Advanced Meter Relay Technician I

Grant County Public Utility District•Moses Lake, WA

About The Position

This position is responsible for the safe, efficient, and correct completion of metering, relay, and transformer work in substations. It is considered an Advanced Journeyman role and is intended to be the most knowledgeable craft worker at Grant County PUD. The technician performs varied assignments at multiple locations and trains and mentors Advanced Meter Relay Technicians in training. The employee works under the direction of and reports to the Meter Relay Foreman, Supervisor, or another designated management employee. Duties may be performed independently or with other crafts and crew members. The role may be upgraded to foreman or assigned to other areas if supervision deems the employee qualified. The position requires compliance with District drawings, specifications, construction standards, safety requirements, and applicable policies and regulations. It also requires a commitment to Grant PUD’s mission, vision, values, strategic plan, and Grant PUD/IBEW Local 77 Code of Excellence.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
Experience and proficiency required for the applicable Technician I–IV level, as detailed in the Electric Shop Technician Career Ladder.
Valid first aid card including CPR training, equivalent to Washington State industrial first aid requirements, or ability to obtain one within six months of hire.
Valid driver’s license with no driving restrictions.
Completion of an approved Meterman Apprenticeship or qualification as a Power Generation, Transmission, or Distribution Journeyman Electrical Worker.
May require CIP certification and a background check.
Thorough knowledge of Washington State Electrical Safety Rules and Regulations and Washington State General Safety and Health Standards.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations and thorough understanding of District employee, personnel, and safety policies and procedures.
Ability to support customers while advancing the District’s mission, vision, and values, resolve issues, and contribute ideas for continuous improvement.
Ability to write legibly, complete forms and reports, and maintain records and files.
Ability to use the District’s approved maintenance, mapping, and timekeeping software, as well as programs used for relay, substation metering, and power transformer programming, troubleshooting, testing, or reading.
Ability to work safely and efficiently with and direct the work of Advanced Meter Relay Technicians I–III.
Ability to give, follow, and understand oral and written instructions.
Ability to operate equipment, power tools, hand tools, and testing tools and equipment, and train others in their proper operation.
Ability to work independently, remain self-motivated, solve problems, and exercise sound judgment, especially in stressful situations.
Ability to use necessary District computers and programs.
Ability to work in high-noise or vibration areas, confined or movement-restricted spaces, near hazardous energy sources, and in all weather conditions typical of Grant County.
Ability to reach above shoulder level, distinguish colors, use sight, hearing, touch, feel, and smell, ascend and descend stairs and ladders, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Drive district vehicles and equipment, including service trucks, district fleet vehicles, and bucket trucks.
Train, mentor, and guide Advanced Meter Relay Technicians below the employee’s career-ladder level, ensuring they are trained, equipped, and informed.
Oversee and be accountable for the work and conduct of Advanced Meter Relay Technicians below the employee’s career-ladder level.
Take a leadership role within substations and switchyards, particularly on composite crews, and promote a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
Collaborate courteously and effectively with other District crafts.
Ensure work complies with District drawings, specifications, and construction standards, and enforce District and Washington State safety requirements.
Maintain assigned tools and equipment in safe, clean, serviceable condition and arrange repairs and maintenance as needed.
Apply switching and clearance procedures, including accepting, applying, and releasing clearances.
Operate, maintain, repair, test, calibrate, and install meters and relays of all types and voltages used by the District in substations and switchyards.
Program, calibrate, test, and troubleshoot protective relays in substations and switchyards, and perform switching operations as part of this work when needed.
Conduct hi-pot testing of GCPUD assets.
Locate and test underground cable faults.
Conduct ground grid and soil resistivity testing.
Perform power transformer testing, trip checks, and balancing during switching operations in substations and switchyards.
Conduct current transformer and potential transformer metering and settings checks in switchyards.
Install, program, troubleshoot, and replace revenue, power quality, feeder, transformer, and indicating metering in substations and switchyards.
Lead commissioning activities for large and small substation and switchyard projects.
Assist other crafts with troubleshooting in substations and switchyards as requested.
Conduct acceptance and in-service testing on devices maintained by Advanced Meter Relay Technicians in Transmission & Distribution.
Prepare detailed metering reports for accurate customer billing and recordkeeping.
Investigate and resolve trouble reports, service irregularities, and customer complaints.
Progress through the Advanced Meter Relay Technician Career Ladder, with the stated goal of achieving Technician IV status.
Perform assigned work independently or with foremen, linemen, groundmen, electrical mechanics, technicians, apprentices, and others under a supervisor’s or foreman’s direction.
Understand and comply with applicable laws, regulations, security guidelines, and Grant PUD policies and procedures.
Participate in the safety program by following safety procedures, alerting supervisors and coworkers to hazards, reporting safety incidents or close calls within 24 hours, and accepting feedback on safety performance.