Relay Technician

Pedernales Electric Cooperative•Johnson City, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Relay Technician maintains the integrity and reliability of the PEC Distribution System by maintaining, testing, and repairing protective devices that monitor the power system 24 hours a day. The role coordinates with multiple departments to ensure power system components work together and support reliable energy delivery. The technician tests, commissions, and troubleshoots protective relay schemes and electrical equipment; maintains protective relays, controls, and current transformers; and provides field engineering support and training. The position also maintains technical records and electrical drawings, makes approved setting and design changes, investigates electrical failures and system disturbances, and coordinates work to minimize service disruption and ensure safety. The role includes rotational 24/7 call-duty, work in inclement weather and medium-voltage environments, and operation of PEC vehicles for business purposes. The position is based at the PEC Haley Road Offices in Johnson City, Texas. The stated minimum starting base pay is $45.15, with a midpoint of $56.44; qualifications may warrant a higher starting base pay within the full pay range. Individual base pay depends on experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a related field; directly related experience may substitute for education.
Five years of directly related experience.
Valid Texas Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and a Motor Vehicle Report that comply with PEC policy.
Knowledge of business and management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, and budgeting.
Knowledge of computer systems and software, including programming relay elements and DNP for remotely operated equipment and entering or processing inspection information.
Knowledge of electricity principles, safety practices, and codes.
Knowledge of electric power industry construction, regulatory, and switching standards.
Knowledge of testing equipment, including uF meter, RND meter, Hi-pot, Meg-Ohm, Turns Ratio, DLRO (Ductor), Primary Current Injection, and FLIR.
Skill in handling complex problems and resolving complaints or disputes.
Skill in establishing and communicating metrics, managing time, prioritizing changing priorities, and anticipating, identifying, analyzing, and resolving conflict and problems.
Ability to read, write, and understand technical instructions.
Ability to distinguish colors to identify electronic components and wiring.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and to listen to and understand information verbally and in writing.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, sitting or standing for long periods, and lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving up to 50 pounds.
Availability for call-out duty and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

Test, commission, and troubleshoot protective relay schemes for distribution circuits, including transformer paralleling, power line carrier, differential protection, over-current, under-frequency, synchronous, generation, and motor protection.
Test and maintain new and existing protective relays, control equipment, and current transformers, including checking insulation condition, ratio, winding resistance, polarity, phase deviation, and excitation characteristics.
Operate, commission, and test low- and medium-voltage electrical equipment from 120V to 35kV, including transformers, voltage regulators, capacitors, switchgears, reclosers, and switches.
Provide field engineering support and training to journeyworkers and other departments in wiring and commissioning distribution equipment, protective relaying, and control systems.
Complete test forms and enter test results to maintain current records.
Troubleshoot and repair electrical and relay failures, and make technical recommendations to electricians and area leadership.
Implement setting changes to electromechanical, solid-state, and microprocessor relays.
Review, update, and maintain electrical schematic drawings and determine whether they conform to PEC design philosophy; make field corrections with minimum supervision.
Recommend engineering design changes to manufacturers' equipment and implement changes once approved.
Analyze PEC electrical system operation after major disturbances and recommend appropriate system operation.
Repair electromechanical relay components, electronic circuit boards, and similar items.
Coordinate work across departments to minimize disruption to electric-system members and complete work safely and on time.
Perform rotational 24/7 call-duty to assess equipment during outages and respond to abnormal system conditions.
Perform tasks in inclement weather and around medium-voltage environments.
Operate PEC vehicles for business purposes in accordance with applicable laws and PEC policies and procedures.
Maintain driver eligibility through a valid Texas driver's license and a driving record in accordance with PEC policy.
Maintain the security of confidential information and stay current with technology advances.
Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance and perform other related duties as necessary or assigned.