Substation Attendant Permanent | Full-time | Home-based with regular site presence (Bristol vicinity)

The role

This is a multifunctional role supporting an Asset Operations team with the construction assurance, operations and maintenance of adopted electricity networks. You'll play a key part during the construction phase by undertaking site assurance audits to confirm assets are built to design and ready for energisation and adoption.

Post-energisation, you'll support ongoing operations and maintenance — carrying out ESQCR inspections, condition monitoring, oil sampling, operational checks and supporting intrusive periodic maintenance during outage periods. You'll also work towards acting as a first responder during fault situations.

This role comes with a genuine career pathway, including the opportunity to undertake a Level 3 Power Industry Substation Fitter apprenticeship, progress into a Substation Craftsperson position, and develop further through to Senior Authorisation.

What you'll be doing

Ensuring networks are built to approved design standards and conform to industry legislation prior to adoption
Compiling nonconformity audit reports and coordinating with internal project delivery teams for remedial action
Maintaining a working knowledge of legislation applicable to the design, ownership and operation of HV and LV electricity distribution networks
Supporting ESQCR statutory inspections across HV and EHV networks
Carrying out non-intrusive inspections including thermographic surveys, Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) checks, oil sampling and routine substation infrastructure inspections
Supporting intrusive maintenance programmes during outage periods
Acting as a first responder during fault conditions
Completing non-outage defects and remedial actions
Representing the business on site and at customer locations, maintaining strong working relationships

What we're looking for

Essential:

Familiarity with legislation relating to utility assets, site health and safety and environmental requirements
Some knowledge and experience of the electrical distribution industry, or a similar industry with a strong emphasis on site operations and safety
Ability to achieve and maintain authorisation under the Distribution Safety Rules (DSRs) at minimum Competent Person level
Ability to review and interpret plans, drawings and design documentation
Effective communicator across all levels, with the ability to audit on site whilst managing customer relationships
Self-motivated with a genuine drive to learn, develop and progress towards Senior Authorised Person
Familiarity with Safe Systems of Work including Point of Work Risk Assessment, Risk Assessments and associated Safety Documents
Comfortable learning software packages including Microsoft 365, project management tools and EAM systems
Full UK driving licence

Desirable:

Background in IDNO, DNO, TO, ICP, renewables, generation, continuous process or armed forces
A qualification in an engineering discipline such as BTEC (ONC/HNC) or NVQ
Previous authorisation held under Safety Rules
Experience working in new network connections including civil works, cable installation and substation plant and equipment
Ability to fault find and test electrical equipment

What kind of person fits here?

You're practical, safety-conscious and take real pride in doing a job properly. You're comfortable working independently on site, confident communicating with customers and colleagues alike, and motivated by the opportunity to build a long-term career in the power industry. Whether you're coming from a utility background or bringing transferable skills from another sector, what matters most is attitude, reliability and a genuine willingness to learn.

About embs energy

With over 30 years of specialist knowledge, embs energy is a leading recruitment partner across the power, energy and transmission & distribution sectors. We work with clients and candidates across the UK, Europe and globally, connecting exceptional talent with the organisations shaping the future of energy. Our deep sector expertise means we understand the technical nuance of every role we recruit — from entry level through to executive search. When you work with embs energy, you're working with people who truly know your world.