Relay and Control Technician I, II, or Senior

Job Specifications

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today-for our customers, communities and each other.

Position summary:

This important role is responsible for programming, testing, and maintenance of protective relays and other communication equipment in an electric utility substation and generation environment.

Pay Range: This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.
Level I: $28.05 - $42.12 per hour
Level II: $34.71 - $52.19 per hour
Senior: $38.99 - $58.56 per hour

Reporting Relationship: Relay & Controls Supervisor

Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming or Rapid City, South Dakota

Essential Functions:
* Perform automated relay testing, calibration, and maintenance of protective relay equipment, including electromechanical and microprocessor systems.
* Adhere to standards and guidelines set forth by FERC, NERC, WECC and any other regulatory agency of the North American standards.
* Test all equipment in accordance with the BHC Protection Systems Maintenance Program to satisfy NERC and FERC requirements.
* Create, install, maintain and troubleshoot substation SCADA Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) equipment.
* Create, install, maintain and troubleshoot Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) substation communication processors installations.
* Install firmware upgrades in relays, RTUs, and communication equipment.
* Perform substation commissioning and acceptance testing and create and maintain equipment drawings and documentations including test, repair, and settings records.
* Installing settings and testing recloser controls.
* Attend safety meetings and employee training as assigned.
Additional Responsibilities:
* Position includes frequent travel and extended periods of driving within the utility service territory and some overnight stays may be required. Also includes some night, weekend, and holiday hours to perform emergency service and repair on utility protection and control equipment. Emergency repairs may require working in storm restoration operations to rebuild and/or repair damaged power systems.
* Occasionally performs work on or near energized circuits or equipment.
* Position requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, ear plugs, hard hat, and steel toed boots. Other PPE will be used as required.

What Is Required:
Level I:
* Associate's degree in Electrical/Electronic Technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Minimum of 2 years of electrical utility relay testing experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Level II:
* Associate's Degree in Electrical/Electronic Technology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Minimum of 4 years of experience in the installation and maintenance of SCADA RTU's, substation network equipment, substation relay and utility based automatic control systems.
Senior:
* Associate's Degree in Electrical/Electronic Technology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Minimum of 5 years of experience in the installation or maintenance of utility SCADA RTUs, communications, or protection equipment.

What Is Desired:
* Strong verbal and written communications skills and the ability to interact in a team-based environment.
* Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications.
* Ability to maintain proficiency with new systems and software as technology evolves.
* System and equipment troubleshooting skills.
* Skilled in the use of advanced electrical and electronic test equipment, including multimeters and calibration equipment.
* Must have organizational and record keeping skills.
* High regard for the goals of the company and its employees.
* Demonstrate agility by adjusting to changing circumstances.
* Demonstrate safe work ethic.
* Must be able to work with and distinguish between colors.
* Adhere to all Company Safety and Health Policies.
* Efficient working with basic hand tools and power tools.
* Ability to stay over-night, out of town and be available to travel as projects require.
* Ability to work over-time and extended periods of time.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. If there is anything that may show up in these reports that may conflict with the position requirements, feel free to contact the Black Hills Energy recruiting team at jobs@blackhillscorp.com.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.