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General Purpose of Job
This position is responsible for assisting skilled workers to install, calibrate, test, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair relay instruments and control equipment in electrical distribution substations.
Minimum Required Qualifications and Competencies
The following includes the minimum job requirements and essential duties for this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some job requirements may exclude individuals that cannot be reasonably accommodated or who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
Relay Technician 1st Class
Education
- Vocational/Technical: Education from a recognized technical school with an emphasis in electronics or continuing education in a recognized relay apprenticeship program.
Experience
- Two (2) years progressive experience in the maintenance of substation relay and control work related to testing and commission of protective relays.
- Preferred: Job experience with a distribution electric utility, contractor or related industry.
Education and/or Experience Notes
- May consider substituting two (2) years directly related experience in relay and control with a distribution electric utility, contractor or related industry with a High School Diploma or GED for the educational requirement.
Job Specific Competencies
- Technical Expertise: Comprehensive technical expertise in protective relay and control systems, including the installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, and related equipment. Thorough understanding of protective relaying schemes such as line, bus, transformer, and distribution protection. Skilled in performing diagnostic testing, analyzing test results, and applying relay setting calculations and set-point development. Capable of troubleshooting and resolving complex electrical issues involving protective relays, SCADA systems, and control circuits. Strong proficiency in electrical mathematics and a solid grasp of power flow principles. Maintains working knowledge of the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and familiarity with the National Electric Code (NEC).
- Analytical & Problem Solving Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work independently on complex relay schemes as well as collaboratively in a team setting to achieve goals and meet deadlines, while effectively managing stress and adapting to dynamic, fast-paced environments; skilled in troubleshooting and resolving complex relay-related issues.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exhibits strong written, verbal, and listening communication skills, with a customer-focused approach to effectively engage with employees, management, contractors, vendors, and the public; capable of developing clear and accurate work procedures for critical tasks. Proficiency in English is required, and Spanish language skills are considered an asset.
- Computer & Data Management: Demonstrates proficiency in personal computer operations, including data entry and retrieval, file storage and transfer, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products; able to quickly learn and navigate corporate computer systems relevant to the role.
Verification
The above qualifications and competencies for this position may be verified through a combination of education, experience, interview questions and technical skills exercise(s).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of essential duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties that may be assigned based on the needs of the cooperative.
Installation & Maintenance:
- Install and maintain relay and control systems, electrical apparatus, and associated infrastructure on cooperative facilities.
- Perform installation of conduit, new wiring, and cable in equipment and systems; connect systems to power sources.
- Fabricate and install brackets, hangers, and panels for mounting equipment and systems.
- Operate equipment such as forklifts and pulling equipment as required to support installation and maintenance activities.
Testing, Calibration & Troubleshooting:
- Calibrate and perform functional tests on electromechanical and microprocessor-based protective relays used in high-voltage substations.
- Inspect, test, and evaluate equipment and systems using control schematics, test equipment, and other diagnostic tools.
- Troubleshoot advanced electronic systems including computers, microprocessors, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
- Identify defects and failures in both in-service and out-of-service equipment; dismantle and reassemble components to locate and resolve issues.
Repair & Fabrication:
- Repair or replace faulty instruments, control systems, and related equipment; fabricate parts when necessary to complete repairs.
- Calibrate and test instruments and measuring devices to ensure accuracy and functionality.
- Perform safe disconnection and removal of equipment, following proper switching and tagging procedures and utilizing clearance orders when required.
Documentation & Recordkeeping:
- Complete all paperwork and documentation related to job functions accurately and in a timely manner.
- Maintain required records including daily time sheets, job logs, and materials used; ensure all time is properly charged to appropriate accounts.
Safety, Compliance & Housekeeping:
- Ensure all work locations are left in a safe and presentable condition, promoting both public safety and customer satisfaction.
- Maintain compliance with applicable safety regulations, RUS specifications, OSHA requirements, and internal policies.
- Maintain a clean and orderly work environment in both field and office settings.
- Assume responsibility for the safe and efficient use of assigned tools, materials, and equipment; maintain a stocked and service-ready vehicle.
Knowledge Maintenance & Continuous Learning:
- Stay current with changes in equipment technology, GIS/mapping systems, operational procedures, and regulatory standards relevant to the role.
