Job Title: Relay Technician
Ft Smith, AR, US, 72916
JOB INFORMATION
Job Title: Relay Technician (Journey OR Apprentice)
Job Code: 105712 or 120702
Grade: Journey L2 or Apprentice 26
JOB SUMMARY
** This requisition is being posted across two (2) skill levels (Journeyman & Apprentice). Candidates will be considered for the higher of the levels they qualify for. **
Ensures the proper installation and maintenance of protective relay and control equipment and their schemes to achieve engineering design requirements within all transmission, generation, and distribution power equipment under the jurisdiction of the supervisor responsible for substation operations. Coordinates with other departments for the accurate completion of new construction and rework projects. Assist all areas, upon request, for projects that require additional manpower and expertise. Provide income for OG&E by outsourcing relay expertise and skills to external customers.
LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY
Performs varied tasks and projects directly related to craft trade. Gathers and analyzes relevant information to develop and implement the best course of action to ensure job is successfully completed in a safe manner. Often works under minimal or no supervision. Resolves most questions and problems, and refers only the most complex issues to higher level. Resolves problems through mastery of craft, trade knowledge and principles. Follows established Operating Procedures, Operating Practices and Approved Work Methods to accomplish requirements of job. Possesses career level knowledge to successfully perform job.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Responsible for supplying technical knowledge, planning, coordination, and final performance of assigned projects in transmission, generation, and distribution substations.
• Verifies all new wiring and existing wire changes assuring that engineering design requirements are accomplished, and protection schemes will function designed
• Performs acceptance inspections and commissioning on new relays, controls, supervisory equipment and RTU’s to ensure calibration and operation.
• Installs, tests, maintains, and troubleshoots relays and their operating schemes, power line carrier, fault recorders, RTUs communication interface equipment to ensure proper and accurate operation
• Conducts tests using specialized test equipment and programs to ensure accuracy of the relay and associated scheme.
• Performs testing and uses troubleshooting techniques to repair or replace defective equipment or devices that may have caused a mis-operation of a relay and or control protective scheme.
• Assists in the development and training of newer technicians and engineering trainees through on-the-job training and instruction when applicable.
• Training for peer technicians is furnished upon request.
• Conducts maintenance testing on all relay equipment removed from service and assess whether the condition of the equipment is adequate and performs properly according to design and calibrate relays, as needed.
• Practices and ensures that safe work methods and procedures being utilized in all aspects of daily activities.
• Maintains proper care of tools and equipment.
• Performs maintenance and operational tests on Power generator protective relays, when requested.
• Performs as first responder to all substation equipment malfunctions including telecommunication and SCADA problems, trouble shoots and makes repairs as necessary.
• Maintains a complete and accurate file of the areas’ substations regarding prints, records, and reports.
• Maintains stock of parts for repair of area equipment.
• Stays current on pertinent technologies through continuous education.
• Prepares and executes error-free switching for normal test and maintenance, for emergency repair and service restoration and be able to operate switches in a safe and professional manner.
• Maintains required records and reports as delegated by the supervisor.
• Performs modifications and/or configuration changes on RTUs as required to accommodate new or changed measurements/monitoring points in hardware, firmware and software.
• May perform coverage supervisor duties, as required.
REQUIREMENTS
** JOURNEY **
• Associate's Degree in Electrical, Electronics Technology, or Applied Science with emphasis on Industrial Electrical or Electronics Technology, (or 2 year certificate in Industrial Electrical/Electronics); AND
• 3 years industrial protection and controls experience; AND
• Completion of OGE Relay Technician Apprentice Program, (or 1 year of equivalent journey level experience with an Electric Utility certified Journeyman Relay Technician Program).
• Must have experience with testing, troubleshooting, and repair of mechanical electromechanical, and various electronic apparatus.
• Must have experience with RS-232 communications and the use of test meters.
• Must have experience in programming microprocessor based relays, fault recorders and communication interfaces.
• Must have experience in transmission, distribution and generation protection schemes and controls.
• Required to maintain permanent residence within a 45 minute driving time to assigned service center.
** APPRENTICE **
• Associate's Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology, or Applied Science with emphasis on Industrial Electrical or Electronics Technology; OR
• Completion of a Vo-Tech program with course work covering electrical theory and Math; OR
• Certificate in Industrial Electrical/Electronics And 3 years industrial protection and controls experience; OR
• Prior military experience in and Electrical/Electronics field and one enlistment completed with DD form 214 - Discharge Papers and Separation Documents.
• Medical DOT Card required within 90 days of employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Required to work at any location within the OG&E system, as needed.
• May be required to work non-standard work schedules and to respond to emergencies including overtime, weekends, holidays, on-call and call-outs.
• May be exposed to extreme conditions and inclement weather.
• Work as a team member or independently without direct supervision.
• Obtain and maintain a Class “A” Switchman Certification.
• Alternate Work Schedules will be utilized to best fit the work situation and reduce any jeopardy to customer load.
• Requires lifting and moving heavy objects exceeding 50 pounds and working at heights exceeding 30 feet.
• May require frequent travel throughout the OG&E system with required overnight stay (could exceed 7 days).
PHYSICAL DEMANDS - LIFTING AND OTHER WEIGHT REQMTS
• Occasionally: Pushing
• Occasionally: Pulling
• Occasionally: Climbing
• Occasionally: Stooping
• Frequently: Standing
• Frequently: Walking
• Frequently: Sitting
• Frequently: Kneeling
• Frequently: Crouching
• Frequently: Reaching
• Frequently: Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination
• Frequently: Repetitive Motions
Lifting & Other Weight Requirements• Frequently: Lifting up to 50 lbs
• Frequently: Carrying up to 50 lbs
SPECIAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
• This position is classified as a Safety-Sensitive Function under United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulations. Individuals in this position are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in OGE Energy Corp.’s USDOT Drug Testing Plan.
• All positions in which driving is an essential function of the job, regardless if the job code is marked safety sensitive or not, will also be included as safety sensitive. Individuals in positions in which driving is an essential function are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in OGE Energy Corp.’s Drug Testing Plan.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAS)
• Demonstrated ability to understand and use schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Knowledge of symmetrical components and three-phase power systems for calculation of relay settings.
• Computer skills in company software (e.g., Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, States Simulator, RTS Testing Software, Fault Simulator, One Bus, Schweitzer software) and the ability to learn new software applications.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals and prints.
• Ability to develop and present safety meetings and training classes.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member and to provide leadership to less experienced company members in safe testing, maintenance and installation of relay and control equipment in energized substations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and professionally with team members, leaders, and customers.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, diagnosis problems, and resolve effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and comply with company policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Strong knowledge and understanding of safety requirements and the use of personal protective equipment.
• Math Skills
• Mechanical and electrical skills
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Medical DOT Card (Required)
• Valid Driver’s License (Required)
HEALTH AND SAFETY (MEDICAL/DOT REQUIREMENTS)
• DOT Drug Test / Physical
• DOT Driver Qual History - 7 years
• Respiratory History
• Job Specific Physical Assessment
• Safety Sensitive
SALARY RANGE
Apprentice: $54,309 - $91,970
Journey: $112,570
Nearest Major Market: Fort Smith