AE Relay Tech Supervisor

About This Position

 

This position supervises technicians 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: 

This position supervises technicians 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.

• Supervises the installation, commissioning, testing, maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, operation, trip and function checks, point-to-point checks, in-service checks, circuit analysis, and protective relay logic verification of protective relaying equipment and schemes, substation equipment, metering, remote control, and data acquisition systems, in electrical substations with voltages up to 345 kilovolts (kV).

• Responds to on-call, emergency call-back, and after-hour outages due to weather-related events, system disturbances, equipment malfunction, and/or damage, and supervises emergency electric system restoration as necessary, which may include contractors.

• Works with electrical engineers to identify, troubleshoot, resolve issues, and make design changes. Answers customer questions and provide assistance as needed.

• 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.

• Makes recommendations on commissioning, testing, and maintenance procedures to accommodate new and existing protective relaying schemes.

• Is responsible for oversight, field technical training, and field performance evaluation of Relay Technicians/Trainees.

• Interfaces with City departmental and intergovernmental entities and reviews work completed by private contractors to ensure that AE's standards are met.

• Orders, stores, receives, issues, and distributes equipment, parts, tools, and supplies that are essential to the construction, maintenance, and repair of AE’s electrical substations and related equipment.

• Reviews construction, maintenance, and repair work on AE’s protective relays and related equipment, for accuracy, craftsmanship, and thoroughness.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: 

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

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 utility communication, relaying, monitoring, and control systems.

• Knowledge of leadership and training techniques.

• Skill in data analysis and using mathematics, problem solving, and electrical power systems theory to solve protective relaying system problems or issues.

• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.

• Skill in handling and prioritizing multiple tasks.

• Skill in operating computers and related software applications.

• Skill in properly using, inspecting, maintaining, and safely storing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Skill in operating switching devices and equipment used to de-energize and isolate circuits and devices on AE's electrical transmission, substation, and distribution system.

• Skill in inspecting and safely operating hand and powered tools, equipment, apparatus, and instruments used in the installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of protective relaying schemes, electrical substations, and related equipment.

• Skill in reading and understanding, oral, written, and electronic instructions, technical manuals, profile plans, blueprints, sketches, diagrams, and drawings.

• Skill in drawing, sketching, or modifying diagrams, profile plans, drawings, and control circuit schematics.

• Ability to collaboratively problem solve; communicate with Relay Technicians, engineers, and management; make field corrections or as-builts on engineering drawing; and communicate work assignments.

• Skill in leading, planning, and organizing work assignments and monitoring relay construction and maintenance programs.

• Skill in wiring and troubleshooting of 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 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 drive, inspect, and maintain various electric utility vehicles.

• 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.

• Ability to conduct on-the-job-training for peers and Relay Technicians.

• Ability to diagnosis relay event data when responding to system trouble.

• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Graduation with an Associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, Engineering Technology, Avionics, or electronics/electrical-related field, plus six (6) years of experience in relay-protection of transmission and/or distribution systems in an electric utility field, including two (2) years of experience which were in a lead or supervisory capacity.

• Electric utility experience in relay-protection, substation, distribution, transmission, generation, etc., or successful completion of a formal relay-protection training program, may substitute for education up to two (2) years.

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 serving as the supervisor or Lead Worker providing technical assistance to crew members in the installation, troubleshooting, calibration, repair, and maintenance of protective relay schemes, systems and associated equipment.

• Experience operating computers and using related software applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Experience responding to unscheduled urgent utility related matters such as outages, emergency restoration, and other business needs outside normal business hours.

• Experience with Electric Utility, ISO, NERC, and ERCOT processes and procedures.

 

Notes to Candidate:

This position is responsible for training and supervising a department in the construction, maintenance, testing, and restoration of the protective relaying systems for Austin Energy. The person in this position will supervise, lead and provide assistance in the installation, troubleshooting, calibration, repair, and maintenance of protective relay schemes and systems. Responsibilities also include: Direct relay leads and answer questions to crew members, assisting 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.

Pay Range: Commensurate depending on qualifications and experience.

Location/Hours: 2526 Kramer Lane, Building E, 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.