Tristen Daigle
Lafayette
Summary
Versatile Substation Technician and skilled tradesman with multiple years of hands-on experience in high-voltage substation construction, electrical maintenance, and industrial equipment operations. Proven ability to assemble, align, and commission critical electrical infrastructure up to 500kV while maintaining strict adherence to OSHA and NFPA 70E safety standards. Experienced in switch installation, grounding systems, cable terminations, blueprint interpretation, and heavy equipment operation. Recognized for quality workmanship, mechanical aptitude, strong troubleshooting skills, and the ability to perform effectively in outage-driven and high-pressure environments. Collaborative team member who adapts quickly to evolving project requirements and consistently delivers safe, reliable results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Construction Manager
QMS, Inc.
Tatum, TX
01.2025 - Current
- Supervised and directed electrical construction crews on medium- to high-voltage projects, ensuring all work met project specifications, codes, and safety standards.
- Planned, scheduled, and coordinated daily field activities to maximize productivity, efficiency, and quality of work.
- Led teams of electricians and subcontractors in installation, maintenance, and commissioning of electrical systems for industrial, commercial, and utility-scale projects.
- Oversaw inventory check-in and out for wire, cable and conduit.
- Conducted daily safety meetings and enforced OSHA and company safety policies to achieve zero-incident work environments.
- Collaborated closely with engineers, project managers, and clients to resolve design conflicts and maintain smooth project execution.
- Reviewed electrical drawings, blueprints, and schematics to verify compliance with project requirements and industry standards.
- Trained and mentored crew members in technical procedures, safety practices, and professional development.
- Managed quality control processes, ensuring all installations passed inspections and testing requirements.
- Maintained accurate project documentation, including progress reports, time sheets, and material usage records.
Substation Technician
IBEW
Baton Rouge, LA
06.2022 - 01.2025
- Constructed, assembled, and installed vertical break, center break, side break, rotary (“helicopter” style), and ground switches in energized and de-energized substations ranging from 69kV to 500kV.
- Performed precision alignment, blade tracking, and mechanical adjustments to ensure proper toggle action, specified contact penetration, and reliable high-voltage switching performance.
- Calibrated and adjusted switch linkages, insulators, bearings, and operating mechanisms to meet manufacturer tolerances, engineering drawings, and NETA acceptance standards.
- Supported planned outages and new construction projects by completing mechanical installations, pre-commissioning inspections, and operational checks prior to energization.
- Executed work in compliance with OSHA regulations, NFPA 70E requirements, LOTO procedures, and site-specific safety protocols, maintaining a strong safety record in high-risk environments.
- Collaborated with commissioning teams, relay technicians, and engineers to resolve field discrepancies and obtain final customer approval.
Substation Technician
EP Breaux Utility Services
New Iberia, LA
06.2018 - 06.2022
- Assisted in the construction and commissioning of high-voltage substations (69kV–500kV) for utility and industrial clients.
- CAD welded below-grade copper ground grid systems and installed ground tails on all potentially energized structures to ensure proper fault current dissipation and grounding integrity.
- Erected and aligned structural steel to support CCVTs, disconnect switches, bus supports, and associated substation equipment per engineering drawings.
- Installed multiple configurations of underground PVC conduit systems, concrete-encased duct banks, trenches, and cable tray systems for control and power distribution.
- Mounted, assembled, aligned, and adjusted vertical break, center break, side break, rotary, and ground switches to ensure proper timing, blade tracking, and contact penetration.
- Stripped, terminated, and landed control wiring and high-voltage cable in panels, transformers, breakers, and relay cabinets in accordance with schematics and wiring diagrams.
- Operated heavy equipment and specialty tools related to substation construction, including forklifts, skid steers, aerial lifts, and cable-pulling equipment.
- Supported outage schedules and pre-energization inspections while maintaining compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, and LOTO safety standards.
Roughneck
Unit Drilling
Midland, TX
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Tripped pipe in and out of the hole using manual tongs while maintaining proper torque and well control procedures.
- Pulled, laid down, and racked back drill pipe and collars in accordance with drilling operations and safety protocols.
- Assisted in assembling, testing, and installing the Blowout Preventer (BOP) stack to ensure well control compliance.
- Participated in rig-up and rig-down operations, including assembling and disassembling drilling rig components.
- Performed preventative maintenance and minor repairs on mud pumps, generators, and main engines to ensure continuous drilling operations.
- Maintained safe working conditions on the rig floor in compliance with company policies and industry safety standards.
Heavy Equipment & Silo Operator
Charah Solutions, Inc.
Lena, LA
01.2015 - 06.2016
- Monitored and maintained proper ash levels within storage silos to ensure continuous plant operations and prevent overflow or system disruptions.
- Operated industrial dump trucks to transport and dispose of ash in designated landfill areas in compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
- Performed routine maintenance and minor repairs on mixers and processing equipment to maintain efficient and reliable operating conditions.
- Operated heavy equipment including skid steers, articulated water trucks, excavators, and bulldozers to support material handling and site operations.
- Conducted daily equipment inspections and adhered to site safety procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
Education
High School Diploma -
Skills
- High and Low Voltage Electrical Systems
- Project Management and Team Leadership
- Concrete finishing and forming
- Blueprint Reading and interpretation
- Carpentry and Construction
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Substation Construction and Maintenance
- NEC Compliance and Safety
Certification
- OSHA 10
- OSHA 30
- First Aid/CPR/AED
- ISN
- Qualified Rigger
- THUET
- PEC
- Powersafe
- Journeymen Electrician
- NFPA 70E
Timeline
Construction Manager
QMS, Inc.
01.2025 - Current
Substation Technician
IBEW
06.2022 - 01.2025
Substation Technician
EP Breaux Utility Services
06.2018 - 06.2022
Roughneck
Unit Drilling
06.2016 - 06.2018
Heavy Equipment & Silo Operator
Charah Solutions, Inc.
01.2015 - 06.2016