Substation Inspector

81809 – Substation Inspector

Reporting to the Operational Engineer, this permanent role is based in the Heathrow office of UKPN Services.

Compensation: £37,178 annual salary plus a 3% bonus.

Close Date: 06/01/2026

Additional Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Reserve Leave – additional 18 days at full pay and 22 days unpaid.
• Personal pension plan – personal contribution 4% or 5%; UK Power Networks contributes 8% or 10%.
• Tenancy loan deposit scheme, season ticket loan.
• Tax‑efficient benefits:
  Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, Green Car Leasing.
• Occupational Health support.
• Switched On scheme – discount on hundreds of retailers’ products.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

Job Purpose: Carry out the full range of duties associated with Substation Inspections, including vegetation management and cleaning at substation voltages up to 33 kV, across the UK Power Networks Services geographical area.

Principal Accountabilities (Responsibilities):

• Inspection & non‑intrusive diagnostic testing of HV and LV distribution plant.
• Fault location and repair of minor plant defects.
• Demonstrate a safety culture and embrace the UKPNS stay‑safe programme.
• Take oil samples for diagnostic testing when required.
• Report and complete work orders through handheld IT equipment.
• Oversee maintenance/project/sub‑contract staff within the working party.
• Assist team with other maintenance and project‑based work.
• Be prepared to assist other sections (organisational changes, system emergencies) as required.
• Clean all substation internals – dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, cleaning internal windows.
• Complete additional site visits for ESQC regulations.
• HV and LV meter reading.
• Sub‑station external compound vegetation pruning/removal by manual, mechanical or chemical control.
• Undertake touch‑up re‑decoration tasks as directed.

Requirements:

• Educated to at least GCSE level or equivalent.
• Basic electrical background and ability to recognise dangers within substations.
• Understanding of the Electricity at Work Act.
• Ability to understand electrical diagrams and maps.
• Flexibility to work alone and in a team environment.
• Practical problem‑solving skills.
• Full clean driving licence.
• Knowledge of health, safety and environmental legislation.
• Data entry on handheld devices.
• Knowledge of chemicals and other supplies.
• Familiarity with Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Familiarity with ‘sharps’ management.

Person

Skills:

• Safety focus required.
• Determined and passionate about our goals.
• Enthusiastic to learn and develop new techniques.
• Demonstrate a five‑year continuous, traceable work history for airport security access.

Health & Safety Responsibilities: Managers and supervisors carry legal and company responsibilities for health and safety. Employees must understand and apply the required controls to manage risks and protect the environment. For roles involving heights or fall arrest devices, the upper weight limit is 116 kg.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

For more information or to apply, please contact  quoting the vacancy reference number. A member of the team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.