Relay Technician

About the role

Objective

The purpose of this position is to perform maintenance, installation, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting on protective relay devices, control circuits, and related equipment needed in the operation of Wabash Valley Power Association’s electric transmission, substation, and mobile substation facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Relay and Controls Maintenance: Inspect, test, and maintain protective relays, control systems, and associated equipment to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Relay Installation: Install new protective relays and control devices in accordance with technical specifications, manufacturer's guidelines, and industry standards.
• Testing and Calibration: Perform routine and periodic testing of protective relays to validate their proper operation. Calibrate relays to ensure accurate fault detection and response.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and troubleshoot relay malfunctions, control system issues, and related electrical faults. Identify and rectify problems to minimize downtime.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of relay maintenance, testing, and repairs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and documentation standards.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to safety protocols and best practices to protect oneself and others when working on live electrical equipment. Stay updated on safety regulations and guidelines.
• Emergency Response: Participate in emergency response activities during power outages, storms, or other critical situations, assisting in the quick restoration of electrical service.
• Technical Expertise: Stay current with advancements in protective relay technology, control systems, and industry standards. Implement innovative solutions to enhance system reliability.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other utility personnel, including engineers, electricians, and system operators, to optimize system performance and respond to issues effectively.
• Coordinates and monitors contractors’ activities when required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Knowledge of operation and theory of protective relaying systems and related equipment and their relationship to the overall operation of the transmission system.
• Knowledge of AC and DC electrical systems.

Ability to comprehend and apply technical documentation, including but not limited to, substation instructions, electrical one-line diagrams, schematic and wiring diagrams, technical manuals, instruction books, construction drawings, electrical schematics, and LOTO.

Ability to read, interpret, and mark-up complex substation drawings, single-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, and panel wiring.

Skilled in the use and application of various types of electronic equipment, including but not limited to relay test kits, multimeters, phase angle meters and personal computers to diagnose equipment problems and effect repairs, or to ensure proper performance of equipment.

• Knowledge of Substation and Transmission occupational hazards, safety, and standard work procedures required.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage assigned work responsibilities in an independent manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with others, both inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to think logically and independently to accomplish the goals of the organization.
• Ability to meet Company driving standards, including ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Will be required to pass all required Safety/Compliance courses related to substation entry, LOTO, etc.

Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power Technology, Electronics Technology, or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. Equivalent military training, completion of a recognized electrical apprenticeship, or an equivalent level of directly related relay protection and control experience may be considered in lieu of the degree.

Five or more years of hands-on experience in electric utility environments, specifically with protective relaying, substation control, and transmission/distribution systems.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power Technology, or Electronics Technology.
• Direct experience calibrating and functionally testing both electromechanical and microprocessor-based relays.
• The ability to develop test plans, interpret complex protection/control schematics, and troubleshoot distribution and transmission control circuits.
• NETA certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• Must be able to stand; reach with hands and arms, stoop and kneel.
• May be required to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• May be required to lift, carry, push, pull or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to report to various worksites and may be required to travel overnight to regional destinations.
• Must be able to drive/operate a company vehicle.
• Must be available for emergencies and overtime, as needed.
• Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone.

Working Conditions

Works indoors and outdoors at substations and other facilities in all weather conditions.

What You'll Get

• We believe what benefits our employees benefits our company.
• That’s why we put employees first—your health, your family, and your development.
• These aren’t just slogans: We offer continuing education, flex time, health benefits, a 401(k) match and pension plan, and much more.
• Here are just a few of the things that make our company culture unique:

• No Sweat - We offer a wellness program that includes a payroll credit for medical insurance, an on-site fitness center for your convenience and extra vacation days for participating. We’ll even throw in a fitness device reimbursement to keep you on track!
• Flex Time - Our flexible schedule means you can work in your appointments or family events and maintain a comfortable work-life balance.
• Stay in School - We value employees who have a desire to learn, so we provide funds for continuing education. We also offer in-house training and ongoing development through our internal GROW program.
• Keep it Casual - When you work for us, you work in comfort. Blue jeans are the norm in our office, and we make them look good!
• Work Hard, Play Hard - We reward our employees with generous vacation time, to the tune of up to five weeks off a year. Even our new employees receive credit for prior work experience.