System Protection Field Technician

As the nation’s first statewide, “transmission only” company, VELCO manages the safe, reliable, cost-effective transmission of electric power throughout Vermont and as a part of the integrated New England regional network.

Why you should join our team

This role ensures the protection and control systems that operate and protect the Vermont Electric Transmission System are operating reliably and safely. You will have the opportunity to become part of the team that works on those systems and whose mission is to provide electric power to our customers and the State of Vermont.

This field position is quite demanding and challenges you to exercise your skillset across a multitude of disciplines with the possibility of experiencing something new every day.

Whether you’re new in your career or bring experience, VELCO has four System Protection Technician classes, with new employees initially assigned and then moving through the career ladder based on experience and ability:

Class Requirements Typical Time to Promotion

Tech 4

• Work under the direct supervision of a senior technician when at a substation

• Learn VELCO policies and work practices

Tech 3

• Ability to read electrical drawings

• Ability to safely use test equipment under direct supervision of a senior technician

• Ability to remove equipment from service safely and reliably with supervision from a senior technician

Tech 2

• Qualified Switchmen

• Ability to remove and test equipment with limited supervision

• Ability to be the lead technician for small projects

Tech 1

• Ability to be assigned the lead technician for larger projects

• Perform testing in the field with no supervision N/A

How you will make an impact

The System Protection Field Technician will install, commission, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair critical protection and control systems at VELCO facilities throughout Vermont.

Responsibilities

1. Perform or lead others in the installation, commissioning, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of critical protection and control systems, with emphasis on quality assurance for the following systems or equipment:

• Protection relays, control circuits, and high-speed communication-assisted protection schemes (electro-mechanical, solid state, and microprocessor- based)
• Power line carrier equipment
• AFSK protective relay equipment
• Digital communication systems and data channels via fiber optics, microwave, and telecommunications carriers
• Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
• Equipment communications including, serial RS232 and RS485, TCP/IP, Ethernet, Modbus, DNP, Telnet, HTTP, etc.
• Control systems, logic controllers and operating systems via serial and networked communications
• System performance monitoring equipment (fault recorders, SERs, and power quality monitors)
• Instrumentation and monitoring equipment, analog and digital (panel meters, transducers, power equipment gauges, etc.)
• Revenue metering and ancillary devices at interconnection tie points
• Power supply systems (DC station batteries and DC battery chargers, station generators, AC station service, and UPS systems)
• High voltage power equipment (power and instrument transformers, circuit breakers, switches, capacitor banks, reactors and other primary equipment)
• Support of HVDC and FACTS systems and facilities
• Cooling systems, motors and pneumatic systems

2. Assist Engineering personnel in developing and reviewing detailed drawing packages and cut-over documentation as needed to modify protection and control circuitry for various upgrades and improvements.

3. With assistance of senior technicians and System Protection maintenance guidelines, develop maintenance procedures in order to certify dependable and secure operation of equipment and control systems.

4. Working in concert with VELCO Operations, develop system switching sequences necessary to safely perform commissioning, maintenance and repair work on the high voltage transmission system. Must have the ability to perform high voltage switching as well as become qualified for the VELCO switching and tagging list.

5. Must be able to assist with installing control cable, perform wiring and wiring terminations in substation equipment and substation switchgear, work at elevated heights, and to lift/carry/pull up to 50 pounds regularly, higher amounts occasionally.

6. Must demonstrate computer literacy and the ability to use common software applications including, Windows Explorer, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Outlook, OneNote and Autocad. Must demonstrate the ability to learn a wide variety of equipment computer applications and operating systems.

7. Must maintain an awareness of and comply with all company and VOSHA safety requirements.

8. Must have and maintain a valid Vermont driver’s license. Duties will require periodic overtime and overnight travel. Required to carry a pager and respond to off-duty trouble calls.

9. Perform other duties as assigned by the System Protection Supervisor, System Protection Lead or Director of Engineering.

Who you are

Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline required; Bachelor’s Degree desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of electromechanical, solid state and microprocessor technology is preferred.

• Must be able to assist with installing control cable, perform wiring and wiring terminations in substation equipment and substation switchgear, work at elevated heights, and to lift/carry/pull up to 50 pounds regularly, higher amounts occasionally.

• Must demonstrate computer literacy and the ability to use common software applications including, Windows Explorer, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Outlook, OneNote and Autocad. Must demonstrate the ability to learn a wide variety of equipment computer applications and operating systems.

• Must maintain an awareness of and comply with all company and VOSHA safety requirements.

• Must have and maintain a valid Vermont driver’s license. Duties will require periodic overtime and overnight travel. Required to carry a pager and respond to off-duty trouble calls.

Important Considerations

• VELCO is headquartered in Rutland, Vermont.

• Must be able convey complex information in writing, verbally and by demonstration, perform typical administrative functions such as keyboarding, work additional hours when necessary.

• Duties will require periodic overnight travel.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds regularly, higher amounts occasionally.

• Must be able to respond to off-duty calls, particularly in the event of system emergencies, prolonged equipment and/or customer outages.

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

• Starting pay will be determined at the time of offer based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate.

• Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

• VELCO is handling all aspects of talent acquisition internally and will not engage the services of third-party staffing agencies, recruiters, or headhunters. We kindly request that these entities refrain from contacting us.

• Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful reference check, background check (including social media check), physical examination, drug screening.

• If you need an accommodation as part of the application or interview process please send a request to careers@velco