Technician (substation or relay or apparatus)

Substation Technician 3 Johnson City, TX

The Substation Technician 3 is a highly skilled technical professional responsible for 24/7 system operations, maintenance, testing, and commissioning of transmission and distribution substation equipment. This role supports grid reliability through advanced troubleshooting, protective relay programming, high-voltage switching, and compliance-driven maintenance activities. The technician plays a critical role in capital improvement projects, emergency restoration efforts, and ensuring the safe, reliable operation of substations and associated communication systems.

Job Function

• Perform time-based maintenance and inspections in accordance with maintenance standards, manufacturer recommendations, and NERC compliance requirements.
• Conduct monthly inspections and maintain accurate maintenance records.
• Execute and write formal switching orders for transmission and distribution systems.
• Install mobile substations for construction projects and emergency restoration.
• Perform advanced electrical testing, including TTR, contact resistance, oil dielectric, Doble power factor, winding resistance, SFRA, hi-pot, and relay testing.
• Test and inspect battery banks and chargers, including impedance, voltage, and specific gravity.
• Locate and repair DC grounds within control systems.
• Inspect, test, and repair 69kV and 138kV breakers and SF6 equipment.
• Extract and analyze oil samples for dissolved gas analysis (DGA).
• Inspect and repair transformer load tap changers (LTCs).
• Conduct infrared thermography and partial discharge surveys.
• Support capital improvement projects and commissioning efforts.
• Program and test SEL protective relays and PLC-based protection circuits.
• Perform end-to-end testing of transmission carrier and fiber systems.
• Participate in emergency call-out duty and outage response.
• Maintain compliance documentation for NERC, FERC, and TRE standards.

Education and Experience

• Associate's Degree in Electrical Power and Controls, Electronics Technology, or related field.
• Directly related experience may substitute for formal education.
• Minimum of two years of Substation Technician II or equivalent experience.
• Valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of substation protection schemes and SCADA systems.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams and electrical schematics.
• Working knowledge of electrical theory related to transformers and relays.
• Skilled in the use of Doble, Megger, hi-pot, CT test sets, and SFRA tools.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work safely around energized high- and low-voltage equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation ranging from $45.81 to $57.26.
• Overtime eligibility based on operational needs.

Appealing Facts About Living in Johnson City, TX

• Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country with access to outdoor recreation and wineries.
• Close proximity to Austin and San Antonio while maintaining a small-town lifestyle.
• Strong sense of community with excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods.
• Access to parks, rivers, hiking trails, and year-round outdoor activities.

Global Talent Resources, Inc