Operation Specialist
Champaign, IL · On-site
... destructive testing of substations • Evaluate the work and performance of others • Provide ... Protection and control experience with microprocessor relay communication and event analysis
Operation Specialist
Champaign, IL · On-site
... destructive testing of substations • Evaluate the work and performance of others • Provide ... Protection and control experience with microprocessor relay communication and event analysis
Freelance Protection Relay Testing information
See Champaign, IL salary details
$23.56 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.93 - $25.61
31% of jobs
The median wage is $32.19 / hr.
$25.61 - $36.29
31% of jobs
$36.29 - $46.97
4% of jobs
$56.31 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$46.97 - $57.65
10% of jobs
$57.65 - $68.32
9% of jobs
$68.32 - $79
5% of jobs
$79 - $89.68
0% of jobs
$89.68 - $100.36
8% of jobs
$100.36 - $111.04
0% of jobs
$111.04 - $121.72
0% of jobs
$121.72 - $132.40
1% of jobs
$14
$47
$132
How much do freelance protection relay testing jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance protection relay testing in Champaign, IL is $47.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.33 and $61.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are some common challenges freelance protection relay testers face when working independently, and how can they be addressed?
Freelance protection relay testers often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules with multiple clients, managing travel to various substations, and ensuring access to up-to-date testing equipment and software. Additionally, staying current with evolving industry standards and maintaining thorough documentation for each project can be demanding without the support of a larger team. Building a strong professional network, investing in ongoing training, and utilizing specialized project management tools can help address these challenges and maintain high-quality service.
What is freelance protection relay testing?
Freelance protection relay testing involves independently assessing and verifying the functionality of protection relays in electrical power systems. These relays are critical for detecting faults and safeguarding equipment by triggering circuit breakers during abnormal conditions. Freelance testers are not tied to a single employer and are often contracted by utilities, industrial plants, or engineering firms to ensure relays are correctly installed, configured, and performing to standards. The role typically requires technical expertise, specialized testing equipment, and knowledge of industry standards such as IEC or IEEE.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Protection Relay Testing Engineer, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Freelance Protection Relay Testing Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, in-depth knowledge of protection schemes, and hands-on experience with relay testing, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with specialized relay testing equipment (such as Omicron, Doble, or Megger), report generation software, and industry standards like IEC or IEEE is crucial. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with clients and resolving complex technical issues. These skills ensure accurate system protection, compliance with safety standards, and client satisfaction in critical power system environments.
What is the difference between Freelance Protection Relay Testing vs Protection Relay Testing?
| Aspect | Freelance Protection Relay Testing | Protection Relay Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires electrical certifications and relay testing training | Requires similar certifications, often with additional industry-specific licenses |
| Work Environment | Independent, on-site or remote testing for various clients | Usually within utility companies, power plants, or industrial facilities |
| Employer/Industry Usage | Self-employed or subcontractor in electrical power industry | Employed by utilities, power generation, or industrial firms |
Freelance Protection Relay Testing involves independent work testing relays for multiple clients, often requiring certifications and flexible work settings. Protection Relay Testing typically refers to in-house or contracted testing within utility or industrial environments, with a focus on maintaining power system reliability.
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Freelance Protection Relay Testing jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Freelance Protection Relay Testing job openings:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 9 days ago
Job description
Company Description
Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of nearly 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world's most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.
Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America's clean energy future.
Job Description
The Operations Specialist is responsible for driving operational excellence across Apex Clean Energy's assets in Illinois by ensuring all sites' peak performance. The Operations Specialist will be responsible for electrical work in the maintenance, operation, and repair of substations, and other Balance of Plant electrical equipment while supporting a region-wide team of Site and Facility Managers at various utility-scale wind and solar sites. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations within our Asset Management department, this position will utilize comprehensive project planning and management practices to proactively monitor, anticipate, and circumvent risk to ensure safety, minimize down time and consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Primary Responsibilities
• Perform advanced and highly skilled electrical work in the maintenance, operation, and repair of substations, and other Balance of Plant electrical equipment
• Monitor and operates the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System controlling the electric distribution system and switching
• Apply knowledge of electronics and electrical systems to diagnose and correct problems
• Evaluate and monitor abnormal system conditions, monitoring routine preventative maintenance programs; establishing and maintaining routine operating procedures
• Use various electrical test equipment and instruments such as: meggers, portable transformer gas analyzers, volt meters, resistivity and conductivity meters, current meters, etc., as maintenance aids in performing troubleshooting and non-destructive testing of substations
• Evaluate the work and performance of others
• Provide regional support to site managers as needed at project sites located just south and east of Bloomington, Illinois. There will be occasional travel to support other Illinois projects from time to time as needed.
