Journeyman Systems Technician / Systems Technician - System Protection - Ardmore

Western Farmers Electric Cooperative•Ardmore, OK

About The Position

This position supports the electrical, electronic, and communications systems used to control, protect, and maintain the transmission system. Depending on the hiring official’s decision, the role may be filled at either the Systems Technician or Journeyman Systems Technician level. Technicians specialize in an area such as electromechanical or microprocessor-based relays, substation automation, or metering, and may be required to support other specialty areas. Duties include maintaining, repairing, installing, and calibrating specialized equipment. The position is under the direct supervision of the Systems Technicians Supervisor. The technician installs, repairs, and calibrates equipment for metering, relaying, and substation automation, including systems that transmit data to the Energy Management System or substation automation system. The role resolves system problems, configures and programs meters and relays, interprets device data, and conducts and documents commissioning tests at switch stations and substations. It may also involve directing or overseeing contractors, supporting communications work, coordinating clearances and switching orders with Transmission Operators, training personnel, maintaining a safe work environment, and documenting work for applicable NERC compliance requirements. The position requires residence 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.

Requirements

For the Systems Technician level: an 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 an equivalent combination of education and experience. Completion of a recognized system protection apprenticeship program also qualifies.
For the Journeyman Systems Technician level: the Systems Technician education or experience qualifications, plus at least one year at the Systems Technician level. Completion of a recognized system protection apprenticeship program also qualifies.
Experience may be substituted for education at a rate of two years of experience for one year of education.
Troubleshooting and problem-resolution skills related to a wide range of communications equipment, including experience in one or more of communications systems, metering, protective relaying, or EMS/SCADA systems.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; and speak effectively to other employees.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, compute rates, ratios, and percentages, and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule 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, including lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying 50 pounds or more; climbing; working at heights and in confined spaces; working near high voltages; and wearing personal safety equipment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Install, repair, and calibrate components required for metering, 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 in a timely and efficient manner.
Configure or program meters and relays and interpret their data to resolve problems involving devices, the transmission system, or substations.
Conduct commissioning tests at 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.
Support communications functions by performing communications-related duties as needed.
Maintain tools, equipment, and the work environment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition; follow OSHA and WFEC safety rules, policies, and procedures.
Coordinate clearances and switching orders with Transmission Operators to ensure safe operations.
Participate in training to maintain current job knowledge and skills, and train other personnel in the use of specifically assigned equipment as required.
Support Systems Technicians in the other specialty area as required.
Document work for applicable NERC compliance requirements.