Platte River is seeking a technician to perform all relay and meter programing, settings, troubleshooting, and testing for the Substation departments transmission and distribution responsibilities. It is crucial that the individual in this role is proactive and takes initiative in organizing and prioritizing their assigned work. Our ideal candidate for this position is a strong communicator and team player who works well independently and cross-functionally with members of other departments as needed to coordinate work. 

This position works four 10-hour shifts, Monday through Thursday, and responds to call-outs as needed. 

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Models the mission, vision, values, and culture of the organization
• Tests, calibrates, troubleshoots, and performs mechanical adjustments and repairs on electro-mechanical, solid state, and microprocessor relays
• Downloads new relay settings and maintenance comparison settings from relay testing software
• Installs and/or verify settings in the relay match the settings issued by engineering, before and after maintenance testing
• Programs and test all authority revenue and boundary meters
• Builds meter testing calculations and test plans
• Builds relay test plans based on the settings issued to the relay by engineering
• Tests relay communications to ensure proper operation
• Ensures all relays testing follows Platte River test procedures and documentation meets or exceeds NERC Standard PRC compliance requirements
• Performs substation control cabinet wiring for relay replacements, new installations, and upgrades
• Performs control circuit isolations and testing along with phase angle measurements and verifications in conjunction with engineering for compliance

Other duties

• Performs 115KV and 230KV switching operations
• Assists other technicians and engineers in troubleshooting
• Download events for system faults and upload files to relay testing software
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Strong computer skills with experience in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Ability to read and apply circuit schematics and wiring diagrams associated with Substations
• Proficient use of relay and meter testing equipment and software including: Doble 6150SV with Pro-Test, Enoserv Power Base and RTS, Itron, SEL, DB Lite, Megger Phase Angle Meters, and Fluke Meters
• Working knowledge and ability to adhere to all NERC standards that apply to Bulk Electric System Relays
• Enoserv Power Base data entry and data management

Qualifications
Education and licenses

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of a certified 4-year apprenticeship program in Substation Maintenance or similar field
• Current valid driver’s license and ability to remain insurable under the vehicle liability policy

Required work experience

• Two or more years of work as a journey level Substation Technician

Preferred education

• Associates degree in Electric Power Technology or related field
• AVO Relay Testing Certification

Physical demands

• Moderate to considerable physical effort that includes working from ladders in awkward positions. Frequent use of light or medium weight objects (e.g., 25-50 lbs) and use of medium weight tools.

Hazards

• Marginal to moderate exposure to conditions that are unpredictable and may lead to injury

Work environment

• Potentially exposed to hazardous conditions that my lead to workplace injury such as working in heights, exposure to fly ash and/or energized electrical equipment

About Platte River Power Authority

Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit utility that generates and delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. Platte River's generation portfolio includes thermal, hydro, wind and solar resources.

Connections working at Platte River Power Authority