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: 

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

How you will make an impact

Install, 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: a. Relays, relay and control systems, and high-speed communication-assisted relay schemes (electro-mechanical, solid state, and microprocessor-based)
b. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems
c. Power line carrier equipment
d. AFSK protective relay channels via fiber optics and telecommunications carriers
e. Digital protective relay and data channels via fiber optics, microwave, and telecommunications carriers
f. Control systems, logic controllers, operating systems via serial and networked communications
g. System performance monitoring equipment (fault recorders, SERs, and power quality monitors)
h. Instrumentation and monitoring equipment, analog and digital (annunciators, panel meters, power equipment gauges, intrusion alarm systems, etc.)
i. Revenue metering and ancillary devices at interconnection tie points
j. Power supply systems (station batteries and battery chargers, station generators, AC station service, and UPS systems)
k. High voltage power equipment (power and instrument transformers, circuit breakers and switches, capacitor banks, reactors and other primary equipment)
l. Support of HVDC and FACTS systems and facilities
m. Cooling systems, motors and pneumatic systems

2. Assist Engineering personnel in reviewing and developing detailed drawing packages and cut over documentation as needed to modify circuitry for various upgrades and improvements. Also assist in performing administrative and technical tasks as assigned.

3. With guidance from design personnel, develop functional test procedures in order to certify dependable and secure operation of equipment and systems.

4. Working in concert with Engineering personnel and the outage coordinator(s), 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 on the VELCO switching and tagging list.

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

6. Must demonstrate computer literacy and ability to learn new computer programs.

7. 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.

8. Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead of the System Protection area or Director of Transmission Assets.

9. Other duties as assigned.

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 have and maintain a valid Vermont driver’s license.

Physical/Mental Demands

Requires support of all VELCO facilities throughout Vermont. Duties will require periodic overtime and overnight travel. Required to carry a pager and respond to off-duty trouble calls. Must be able to maintain fast pace while completing complex work, with competing priorities, within tight timelines and with frequent interruptions. Must be able to work at elevated heights, and to lift/carry/pull up to 50 pounds regularly, higher amounts occasionally.

 

Compensation Range: 

$54.50 - $54.50 - $54.50/hour 

This compensation range represents the minimum, midpoint and maximum pay for this position. Individual offers will be based on various factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, education, skills, competencies, and experience. Please note that most offers for new employees fall under the midpoint of the range, allowing room for continued salary growth.  Base pay is just one component of our total compensation package, which may also include comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off and incentive compensation (bonus) potential.