Advanced Meter Relay Technician I

Grant PUD•Moses Lake, WA

About The Position

This position is responsible for safely, efficiently, and correctly completing metering, relay, and transformer work in substations and switchyards. It is considered an Advanced Journeyman role and is intended to be the most knowledgeable craft worker at Grant County PUD. The position performs varied work assignments at multiple locations and trains and mentors Advanced Meter Relay Technicians below its level in the career ladder. The employee works under the direction of and reports to the Meter Relay Foreman, Supervisor, or other designated management employee. The work includes leading and participating in testing, installation, programming, troubleshooting, maintenance, commissioning, and switching-related activities involving meters, protective relays, transformers, and other substation equipment. The position also supports other crafts, investigates service issues and customer complaints, and prepares metering reports for billing and records. Driving district vehicles and equipment is an essential function. The employee is expected to follow District and state safety requirements, maintain tools and equipment, support a collaborative work environment, and demonstrate commitment to Grant PUD’s mission, values, strategic plan, and Grant PUD/IBEW Local 77 Code of Excellence. The position may require CIP certification and a background check.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
Completion of an approved Meterman Apprenticeship or qualification as a Power Generation, Transmission, or Distribution Journeyman Electrical Worker.
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 6 months of hire.
Valid driver’s license with no driving restrictions.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of Washington State Electrical Safety Rules and Regulations.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of Washington State General Safety and Health Standards.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of District employee policies and procedures, including personnel and safety policies.
Ability to support customers while advancing the District’s mission, vision, and values, and willingness to 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 for relay, substation metering, and power transformer programming, troubleshooting, testing, or reading.
Ability to safely and efficiently perform work with and direct the work of Advanced Meter Relay Technicians 1–3.
Ability to give, follow, and understand oral and written instructions.
Ability to operate and train others in the proper operation of equipment, power tools, hand tools, testing tools, and testing equipment.
Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
Problem-solving ability and 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 weather conditions typical of Grant County.
Ability to reach above shoulder level, distinguish colors, and use sight, hearing, touch, feel, and smell.
Ability to ascend and descend stairs and ladders and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Drive district vehicles and equipment, including service trucks, fleet vehicles, and bucket trucks.
Train, mentor, and guide Advanced Meter Relay Technicians below the incumbent’s level in the career ladder.
Oversee and be accountable for the work and conduct of Advanced Meter Relay Technicians below the incumbent’s level.
Assume a leadership role in substations and switchyards, particularly when working in composite crews.
Promote a collaborative, team-oriented environment and work courteously and effectively with other District crafts.
Ensure work complies with District drawings, specifications, and construction standards.
Enforce District and Washington State safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
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.
Program, calibrate, test, and troubleshoot protective relays; perform switching operations as part of this work when needed.
Conduct hi-pot testing of GCPUD assets, underground cable fault location and testing, and ground grid and soil resistivity testing.
Perform power transformer testing, trip checks, and balancing during switching operations.
Conduct current transformer and potential transformer metering and settings checks.
Install, program, troubleshoot, and replace revenue, power quality, feeder, transformer, and indicating metering.
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 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 goal of achieving Technician IV status.
Perform work independently or with foremen, linemen, groundmen, electrical mechanics, technicians, apprentices, and others, as assigned.
Follow applicable compliance requirements, laws, regulations, security guidelines, and Grant PUD policies and procedures.
Participate in the safety program by following safety procedures, alerting others to hazards, reporting incidents or close calls within 24 hours, and accepting safety feedback.