POSITION PURPOSE

Assist in the operation, maintenance, repair, and inspection of high voltage system protection equipment and schemes. This includes but is not limited to electromechanical relays, solid state relays, programmable relays, networks, power-line carrier, tone equipment, digital fault recorders, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and ancillary equipment used in high voltage substations. Responsible for supporting the reliability and optimal performance of protection system schemes, the Apprentice System Protection Technician plays a supportive role in repairs, inspections, and learning safety protocols. Requires a willingness to learn, develop technical skills, and stay informed about evolving technologies in the field. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Complete on-the-job training and assigned academic work to become proficient in the maintenance and repair of system protection equipment. 
• Assist journeyman in operating and maintaining assigned equipment. 
• Operate, maintain, test, and inspect the Transmission System Maintenance (TSM) system protection equipment and related equipment. Equipment responsibilities include protective relaying, metering, disturbance monitoring, annunciator, SCADA, power line carrier, tone equipment, and auto-generation control (AGC) in power plants. This equipment is normally in Basin Electric Power Cooperative (BEPC) substations, switchyards, and power plants in the BEPC service area, but can also include facilities and equipment not owned by BEPC, which is contracted for maintenance services.  
• Commission new equipment in new or existing facilities to provide the best possible assurance that the equipment is ready for service and will perform its designed functions.  
• Complete the appropriate test forms, reports, timecards, mileage logs, receiving reports, and all other assigned and required paperwork for submission to the appropriate personnel. 
• Maintain assigned vehicles, equipment, tools, and assist other trades in operating and maintaining the assigned TSM shops and adjoining BEPC property. 
• Attain proficiency in securing outages for equipment; determining the proper clearance points; taking switching orders; and properly tagging and grounding equipment, as required, for general switching, equipment clearances, and hot line holds. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in electronic technology, or a related field, preferably a substation specialized program.  
• Must complete the apprentice training program within the first four years of employment to obtain the qualifications necessary to be a System Protection Journeyman.
• A valid driver’s license in the state of residence.
• This is a Department of Transportation (DOT) (FMCSA) (non-CDL) qualified position. 
• Occasional overnight travel is required. 

This position is identified as a Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) related position, which may allow physical and/or logical access to Bulk Electric System (BES) cyber related assets or systems. This position may allow access to privileged information relating to such assets or systems. This position will be required to strictly adhere to all Basin Electric policies, procedures, and programs applicable to the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements.
 

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires frequent sitting, standing, bending, reaching, use of keyboard/computer and use of tools; and occasional walking, climbing stairs or ladders, crawling, kneeling, lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, and pushing/pulling up to 150 pounds. Finger dexterity, ability to perform close work, good color vision, hearing, the ability to speak and read are required. Working conditions may include frequent exposure to electrical risks; occasionally works around dirt and dust, fumes, chemicals, confined spaces, extreme heat and cold, vibration, noise, and poor ventilation.  The incumbent will also be required to work at heights up to 50 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards. Harness rating usually 300 lbs., including tools, clothing, and the individual. The incumbent frequently operates cars and trucks and may be required to operate tractors, man-lifts, and other motorized equipment. The incumbent must remain fit for duty. 

KEY SKILLS

• Knowledge of computers, electronic and electrical theory and its applications, electrical blueprint reading, electronic schematic reading, and a mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge of networking and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to learn and understand vector mathematics and must be competent in analyzing and troubleshooting solid-state circuits to the component level.  
• Proficient with computers, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Ability to analyze data and reports, implement recommendations, grasp new technologies, and work under pressure to complete projects within deadlines. 

Wage: 47.94 - 57.07/hr.