Relay Technician 1

About This Position

Under close supervision, this position assists with performing installation, testing, maintenance, and repair activities for protective relay systems and associated communication, measurement, and control equipment required for the safe and reliable operation of Austin Energy’s (AE) Electric System.

Job Description:

Purpose: 

Under close supervision, this position assists with performing installation, testing, maintenance, and repair activities for protective relay systems and associated communication, measurement, and control equipment required for the safe and reliable operation of Austin Energy’s (AE) Electric System.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Performs On-the-Job Training (OJT), participates in self-paced and instructor-led training activities, and helps maintain records to document progression in the Apprenticeship Program.
• Assists with installation, commissioning, testing, maintenance, and repair of protective relaying equipment and schemes, metering, remote control, and data acquisition systems in electrical substations with voltages up to 345 kilovolts (kV).
• Assists with performing trip and function checks, point-to-point checks, circuit analysis, testing of the relaying systems, and in-service checks of substation equipment.
• Assists with the installation, troubleshooting, and operation of substation electrical equipment i.e., circuit breakers, transformers, and switches including grounding.
• Responds to on-call, emergency call-back, and after-hour outages due to weather-related events, system disturbances, equipment malfunction, and/or damage.
• Maintains documentation on systems for International Standards Organization (ISO), Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and North America Electric Reliability Council (NERC) compliance and maintains assigned vehicle, tools, stock, and parts inventories.
• Assists with the operation of high-voltage transmission, substation, and distribution switching devices and equipment, using proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to de-energize and isolate circuits.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:  None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of AE safety rules, regulations, work practices, standards, and procedures associated with electrical substations and protective relaying systems.
• Knowledge of safety rules, procedures, and hazards involved with working on and around energized electrical systems (lines and equipment/high and low voltage).
• Knowledge of the electrical theory and principles related to electricity, magnetism, and electrical equipment (i.e. transformers and switches).
• Knowledge of utility communication, relaying, monitoring, and control systems.
• Knowledge of switching devices and equipment used to de-energize and isolate circuits and devices on AE's electrical transmission, substation, and distribution system.
• Skill in analyzing data and using mathematics to solve protective relaying system problems or issues.
• Skill in operating computers and related software applications.
• Skill in properly using, inspecting, maintaining, and safely storing PPE.
• Ability to wire and troubleshoot AC and DC control circuits associated with high-voltage utility protection schemes; electro-mechanical, electronic, and digital relays and devices; and associated equipment.
• Ability to climb ladders and work on and around elevated work positions/platforms and bucket trucks.
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills obtained from classroom training and OJT.
• Ability to read and understand oral, written, and electronic instructions, technical manuals, blueprints, sketches, diagrams, and drawings.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards in the COA Driver Safety Program.
• Ability to work flexible hours, weekends, holidays, and night work as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and professional working relationships with City employees, customers, and the public.
• Ability to properly inspect and safely use various hand and powered tools, equipment, instruments, test equipment, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of protective relaying equipment and schemes.
• Ability to drive, inspect, and maintain various electric utility vehicles.
• Ability to learn and apply principles of electrical theory as it relates to relays, test equipment, transformers, switches, etc.
• Ability to perform strenuous work in all types of weather conditions.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, changes in priorities, and rotating shifts.
• Ability to properly lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to visually discern between different colors (i.e. red from green or blue from yellow, full color vision).
• Ability to safely work in and around electrical substations and other work areas and equipment where high voltage, up to 345 kilovolts (kV), may be present.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Graduation with an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, Engineering Technology, Avionics, or electronics/electrical-related field.
• Two (2) years of electric utility experience in relay-protection, substation, distribution, transmission, generation, etc., or successful completion of a formal relay-protection training program, may substitute for the required education.

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License or ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using and operating computers and related software applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience using electrical theory and principles related to electricity, magnetism, and electrical equipment (i.e. transformers and switches).
• Experience reading, interpreting, and correcting one-line, three-line, schematic and connection diagrams.
• Experience installing, maintaining and repairing protective relays, instruments, voltage regulators, protective devices, control circuits, meters, transducers and associated equipment.





Compensation Range:

The annual hiring range for this position is $33.02-$41.28



Physical Location:

2526 Kramer Ln
Austin, TX 78758




Notes to Candidate:

This position is responsible for assisting in the construction, maintenance, testing, and restoration of the protective relaying systems for Austin Energy. The person in this position will assist in the installation, troubleshooting, calibration, repair, and maintenance of protective relay schemes and systems. Responsibilities also include: assist in the install of relay and communication panels, terminate cables, assist in performing DC checks, power up various devices, assist in loading relay settings, assist in performing various trip checks, confirm communication paths, assist in performing end-to-end testing, and assist in performing in-service checks; read schematics, blueprints, cable schedules, wiring diagrams, and one-lines; operate electronic test equipment such as relay test sets, voltmeters, and phase analyzers; maintain documentation for all systems and be proficient with computer software; maintain compliance with ISO, ERCOT, and NERC standards.

Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more.

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fi elds that are not applicable.
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.

IF YOU ARE SELECTED AS A TOP CANDIDATE:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
• This position requires a criminal background investigation.

Good Standing Employees:

Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and all of the preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included

in the initial interview. Department/division employees must remain in Good Standing through the Top Candidate Selection phase at which time the Good Standing status will be re-verified.

Assessment:

Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing.

Location/Hours: 2526 Kramer Lane, Austin, TX

Monday – Thursday 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work hours may include after hours, holidays, and weekends. Shifts may change according to departmental needs.

WORK SCHEDULE:

This position is designated as Essential Personnel with the City of Austin and may be required to work during emergencies, severe weather, or other operational needs, including when not regularly scheduled.

• Work hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, call back, and additional hours outside the regular schedule.
• Shifts may change based on departmental or business needs.
• This position is eligible for on-call and call back pay, as applicable.
• Employees are required to follow all applicable City policies, procedures, and work rules related to on-call and call back assignments.

Important Note to Applicants:

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 pm the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.