Apprentice/Journeyman Systems Technician - System Protection

Western Farmers Electric Cooperative•Anadarko, OK

About The Position

At the option of the hiring official, this position could be filled as a Journeyman Systems Technician or as an Apprentice Systems Technician - System Protection based on experience, knowledge, education, and abilities for the position. SUMMARY JOURNEYMAN SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN SYSTEM PROTECTION: Under the direct supervision of the Systems Technician Supervisor, the Journeyman Systems Technician supports the electrical, electronic, and communications systems utilized to properly control, protect, and maintain the transmission system. Journeyman Systems Technicians specialize in one of the following areas but are required to support work in the other area as needed. These areas include but are not limited to electromechanical and micro-processor based relays, substation automation, and metering. Duties include the maintenance, repair, installation, and calibration of all specialized equipment making up these and other systems. SUMMARY APPRENTICE SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN SYSTEM PROTECTION: Under the direct supervision of the Systems Technician Supervisor, the Apprentice Systems Technician Level I-V participates in the apprentice training program and supports the electrical, electronic, and communications systems utilized to properly control, protect, and maintain the transmission system. Systems Technicians specialize in one of the following areas but are required to support work in the other area as needed. These areas include but are not limited to electromechanical and micro-processor-based relays, substation automation, and metering. Duties include the maintenance, repair, installation, and calibration of all specialized equipment making up these and other systems. The Systems Technician apprentice training program requires a minimum of five years to complete if begun at the entry level. It includes extensive on-the-job training, formal training, online training and written study, some of which must be completed outside of work hours. Satisfactory performance and continuous progress toward completion of the program is required for continuous step progressions. Apprentices must develop sound, effective and safe work habits.

Requirements

Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in a related field or five years of directly related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience, plus minimum one year of Systems Technician level is required.
Completion of a recognized apprentice training program in system protection or communications is also qualifying.
Experience may be substituted for education at the rate of two years of experience for one year of education.
Troubleshooting and problem resolution skills related to a wide range of communications equipment are required including experience with one or more of the following: communications systems, metering, protective relaying, EMS/SCADA systems, and telephone systems.
Must be a High School graduate and have a minimum of one (1) year experience in two (2) or more of the following areas: Operation of light and/or heavy equipment such as cranes or boom trucks, digger equipment, bucket trucks, or aerial man lift devices. Construction, maintenance, or operation of an electrical distribution or transmission system. General construction or building experience as an electrician or apprentice electrician. Previous schools or training (including military) related to the electrical industry.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively to other employees.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Experience using a personal computer running Microsoft Office applications is required.
Must maintain a current and valid State of Oklahoma driver's license.
This position requires that the incumbent live within thirty miles travel distance of the headquarters facility in Anadarko, Oklahoma.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in any of the following categories: Working in climbing tools. Working from aerial man lift devices. Working at heights up to 120 feet or more. Working in electrical substations. Working on or near high voltage AC circuits.
Have previous experience or training with computers or digital and/or electronic equipment.
Experience installing, troubleshooting, and resolving problems related to electric metering and relaying or communications equipment.
Experience with various software applications used for communication, programming, and testing of systems is desired.

Responsibilities

Performs the duties of a Journeyman Systems Technician with emphasis on system protection or communications which include proficiency in one of the following areas: Installation, repair, calibration of all components necessary for metering, relaying, and substation automation to function as designed, as well as the transmission of proper data back to the Energy Management System or Substation Automation system where applicable.
Resolution of system problem requests from system Operations, Engineering, and Transmission & Distribution Services personnel in an efficient and timely manner.
Proper configuration or programming of meters and relays and interpretation of data from either to resolve problems with that device, the transmission system or substation.
Conducting commission testing of new or existing switch stations or substations and documenting all testing completed to ensure system reliability, and NERC compliance where applicable.
Directing and/or overseeing contractors who are installing metering, relaying, or related components to ensure proper installation and documentation for NERC compliance while commissioning switch stations.
Supporting communications functions by performing communications related duties as required.
Maintains tools, equipment, and work environment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.
Follows all safety procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
Complies with all OSHA and WFEC safety rules, policies and procedures.
Participates in training to maintain current knowledge and skills needed to perform job duties.
Trains other personnel in the use of specifically assigned equipment as required.
Supports all Systems Technicians by performing duties in the other specialty area as required.
Documents work for any NERC compliance requirements that may apply.
Coordinates with Transmission Operators on clearances and switching orders to ensure safe operations.
Successfully completes the Systems Protection Technician apprentice training program including formal training, on-the-job training, outside education, and written study, some of which must be completed outside of work hours.
Learns to perform and performs at a level appropriate to training, the duties of a Systems Technician with emphasis on system protection or communications which include proficiency in one of the following areas: Installation, repair, calibration of all components necessary for metering, relaying, and substation automation to function as designed, as well as the transmission of proper data back to the Energy Management System or System Automation system where applicable.
Under the supervisor of a Lead or Journeyman technician authorized to perform switching, coordinates with the Transmission Operators on clearances and switching orders to ensure safe operations.