Relay Technician 2nd Class
Education
- Vocational/Technical: Education from a recognized technical school with an emphasis in electronics or continuing education in a recognized relay apprenticeship program.
Experience
- Two (2) years progressive experience in the maintenance of substation relay and control work related to testing and commission of protective relays.
- Preferred: Job experience with a distribution electric utility, contractor or related industry.
Education and/or Experience Notes
- May consider substituting two (2) years directly related experience in relay and control with a distribution electric utility, contractor or related industry with a High School Diploma or GED for the educational requirement.
Job Specific Competencies
- Technical competence: Expertise in protective relay and control equipment, including the installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of circuit breakers, transformers, switchgear, and related systems. Demonstrates competence in calibration and performing functional tests on electromechanical and microprocessor-based protective relays in high-voltage substations. Solid understanding of substation switching procedures, electric utility standards, and safety regulations including OSHA, the National Electric Code (NEC), and the National Electric Safety Code (NESC). Skilled in reading and interpreting transformer nameplates, vendor documentation, and schematics, with a strong understanding of transformer protection schemes, control logic, and alarms used in utility systems. Able to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to protective relays, SCADA systems, and control circuits. Eager to acquire proficiency in fiber optic splicing and testing procedures.
- Electrical & Analytical Competency: Proficient in electrical mathematics and fundamental electrical theory, with a solid understanding of electricity and power distribution systems. Utilizes strong analytical skills to interpret schematics, diagnose malfunctions, and implement effective solutions.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication skills in both written and verbal formats, as well as strong listening abilities. Maintains a positive customer service attitude when interacting with colleagues, management, contractors, vendors, and the public. Proficiency in English is required, and Spanish language skills are a valuable asset.
- Computer & Digital Literacy: Competence in personal computer operations, including data entry, retrieval, and a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Possesses the ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize corporate computer systems relevant to the role.
- Adaptability & Teamwork: Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team to meet deadlines and achieve operational goals, while maintaining composure and high productivity in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
- Learning Agility & Career Progression: Strong aptitude and commitment to successfully completing the SECO Energy Relay Technician Apprenticeship Program within the designated timeframe, while actively pursuing skill development and performance evaluation to progress to the Relay Technician 1st Class position within two years.
Verification
The above qualifications and competencies for this position may be verified through a combination of education, experience, interview questions and technical skills exercise(s).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of essential duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties that may be assigned based on the needs of the cooperative.
Installation & Maintenance:
- Assist 1st Class Relay Technicians with the installation, maintenance, and repair of relay and control systems, including installing conduit, wiring, and power connections.
- Fabricate and install brackets, hangers, and panels for equipment and systems as needed.
- Parallel and install a mobile substation with minimal oversight.
- Assist in the removal and installation of equipment and instruments using hand tools, ensuring proper switching and tagging procedures.
- Operate equipment such as forklifts and pulling equipment to support installation and maintenance tasks.
Testing, Troubleshooting & Calibration:
- Use automated testing software to test transformer protection systems.
- Troubleshoot and repair transformer control schemes and systems.
- Set, test, and understand bus protection, line protection, and RTU configurations.
- Assist with troubleshooting and repairing electronic equipment, computers, microprocessors, and programmable logic controllers.
- Inspect instruments and equipment, identifying defects and failures, and dismantling/reassembling equipment for troubleshooting.
- Calibrate instruments and measuring devices and replace defective parts as necessary.
Documentation & Recordkeeping:
- Complete all paperwork and record-keeping associated with job functions in a neat, timely, and accurate manner.
- Maintain required records such as daily time sheets, ensuring time is charged to proper accounts.
Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, including maintaining good housekeeping of work and office areas at all times.
- Follow appropriate clearance orders and safety protocols when performing equipment removal, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Maintain knowledge of RUS specifications, OSHA regulations, GIS systems, and other operational systems relevant to the position.
Equipment & Resource Management:
- Assume responsibility for maintaining assigned tools, materials, and equipment in a safe and efficient condition.
- Ensure the vehicle is stocked with proper materials and maintained in operational condition.
Teamwork & Independent Work:
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team, requiring only minor oversight.
- Ensure work locations are left in a safe, clean condition, prioritizing public safety and customer satisfaction.
