Operations Technician

Magic Valley Electric Cooperative•San Carlos, TX

About The Position

This position is responsible for directing, organizing and performing the installation, periodic inspection, testing, maintenance and repair of distribution protection and control equipment.

Requirements

Must be able to operate assigned equipment including testing and diagnostic equipment.
A valid Texas Driver’s License is required.
Must be able to learn and apply information from technical manuals and drawings in the completion of duties of the position.
This position requires the ability to perform testing both in the shop and with portable test equipment.
Must be able to perform the activities necessary to complete work assignments described in the position description.
Must understand electrical characteristics of electrical devices, circuits and test equipment and develop test procedures.
Must understand, develop and perform troubleshooting techniques for older and latest devices.
This position requires personal computer skills utilizing programs, which operate in both Dos and Windows, based environments.
Must be able to show a good degree of independence from guidance or assistance of other more senior technicians or engineers on most tasks.
Must be able to train less senior technicians.
Good oral and written communication skills are required to communicate technical information in a layman’s language.
The position requires frequent lifting of equipment and related materials.
Occasional lifting of equipment weighing approximately 100 pounds is required.
Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time may be required in the performance of the duties of this position.
After an offer of employment has been made, the cooperative requires a physical examination, which includes both drug and alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

Installs, calibrates, adjusts, programs, repairs, trouble shoots and inspects distribution protection and control equipment including mechanical and complex microprocessor controls.
Develop, understand and interpret existing and new test procedures.
Use sophisticated equipment to properly test and or interface with distribution protection and control equipment. Including low voltage generators, high current generators, microprocessor testers, and metering equipment.
Must be able to interpret data from tests to make recommendations as to proper maintenance, calibration, or repairs of tested distribution protection and control equipment.
Must also be able to interpret Engineering Drawings for troubleshooting and/or to make appropriate field changes.
Performs and assists with the installation, testing inspecting troubleshooting and programming of Distribution Automation equipment including microprocessor controls, microprocessor radio systems, antennas and cabling.
Operates, tests and troubleshoots energized distribution equipment including Voltage Regulators, Electronic Reclosers, Capacitors and other distribution protection equipment.
Sets up and maintains necessary inspection and testing records of distribution protection and control equipment.
Performs electrical wiring of distribution protection and control equipment including mechanical and complex microprocessor capacitor, regulator and recloser controls.
Provides oversight of all distribution protection and control equipment work including that of the Trainees and Tech I’s in the department, outside contractors, and other Magic Valley employees assisting any work related to distribution protection and control equipment.
Reviews contractors’ progress and reports submitted and reports any known discrepancies to supervisor.
Maintains inventory of repair parts for equipment and controls.
Maintains calibration of all test equipment.
Directs and performs all phases of maintenance of distribution protection and control equipment.
Troubleshoots distribution protection and control equipment, identifies and corrects defective material, or unsafe conditions and notifies appropriate supervisor of problem areas.
Participates in formal training programs for the improvement of job knowledge and technical skills when made available.
Coordinates maintenance and installation of distribution protection equipment and controls with Operations, SCADA, Contractors and other necessary personnel.
Recommends and evaluates existing and new distribution protection and control equipment.
Observes all applicable safety rules and regulations.
The Operations Technician I shall be required to perform any other duties necessary or assigned in order to fulfill the objective of the Cooperative.
Personnel assigned to this classification shall respond to member inquiries and resolves problems or direct them to the supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
Personnel should maintain good relations in all contacts with the public and contractors.