Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We're leaders in environmental stewardship and we’re committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky.
As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.
EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6.5% of base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4.5%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance.
This posting will remain open until the position is filled. We encourage you to apply early as we will review and consider candidates as they are received.
Key Roles
This position performs technical work in connection with the installation, operation, and maintenance of all types of protective relays, control schemes and associated equipment in transmission facilities, distribution substations, generating plants, and any other associated facility. In addition, this position is responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) equipment, including RTUs (Remote Terminal Units), their networks, and various protocols to ensure accurate telemetry of EKPC¿s transmission and generation assets.
Key Responsibilities
Protection & Control Technician
Installs and maintains protection and control schemes and equipment including relays, RTUs, and SCADA communication systems equipment in generating plants, transmission facilities, distribution substations, and Energy Control Centers
Maintains wiring on all existing and new stations to ensure it is correct
Maintains the protection system asset databases
Prepares reports and keeps records using company provided applications
Bypasses, isolates, and restores all substation equipment to service
Ensures all testing intervals and schedules are met in a timely fashion
Ensures the field, office, vehicle, and warehouse equipment is adequate to address any reasonable equipment failure
Develops cost estimates and requests purchase orders for needed equipment such as relays, RTUs, and other devices
Coordinates work schedules with various EKPC departments, member cooperatives, neighboring utilities, and contractors
Ensures that all drawings and documentation are up to date and properly maintained
Sets up return authorizations with manufacturer to return defective equipment
Performs other duties as assigned
Protection & Control Technician Level 1
Becomes familiar with all EKPC substations
Performs the following safety checks:
Inspects substations for proper grounding on fences, structures, and equipment
Identifies minimum approach distances
Inspects PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as rubber gloves
Inspects, cleans, and tests hot sticks
Inspects vehicles prior to use
Locates and references SDS (Safety Data Sheets) manual
Understands and uses established LOTO (Lock-Out-Tag-Out) procedures
Identifies safety procedures and hazards associated with job assignments
Identifies tools and equipment required for each job assignment
Under direct supervision, performs switching and grounding of system equipment:
Reads and interprets substation one-line and three-line diagrams to verify switching operations
Identifies bus switching configurations
Identifies substation equipment including isolation switches, circuit breakers, transformers, and instrument transformers
Operates the following in accordance with dispatch switching orders: Local/supervisory switches, Recloser Cut-Off switches, Circuit Breaker Control Switches, Disconnect and Bypass switches
Identifies transmission and distribution substation problems and notifies dispatch
Assists dispatch and other personnel during emergency outage.
Operations and Maintenance:
Identifies substation conditions by the color of panel indicating lights
Checks panel indicating lights and replaces as necessary
Identifies relay and device functions by their IEEE device numbers
Reads and determines accuracy of panel, revenue, and relay meters
Records relay targets
Obtains relay event records as directed from microprocessor relays
Inspects relays and relay panels to be in good operating condition
Inspects low voltage wiring and control cable inside control buildings and substation equipment for deterioration, connections, etc.
Check for proper DC Voltage Indication from battery chargers and relays
Check for unintentional battery grounds
Tests and troubleshoot substation power supplies and fuses, including AC circuits, DC Circuits, AC & DC service panels, and secondary panel fuses
Records counter data on reclosers, circuit breakers, and circuit switchers
Checks for proper communication indication (i.e. TX/RX lights) on RTUs and relays
Checks power status and LED indicator lamps on RTU circuit peripherals, including CSU/DSU, HVIU, modem, fiber optic converter, and telephone line switch
Monitors the operation of SCADA communications (i.e. TX/RX lights and/or NovaTech panel indication) to IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices), dispatch, and EMS (Energy Management System), etc. both locally and remotely
Assists system operators and member systems with SCADA related issues as needed
Checks, and if needed, power-cycle relays, RTUs, meters, modems, and other equipment
Under direct supervision, assists with commissioning of protection schemes and equipment:
Installs and replaces low voltage wiring and control cable as required inside control buildings and substation equipment, including on relay, RTU, & meter panels, transformers, breakers, CTs (Current Transformers), PTs (Potential Transformers), AC and DC circuits and service panels
Operates local/supervisory and recloser cut-off switches to prove contact arrangement and ensure they function according to design
Performs cable insulation (Megger) and continuity tests on new equipment
Performs ratio, polarity, and insulation tests on current transformers
Performs ratio and insulation tests on new potential transformers
Performs continuity and current wire checks to ensure AC and DC circuits are connected according to design
Sets and programs relays and RTUs
Tests relays using a Doble test set and close out test results using RTS
Performs DC functionals of relay and SCADA circuits
Performs CT/PT verifications and load checks on energized equipment
Performs other duties as assigned
Protection & Control Technician Level 2
Safety Awareness:
Conducts detailed job briefings to identify work tasks, risks, and job hazards for self and crew to help ensure work assignments are conducted safely
Uses job hazard analysis tools to help prevent personnel injury and equipment damage
Uses Human Performance improvement tools to help prevent inadvertent outages, injury, and equipment damage
Determines when conditions exist to shut down substations and notifies System Operator
Switching and Grounding:
Reads and interprets relaying one-line diagrams
Reads and interprets relaying three-line diagrams and identifies switching operations to complete tasks, such as tying two circuits or substations together
Determines substation voltages by insulating equipment
Identifies and verifies switching and electrical clearances
Performs high voltage switching using hot sticks to de-energize, isolate, and bypass high voltage equipment
Uses hot sticks to hang grounds and/or test leads on isolated equipment
Obtains clearances and places hold cards on isolated equipment
Tests and places equipment in service, including mobile substations
Operations and Maintenance:
Coordinates with appropriate individuals to resolve communication problems
Troubleshoots and corrects problems with SCADA system and intelligent electronic device (IED) communications
Troubleshoots all types of relays, RTUs, IEDs, and protection schemes to identify and correct problems
Monitors and prioritizes the equipment trouble databases and schedules repairs.
Repairs or replaces low voltage energized wiring for AC and DC, relaying, and RTU circuits
Communicates with microprocessor relays and retrieves relay event records after system disturbances
Tests and calibrates single function electromechanical and solid-state relays, including overcurrent, voltage, frequency, and sync check, etc.
Tests and calibrates microprocessor relays used for distribution, line, transformer, bus, breaker failure, overcurrent, and reclosing
Tests, calibrates, troubleshoots, repairs, and replaces transducers as necessary
Schedules and maintains protection and control assets, including NERC/BES assets
Performs routine DC functional checks of protection and control schemes in transmission and distribution substations
Compares microprocessor ¿As Sent¿ and ¿As Left¿ relay settings for accuracy
Maintains relay records and databases ¿ RTS and PowerBase
Performs routine tests and maintains RTUs and associated peripherals
Reads and interprets various consultant and EKPC designed protection and control schematics, including tripping, closing, current, potential, alarm, annunciator, supervisory control, and pilot relaying
Commission Protection Schemes and Equipment
Replaces and/or installs low voltage control wiring and cables as required inside control buildings, control cabinets, relay panels, CTs, PTs, circuit breakers, circuit switchers, RTU panels, AC and DC service panels, transformers, miscellaneous substation equipment, and other associated devices
Sets, programs, configures, and installs RTUs and SCADA communications devices, networks, and equipment, including IEDs, communications processors, automation computers, Ethernet, RS-485, RS-232, cellular modems, fiber optics, and landlines in power plants, and transmission and distribution substations
Performs cable insulation (Megger) and continuity tests on existing equipment
Performs current tests (run currents) on circuits as shown on AC Schematics, including panels and yard equipment
Performs ratio, polarity, and insulation tests on existing CTs
Performs ratio and insulation tests on PTs
Verifies proper CT connections on line, bus and transformer differential circuits
Performs continuity tests on circuits as shown on AC and DC schematics, including panels and yard equipment
Verifies local/supervisory, recloser cut-off, and control switch configuration and ensures proper operation
Verifies lock-out-relay configuration and ensures proper operation
Sets and programs microprocessor relays, RTUs, and other IEDs
Configures and provides protocol-specific RTU point maps to the Control Center Applications and Technology (CCAT) staff as necessary
Performs operational checks of protection schemes, including SCADA, sudden pressure, and pressure relief circuits as shown on DC schematics
Interprets system phasor diagrams for internal and external line connections
Interprets transformer connections and phase relationships
Performs CT/PT verifications and load checks using a phase angle meter
Identifies primary, secondary, dual primary, and backup relays
Assists with and interprets end-to-end tests on PLC (Power Line Carrier) blocking schemes
Assists and interprets end-to-end tests on microwave or fiber POTT (Permissive Overreaching Transferred Trip), Line Current Differential, and DTT (Direct Transfer Trip) Schemes
Performs RTU checkout at transmission facilities and verifies all SCADA points, including analog, digital, control, and pulse accumulators both locally and with EMS support personnel
Performs other duties as assigned
Protection & Control Technician Level 3
Safety Awareness:
Determines if voltage readings are real, phantom, or floating
Determines when CTs are open and how to mitigate associated hazards
Determines when touch and step potential hazards are present
Switching and Grounding
Performs switching to re-energize distribution and transmission substations
Determines proper line and/or equipment grounding
Operations and Maintenance
Performs DC functional trip testing on protection schemes in power plants and EHV (Extra High Voltage) substations, including generating equipment and breaker failure
Tests, maintains, and troubleshoots current and potential schemes and verify primary to secondary accuracy
Replaces retrofitted controls on relay panels
Isolates and troubleshoots energized CT and PT circuits
Installs auxiliary CTs and PTs
Tests, maintains, and troubleshoots peripheral equipment (transceivers, converters, auxiliary relays, etc.) in relay panels. Repairs or replaces as needed
Installs, programs, tests, calibrates, and troubleshoots complex system relays
Sets, tests, and calibrates electromechanical line relays (i.e. distance, impedance, and differential relays)
Sets, tests, and calibrates microprocessor multi-function line and differential relays ¿ including SEL-421, 321, 311, 411, 487, 587Z, 787, etc.
Sets, tests, and calibrates microprocessor multi-function generator relays ¿ including SEL-300, 387, 400, 700, and Beckwith 3420, 3425, 3425a, etc.
Interprets differential operate, restraint, and phase compensation characteristics in bus and transformer microprocessor relays
Performs and interprets end-to-end tests on Power Line Carrier DCB (Directional Carrier Blocking) Schemes
Performs and interprets end-to-end tests on microwave or fiber POTT (Permissive Over-reaching Transferred Trip), DTT (Direct Transferred Trip), and Line Current Differential Schemes
Performs and interprets high current tests for bus differential schemes
Installs, programs, tests, calibrates, and troubleshoots RTUs and SCADA Equipment
Validates and verifies mapping to all IEDs and hard-wired equipment through SCADA to member system and EMS
Configures/maps RTUs and IEDs using various protocols
Calibrates RTU reference points
Determines scale factors required for master to RTU interface
Determines communication parameters for IED to RTU interface
Develops RTU and IED configurations
Tests, monitors, and troubleshoots RTUs using ASE test set
Provides SCADA hardware and software support to member systems as directed
Implement changes and configure new communication channels to EMS/SCADA system front end processor
Installs, sets, programs, and tests annunciators and DFRs (Digital Fault Recorders), including SEL-2505, 2411, RTAC, SAM, Tesla D400
Analyzes and interprets sequence of event reports from relays, RTUs, and DFRs following system disturbances
Modifies, creates, updates, maintains, and verifies documentation including schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and testing spreadsheets
Submits changes to schematics and wiring diagrams to engineering and/or drafting after field corrections are implemented in AC and DC circuits
Ensures equipment problems are addressed in a timely fashion and assists with repairs based on department priority, as directed
Performs other duties as assigned
Key Requirements
Education and Certifications / Licenses:
Associates or technical degree in electrical or a related area. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
Must complete communications protocol courses within one (1) year.
Experience:
A minimum of four (4) years in related area such as electrical utility related work with regard to construction, maintenance, metering, supervisory, and data acquisition systems preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
Completes EKPC’s Substation/Line Switching Training Program.
Working knowledge of RTUs, relays, and digital circuitry.
Working knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/IP, fiber, cellular, and radio communications.
Experience with test meters, such as volt-meters, ammeters, phase angle meters, and communications protocol test equipment.
Familiar with EKPC policies and procedures.
Skilled in proper utilization of all associated tools.
Keeps accurate records of expense, work reports, and travel as required.
Ability to read and construct wiring diagrams and schematics.
Ability to communicate both orally and written.
Must be a self-starter and capable of working with minimal supervision while exercising good judgement regarding test procedure, equipment repair, and individual safety.
Competencies
Safety Awareness
Contributing to Team Success
Decision Making
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills
Building Customer Loyalty
Working Conditions
Regularly works outside normal work schedule and must travel throughout EKPC system with some overnight stay.
Subject to 24-hour call-out and must carry a company provided cell phone after hours, weekends, and holidays.
Must live within thirty (30) minutes driving time of assigned service center.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
Often works alone and in all weather conditions.
Works in close proximity to high voltage conductors.
Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We’re leaders in environmental stewardship and we’re committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky.
As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.
EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6.5% of... base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4.5%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance. For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc
EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: Women/Minorities/Veterans/Disabled