Relay Technician 1st & 2nd Class
Core Competencies
- Safety: Follows safety procedures diligently, identifies potential hazards, and takes appropriate action to maintain a safe working environment.
- Member Commitment: Provides exceptional service to members, actively listening to their needs and ensuring their satisfaction.
- Honesty & Integrity: Acts with honesty and integrity in all tasks, maintaining transparency and ethical standards.
- Work Ethic: Demonstrates a strong work ethic by consistently meeting deadlines and achieving high performance in all tasks.
- Inclusive Culture: Contributes to an inclusive culture by respecting and valuing diverse perspectives and collaborating effectively with all team members.
- Accountability: Takes responsibility for their actions and decisions, ensuring they meet commitments and deliver high-quality work.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with team members, sharing information and supporting collective goals.
Other Requirements
- Ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including a personal computer, printers, copy machines and telephone.
- Ability to work irregular hours for assignment completion and flexibility to change scheduling and report to work on short notice during emergency situations. Ability to work overtime, on-call and availability to respond to call-outs and maintain an acceptable call out response.
- A valid Florida driver’s license for regular driving privileges of a company vehicle; must have and maintain an acceptable driving record as determined by SECO Energy.
- Regular travel within the service area; supervised field work in an electrical substation environment with regular exposure to energized and de-energized equipment on voltages ranging up to 230kV; exposure to adverse weather conditions; and general office environment. May perform work on circuits 600 volts or less without supervision.
- The normal work week consists of five (5) consecutive eight (8) hour days, or four (4) consecutive ten (10) hour days, exclusive of mealtime, Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight.
o The Cooperative will determine if an eight (8) hour or ten (10) hour schedule will be used and shall establish the normal schedule of starting and quitting time. Shift schedules may be changed by giving a 36-hour notice of the changed schedule.
- Successful completion of pre-employment background check, physical and drug screen.
Living Requirement - To ensure timely response to Call outs, must live within 40-miles radius from the assigned reporting location. Employees who live more than a 40-mile radius from their assigned reporting location must relocate within 6 months of employment
Driving Requirements - Valid Florida Driver's License
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by or those an employee encounters to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Some requirements may exclude individuals that cannot be reasonably accommodated or who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and lift and/or move objects weighing in excess of 75 pounds on an occasional basis. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
This position requires supervised field work by a skilled journey technician or supervisor in an electrical substation environment and is regularly exposed to inclement weather conditions and risk of electrical hazards. The employee may occasionally work from ladders, structures, high precarious places or confined spaces; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
We are the third-largest electric co-op in Florida and the seventh-largest in the nation and we are looking for qualified, energetic and committed candidates to join our successful TEAM!
Sumter Electric Cooperative is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, veteran status, the presence of any physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Discrimination or harassment based upon any of these factors is wholly inconsistent with our company values and will not be tolerated.
Reaffirmation of EEO Policy Statement
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request by emailing [email protected] or by calling (855) 483-2673. Please be advised that this assistance is available for individuals who require accommodation due to disability.
SECO Energy participates in E-Verify. E-Verify electronically compares information entered on the Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9, with records contained in Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.
E-Verify English/Español
Right to Work English
Derecho a Trabajar
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
Reaffirmation of Statement of Non-Discrimination
Know Your Rights/Conozca Sus Derechos
SECO Energy does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from applicants. SECO Energy will not consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes from any search agencies, staffing agencies, fee-based referral services, headhunters and recruitment agencies (hereinafter ‘vendors’). Unsolicited referrals and resumes sent to SECO Energy are deemed gratuitous. If any vendor (included but not limited to recruitment agency, headhunter, staffing agency) supplies any job applicant to SECO Energy without having a valid written and signed an agreement with SECO Energy, SECO Energy is not obligated to pay any kind of referral fee to such vendor. Any resumes submitted in the absence of a signed agreement become the property of SECO Energy and no fee shall be due.
- This posting will be closed and no longer available to receive applications upon SECO Energy’s discretion.
^ SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative serving over 230,000 families and businesses across seven counties in Central Florida, making SECO Energy the third largest electric co-op in Florida and the sixth largest in the nation.
^ SECO Energy is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetics, or individuals with disabilities, or protected veteran status.
^ Qualified employees will be considered on an equal basis with external applicants.
