Western Farmers Electric Cooperative

Job DescriptionJob Description: Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2026 - Apply At the option of the hiring official, this position could be filled as an Apprentice Systems Technician - System Protection. SUMMARY JOURNEYMAN SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN SYSTEM PROTECTION: Under the direct supervision of the Systems Technician Supervisor, the Journeyman Systems Technician supports the electrical, electronic, and communications systems utilized to properly control, protect, and maintain the transmission system. Journeyman Systems Technicians specialize in one of the following areas but are required to support work in the other area as needed. These areas include but are not limited to electromechanical and micro-processor based relays, substation automation, and metering. Duties include the maintenance, repair, installation, and calibration of all specialized equipment making up these and other systems. SUMMARY APPRENTICE SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN SYSTEM PROTECTION: Under the direct supervision of the Systems Technician Supervisor, the Apprentice Systems Technician Level I-V participates in the apprentice training program and supports the electrical, electronic, and communications systems utilized to properly control, protect, and maintain the transmission system. Systems Technicians specialize in one of the following areas but are required to support work in the other area as needed. These areas include but are not limited to electromechanical and micro-processor-based relays, substation automation, and metering. Duties include the maintenance, repair, installation, and calibration of all specialized equipment making up these and other systems. The Systems Technician apprentice training program requires a minimum of five years to complete if begun at the entry level. It includes extensive on-the-job training, formal training, online training and written study, some of which must be completed outside of work hours. Satisfactory performance and continuous progress toward completion of the program is required for continuous step progressions. Apprentices must develop sound, effective and safe work habits. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES JOURNEYMAN SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN SYSTEM PROTECTION include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Performs the duties of a Journeyman Systems Technician with emphasis on system protection or communications which include proficiency in one of the following areas: Installation, repair, calibration of all components necessary for metering, relaying, and substation automation to function as designed, as well as the transmission of proper data back to the Energy Management System or Substation Automation system where applicable. Resolution of system problem requests from system Operations, Engineering, and Transmission & Distribution Services personnel in an efficient and timely manner.Proper configuration or programming of meters and relays and interpretation of data from either to resolve problems with that device, the transmission system or substation. Conducting commission testing of new or existing switch stations or substations and documenting all testing completed to ensure system reliability, and NERC compliance where applicable. Directing and/or overseeing contractors who are installing metering, relaying, or related components to ensure proper installation and documentation for NERC compliance while commissioning switch stations. Supporting communications functions by performing communications related duties as required. Maintains tools, equipment, and work environment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition. Follows all safety procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others. Complies with all OSHA and WFEC safety rules, policies and procedures. Participates in training to maintain current knowledge and skills needed to perform job duties. Trains other personnel in the use of specifically assigned equipment as required. Supports all Systems Technicians by performing duties in the other specialty area as required. Documents work for any NERC compliance requirements that may apply. Coordinates with Transmission Operators on clearances and switching orders to ensure safe operations. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES APPRENTICE SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN SYSTEM PROTECTION Other duties may be assigned. Successfully completes the Systems Protection Technician apprentice training program including formal training, on-the-job training, outside education, and written study, some of which must be completed outside of work hours. Maintains tools, equipment, and work environment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition. Follows all safety procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others. Learns to perform and performs at a level appropriate to training, the duties of a Systems Technician with emphasis on system protection or communications which include proficiency in one of the following areas: Installation, repair, calibration of all components necessary for metering, relaying, and substation automation to function as designed, as well as the transmission of proper data back to the Energy Management System or System Automation system where applicable. Resolution of system problem requests from system Operations, Engineering, and Transmission & Distribution Services personnel in an efficient and timely manner.Proper configuration or programming of meters and relays, and interpretation of data from either, to resolve problems with that device, the transmission system or substation. Conducting commission testing for NERC compliance of new or existing switch stations or substations, and documenting all testing done to ensure NERC compliance. Directing and/or overseeing contractors who are installing metering, relaying, or related components, to ensure proper installation and documentation for NERC compliance while commissioning switch stations. Supporting communications functions by performing communications related duties as required. Safety, Support and Compliance: Complies with all OSHA and WFEC safety rules, policies and procedures. Trains other personnel in the use of specifically assigned equipment. Supports all Systems Technicians by performing duties in the other specialty as required. Documents work for any NERC compliance requirements may apply. Under the supervisor of a Lead or Journeyman technician authorized to perform switching, coordinates with the Transmission Operators on clearances and switching orders to ensure safe operations. COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Technical Skills: Displays technical knowledge equal to job requirements; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. Quantity: Meets productivity goals; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity. Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Analysis/Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses experience to complement data. Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values. Dependability/Attendance/Punctuality: Follows instructions and responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan; Is consistently at work and on time; Uses paid leave within policy requirements; Informs supervisor about necessary absences in a timely manner. Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. Planning/Organizing: Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Prioritizes and plans work activities; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans. Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments to customers. Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources. QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors required. Education and Experience JOURNEYMAN SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN SYSTEM PROTECTION: 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 the equivalent combination of education and experience, plus minimum one year of Systems Technician level is required. Completion of a recognized apprentice training program in system protection or communications is also qualifying. Experience may be substituted for education at the rate of two years of experience for one year of education. Troubleshooting and problem resolution skills related to a wide range of communications equipment are required including experience with one or more of the following: communications systems, metering, protective relaying, EMS/SCADA systems, and telephone systems . click apply for full job details