Qualifications
To succeed as an Operations Specialist at Apex Clean Energy, you'll need to excel within the following criteria:
Additional Information
Work Environment:
Works in both an indoor office environment and an outdoor environment, occasionally at night which may be subject to inclement weather. Extended hours may be required to complete scheduled repairs.
How You'll Grow
At Apex Clean Energy, our professional development plans focus on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there's always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the dynamic, fast-paced renewable energy industry. From on-the-job learning experiences to a robust multi-week onboarding experience to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career.
What Apex Can Offer You
At Apex Clean Energy, we know that great people make a great company. We value our people and offer employees a broad, best-in-class range of benefits.
Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of nearly 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world's most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.
Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America's clean energy future.
Job Description
The Operations Specialist is responsible for driving operational excellence across Apex Clean Energy's assets in Illinois by ensuring all sites' peak performance. The Operations Specialist will be responsible for electrical work in the maintenance, operation, and repair of substations, and other Balance of Plant electrical equipment while supporting a region-wide team of Site and Facility Managers at various utility-scale wind and solar sites. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations within our Asset Management department, this position will utilize comprehensive project planning and management practices to proactively monitor, anticipate, and circumvent risk to ensure safety, minimize down time and consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Primary Responsibilities
• Perform advanced and highly skilled electrical work in the maintenance, operation, and repair of substations, and other Balance of Plant electrical equipment
• Monitor and operates the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System controlling the electric distribution system and switching
• Apply knowledge of electronics and electrical systems to diagnose and correct problems
• Evaluate and monitor abnormal system conditions, monitoring routine preventative maintenance programs; establishing and maintaining routine operating procedures
• Use various electrical test equipment and instruments such as: meggers, portable transformer gas analyzers, volt meters, resistivity and conductivity meters, current meters, etc., as maintenance aids in performing troubleshooting and non-destructive testing of substations
• Evaluate the work and performance of others
• Provide regional support to site managers as needed at project sites located just south and east of Bloomington, Illinois. There will be occasional travel to support other Illinois projects from time to time as needed.
Qualifications
To succeed as an Operations Specialist at Apex Clean Energy, you'll need to excel within the following criteria:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college
- At least five years of professional experience in the maintenance of overhead, underground, and other Balance of Plant electrical systems on wind and solar facilities
- Extensive knowledge of all substation equipment including electrical, mechanical, and control equipment
- Protection and control experience with microprocessor relay communication and event analysis
- Knowledge to perform advanced and highly skilled electrical work in the maintenance, operation, and repair of substations and other Balance of Plant electrical equipment
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems
- Demonstrated ability to lead programs / projects
- Ability to document, plan market, and execute programs
- Established project management skills
- Ability to live and work from the Champaign County, Illinois area and provide support to all projects within region
- Ability to travel up to 50% between project sites in the state of Illinois.
Additional Information
Work Environment:
Works in both an indoor office environment and an outdoor environment, occasionally at night which may be subject to inclement weather. Extended hours may be required to complete scheduled repairs.
How You'll Grow
At Apex Clean Energy, our professional development plans focus on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there's always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the dynamic, fast-paced renewable energy industry. From on-the-job learning experiences to a robust multi-week onboarding experience to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career.
What Apex Can Offer You
At Apex Clean Energy, we know that great people make a great company. We value our people and offer employees a broad, best-in-class range of benefits.
- A mission-driven, energetic environment that supports and encourages our people to do their best work every day.
- A respect for and celebration of individuality, differences, and uniqueness
- Collaborative and driven professional workforce committed to supporting your ideas and feedback and accelerating your potential
- Ongoing support and guidance such as on-the-job learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship
- Training, strategies, and tools to support your personal and professional growth
- Team atmosphere of diverse professionals committed to making an impact as an organization
- Opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local communities
- Exceptional benefits such as medical and dental; 401(k) with corporate match
- Base and bonus commensurate with experience
- Responsible Paid Time Off plus standard company holidays
- Benefits Offered: comprehensive high-deductible health plans, dental and vision insurance plans, short-term and long-term disability, group life insurance, 401(k) corporate matching, flexible spending arrangements, company paid parking and cell phone, fitness and wellness corporate discounts
Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
About Apex Clean Energy
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Clean energy power generation
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Charlottesville, VA, US
Year founded
2009