Systems Tech I

The Systems Tech 1 position assists in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the District’s electrical transmission and distribution systems by monitoring system performance and supporting switching, outage coordination, and operational activities., · Assists Coordinating with District departments, neighboring utilities, and outside agencies to schedule day-to-day operational and maintenance activities for the electrical system.

· Operate radio, computer, and telephone equipment to receive, send, and relay information necessary for effective internal and external communication regarding system operations and maintenance.

· Monitor and analyze real-time electric system operations, including system outages, relay operations, event analysis, and switching duties during normal working hours and after hours as needed. Maintain system reliability reports.

· Investigate trouble calls and customer complaints and provide timely response and resolution.

System Operations and Switching

· Assists with analyzing and performing system coordination by writing switching orders to place transmission and distribution lines and equipment in and out of service.

· Assists with switching on the system, including removal from and return to service of lines, equipment, substations, and transformers.

· Assists with coordinate personnel during emergency switching and outage situations.

System Protection and Analysis

· Analyze transmission and distribution faults to ensure proper operation of protective equipment.

· Develop understanding of District protection systems including overcurrent protection, distance protection, transformer protection, fuse coordination, and recloser settings.

· Calculate relay settings and assist in programming and configuration of protective devices.

· Perform and interpret complex calculations including real and reactive power consumption, line impedance, voltage drop, flicker, and system loss calculations.

Engineering and Technical Support

· Utilize engineering modeling software to evaluate large loads, reconductoring, distribution system protection, and system coordination.

· Track and schedule maintenance for oil-filled equipment and provide equipment settings to operations for installation.

· Assist in the management of large projects.

· Assign and maintain switch and cable numbering.

· Develop understanding of voltage regulators, including line drop compensation settings.

SCADA, Communications, and System Documentation

· Develop working knowledge of the District’s SCADA network, including IP networks and communication protocols such as DNP3 and TCP/IP, firewalls, and IED configurations.

· Learn AC/DC wiring diagrams and schematics.

· Update and create substation drawings and documentation including one-line, three-line, and trip/close circuits as needed.

· Collect, document, and maintain accurate system information, forms, checklists, reports, files, maps, databases, and specifications, including bi-annual current reports, substation checks, and line voltage regulator data.

Compliance and Procedures

· Assist in the preparation and maintenance of written standard operating procedures.

· Ensure compliance with applicable NERC and WECC standards affecting the District, including annual WECC documentation review and updates., · Regular, consistent on-site attendance is required (approximately 40 hours per week). Evening, weekend, and emergency response availability is required. Attendance at internal and external meetings is expected.

Physical Demands

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

· Work in both office and field environments.

· Travel to and access District facilities and field locations that may include uneven terrain and outdoor conditions.

· Sit, stand, walk, bend kneel, reach, and move about for extended periods during inspections, meetings, and project oversight.

· Operate District vehicles, equipment, computers, and communication devices.

· Lift and move tools, materials, or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally, with or without assistance.

· Read technical documents, maps, and engineering drawings, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, radio, and electronic means.

Driving & Travel

· Frequent travel to project and field sites; valid Washington State driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable period of hire.

· Occasional regional travel for meetings, training, or regulatory coordination may be required.

Work Environment

Work is performed in office and field settings. Field work may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, uneven terrain, noise, dust, vegetation, insects, wildlife, construction environments, moving mechanical equipment, and energized electrical infrastructure. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in accordance with District safety policies.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

· Knowledge of electrical safety codes, regulations, and procedures.

· Ability to perform arithmetic calculations related to kV, kW, kVAr, kVA, and power factor.

· Strong technical, troubleshooting, problem-solving, research, organizational, and analytical skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

· Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, wiring diagrams, schematics, and equipment manuals.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with internal and external customers, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders.

· Ability to multitask and remain flexible with changing priorities and deadlines.

· Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence to function effectively as part of a team.

· Ability to organize work, establish priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

· Ability to understand, follow, and communicate clear and concise written and verbal instructions.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality of District records and information.

· Must be willing and able to work after hours and participate in on-call assignments., · High school diploma or equivalent required.

· Associate degree or equivalent education/training required.

· Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.

· CADD experience required.

Availability, Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Systems Tech I: The starting salary range for this position is $87,229 - $114,158 (based on qualifications). With tenure and strong performance in this role an employee may earn up to the maximum of $127,622, annualized.