Journeyman Systems Technician /Systems Technician - System Protection - Ardmore

Western Farmers Electric Cooperative•Ardmore, OK

About The Position

This position may be filled as either a Systems Technician - System Protection or a Journeyman Systems Technician - System Protection. Under the direct supervision of the Systems Technicians Supervisor, the technician supports electrical, electronic, and communications systems used to control, protect, and maintain the transmission system. Technicians specialize in one area while supporting the other specialty as needed. Areas include electromechanical and microprocessor-based relays, substation automation, and metering. Duties include maintaining, repairing, installing, and calibrating specialized equipment. The Journeyman role requires at least one year of Systems Technician-level experience in addition to its education and experience qualifications. Both roles perform system-protection work, including installation, repair, calibration, configuration, testing, and troubleshooting of metering, relaying, and substation automation equipment. The technician also supports communications functions, coordinates with Transmission Operators, documents work that may be subject to NERC compliance requirements, and helps maintain safe operations. The position requires living within 30 miles of the specified work location. Schedules may require overtime, weekends, holidays, extensive overnight travel, and overnight travel on short notice. It is classified as safety sensitive and involves outdoor weather conditions, temperature and humidity extremes, confined spaces, high voltages, and night work. The application deadline is November 23, 2026.

Requirements

For the Systems Technician role: an associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in a related field, five years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For the Journeyman Systems Technician role: an associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in a related field, five years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, plus a minimum of one year at the Systems Technician level.
Completion of a recognized system-protection apprenticeship program is qualifying.
Experience may substitute for education at a rate of two years of experience for one year of education.
Troubleshooting and problem-resolution skills related to a broad range of communications equipment, including experience with one or more of communications systems, metering, protective relaying, and EMS/SCADA systems.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; and communicate effectively with other employees.
Basic arithmetic skills, including working with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; calculating rates, ratios, and percentages; and interpreting bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Experience using a personal computer running Microsoft Office applications.
Maintain a current and valid State of Oklahoma driver's license.
Live within a 30-mile radius of the specified work location.
Meet the stated physical and environmental requirements of the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience with software applications used for communication, programming, and testing of systems.

Responsibilities

Install, repair, and calibrate components used for metering, protective relaying, and substation automation, including equipment that transmits data to the Energy Management System or substation automation system.
Resolve system problem requests from Operations, Engineering, and Transmission & Distribution Services personnel efficiently and promptly.
Configure or program meters and relays and interpret device data to resolve problems affecting the device, transmission system, or substation.
Conduct commissioning tests of new or existing switch stations and substations, and document testing to support system reliability and applicable NERC compliance.
Direct or oversee contractors installing metering, relaying, or related components, ensuring proper installation and documentation during commissioning.
Perform communications-related duties as needed.
Maintain tools, equipment, and the work environment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.
Follow safety procedures and comply with OSHA and WFEC safety rules, policies, and procedures.
Coordinate clearances and switching orders with Transmission Operators to support safe operations.
Participate in training to maintain job-related knowledge and skills.
Train other personnel in the use of specifically assigned equipment as required.
Support Systems Technicians in the other specialty area as needed.
Document work subject to NERC compliance requirements.
For the journeyman role, perform journeyman-level system technician duties with emphasis on system protection and proficiency in one of the stated specialty areas.