Relay Technician

About This Position

The Relay Technician installs and maintains Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) control equipment so that the electrical operations of substations and pole-mounted control cabinets can be controlled and monitored from offsite locations. They must be able to install, test, and maintain RTU components in substation relays, AC/DC panels, and at pole-mounted control cabinet re-closers (i.e. breakers) and motor-operated switches (control switches for switching lines out of service).

About This Job

• Communicate verbally and understand audible signals in emergency/safety situations
• Install, maintain, and test RTU control equipment in substations
• Assist in repair of substation relays and controls
• Service substation-relay switches to ensure proper functionality in combination with RTU controls
• Install, maintain, and test RTU controls for the "re-closer" breakers and motor-operated switches located in power pole control cabinets
• Properly attach cables to RTU equipment, AC/DC control panels, and relay control panels
• Use a variety of testing equipment, computers, and tools to test and commission RTU equipment
• Complete documentation for substation relay and RTU maintenance
• Update or "redline" substation wiring schematics to show changes to substation relays
• Work on overtime calls including evening and weekend shifts, especially in response to acute service needs
• Work as a team with other workers to troubleshoot and remediate outages and emergency situations
• Interact with the public as needed
• Drive to installation locations
• Pull cables between control buildings, transformers, and RTU control panels
• Assist in snow removal to maintain access within substation facilities
• Shovel dirt to backfill trenches for cable conduits
• Organize equipment and perform regular and preventative maintenance
• Travel up to 80% may be required
• Individually lift and manipulate needed equipment and materials weighing up to 75 pounds
• You must agree to live within an area approved by the company that allows for adequate response to our customers in call out and emergency situations
• The ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, consistent with applicable laws and reasonable accommodation requirements
• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• High School education or equivalent
• Journeyman Electrician
• Must be ready and willing to act as a project foreman
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Knowledge of applicable codes and safety policies/procedures, specifically those outlined in the National Electric Code (NEC), National Electric Safety Code (NESC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

We Offer Great Benefits

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 10 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.