Journeyman Systems Technician / Systems Technician - System Protection - McAlester

Western Farmers Electric Cooperative•McAlester, OK

3d•Onsite

About The Position

WFEC is hiring for a System Protection position that may be filled at either the Systems Technician or Journeyman Systems Technician level. Under the direct supervision of the Systems Technicians Supervisor, the role supports the 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. The work includes maintaining, repairing, installing, and calibrating specialized equipment. The technician installs, repairs, and calibrates components used for metering, relaying, and substation automation; configures and programs meters and relays; interprets data to resolve equipment, transmission-system, or substation problems; responds to requests from Operations, Engineering, and Transmission & Distribution Services; and conducts and documents commissioning tests. The role may also oversee contractors, perform communications-related duties, coordinate clearances and switching orders with Transmission Operators, and document work for applicable NERC compliance requirements. The Journeyman-level role additionally requires at least one year at the Systems Technician level, unless qualifying apprentice training applies as stated in the qualifications. The position is based in McAlester and requires the incumbent to live within 30 miles of the specified work location. Schedules may include overtime, weekends, holidays, extensive overnight travel, and overnight travel on short notice. The work is safety-sensitive and involves outdoor weather conditions, indoor temperature extremes, confined spaces, high voltages, and night work. Physical demands include lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying 50 pounds or more; climbing; working at heights; and sustained periods of standing, walking, or other physical activity.

Requirements

For the Systems Technician level: an associate's 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 level: the Systems Technician education and experience qualifications, plus a minimum of one year at the Systems Technician level.
Completion of a recognized apprentice training program in system protection is also 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 wide 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.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, compute rates, ratios, and percentages, and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled 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 working near high voltages and wearing personal safety equipment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Install, repair, and calibrate components required for metering, relaying, and substation automation to function as designed, including systems that transmit data to the Energy Management System or applicable automation system.
Resolve system problem requests from Operations, Engineering, and Transmission & Distribution Services personnel efficiently and promptly.
Configure and program meters and relays and interpret their data to resolve device, transmission-system, or substation problems.
Conduct commissioning tests of new or existing switch stations or substations and document testing for 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 to support communications functions.
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.