, the following focus areas make up this internship position:

• Transmission & Distribution Programs - 50%    
  • Support staff members with program management on transmission and distribution system maintenance
• Distribution Operations - 20%    
  • Support staff responsible for operational engineering on the distribution system
• Substation Maintenance  - 15%    
  • Support staff members with data analysis and assist the Substation Operations crews
• Relay Maintenance - 15% 
  •  Support staff members with relay data and assist the Relay Instrumentation & Control group

There will be weekly periodic work done between two different locations within the city

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
-  Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
-  Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions within an office working environment.

*This is an on-site, non-remote/non-telecommuting position 
*Hourly rate is dependent on year completed of academic degree, e.g., second year complete, third year complete, etc. 
*Candidates MUST be enrolled in a degree seeking program (Associates/Bachelors/Masters) with a 2.5 GPA and be able to provide documentation if requested.  Enrollment in a certification program does not qualify. 

Who We Are:
Colorado Springs Utilities is the largest community owned, not-for-profit, four-service utility in the nation. For 100 years, we have provided Colorado Springs with safe, reliable and competitively-priced electric, natural gas, water and wastewater services. We care about our community's well-being, support local business and have an interest in all things that help make Colorado Springs a great place to live, work and play 

Be a part of a unique, customer-owned and operated four-service utility. With our rare distinction of providing four utility services – natural gas, electricity, water, and wastewater treatment – we offer a varied, fast-paced work culture teeming with potential. 

Colorado Springs Utilities infuses corporate responsibility and safety into daily business operations with the foundation of decision-making focused on our community owners, employees, and environment. As an employee, you will have an opportunity to contribute ideas and solutions in an engaging, dynamic team environment. 

Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities.  They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving.  We don't just say people are important – we prove it!  That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs