Protection & Control Junior Technician

​Summary

The Protection & Control Junior Technician supports the installation, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical power systems and critical equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation while minimizing unplanned downtime. Working under the guidance of experienced technicians and supervisors, this position combines hands-on electrical work with preventive maintenance and proactive reliability practices while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Qualification Requirements 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Technical training or an associate degree in Electrical Technology, Power Systems, Instrumentation, or a related field preferred.
• Entry-level position; previous experience in electrical maintenance, industrial electrical systems, or substation operations preferred but not required.
• Basic understanding of electrical theory, AC/DC circuits, and electrical safety practices.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel to customer locations and work overtime, weekends, and scheduled outages as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required customer site access credentials and safety certifications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of electrical systems, protective relays, control circuits, and electrical testing principles.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals with guidance.
• Familiarity with electrical testing equipment, including multimeters, insulation resistance testers, and relay test sets.
• Basic understanding of preventive maintenance and equipment reliability practices.
• Ability to develop proficiency in protective relay systems, including SEL, GE, ABB, and similar equipment.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, RTUs, PLCs, and industrial communication systems preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to learn electrical testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting procedures.
• Ability to follow technical instructions, established safety procedures, and company policies.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic reporting systems.

Essential Functions

• Assist senior technicians with the installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protection and control systems.
• Support preventive maintenance activities to improve equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Assist with testing protective relays, circuit breakers, transformers, meters, and associated electrical equipment.
• Perform basic electrical measurements, wiring verification, and point-to-point checks under supervision.
• Support substation commissioning, startup, and equipment testing activities.
• Assist in identifying equipment deficiencies, documenting findings, and implementing corrective actions.
• Read and interpret electrical drawings and technical documentation to support field activities.
• Prepare accurate test reports, maintenance records, and field documentation.
• Maintain and properly handle electrical testing equipment, tools, and company-issued materials.
• Follow established electrical safety procedures, including lockout/tagout requirements and applicable OSHA and NFPA 70E standards.
• Coordinate with senior technicians, supervisors, engineers, and customer representatives to support project completion.
• Participate in technical training and professional development to advance protection and control knowledge and skills

Physical Demands

• Ability to regularly stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach while performing electrical installation and maintenance activities.
• Ability to walk and work on uneven terrain, gravel, concrete, and other industrial surfaces.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders to access electrical equipment and work areas.
• Ability to work at various elevations and in confined spaces when properly trained and authorized.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand movements and use electrical testing instruments and hand tools.
• Ability to visually inspect electrical equipment, read technical drawings, and interpret testing instruments.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying environmental and weather conditions.

Work Environment 

This position operates in industrial field environments and may involve exposure to:

• Extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, wind)
• High noise levels
• Hazardous materials, fumes, and airborne particles
• Electrical hazards, including potential shock risks
• Heavy equipment and mechanical systems
• Exposure to energized systems and high-voltage environments
• Elevated work areas and confined spaces

Strict adherence to all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements is mandatory.