ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Power System Protection Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rosendin

Power Systems Protection Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Power System Protection Engineer III is a senior-level engineering position responsible for performing protection studies and developing relay settings to support the implementation, commissioning ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsEnergy and Environment JobsUtility JobsPowerhouse Mechanic JobsPower System Protection Technician Jobs

Power System Protection Technician information

See salary details

$15

$27

$42

How much do power system protection technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for power system protection technician in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a power system protection technician do?

A Power System Protection Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing the protection systems that safeguard electrical power systems from faults and abnormal conditions. These technicians work with relays, circuit breakers, and other protective devices to ensure the safety and reliability of power distribution. Their role is crucial in preventing damage to equipment, minimizing outages, and maintaining the stability of the electrical grid.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power system protection technician?

To thrive as a Power System Protection Technician, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or technology, typically supported by an associate degree or technical diploma and relevant experience. Familiarity with protective relay testing equipment, SCADA systems, and industry certifications like NETA or IEC 61850 is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficient operation of electrical power systems.

What are some common challenges faced by power system protection technicians in the field?

Power System Protection Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex relay systems, working in high-voltage environments, and responding quickly to power outages or faults. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret technical diagrams under pressure. Additionally, technicians must stay updated with evolving protection technologies and standards, making ongoing training and adaptability essential for success.

What is the difference between Power System Protection Technician vs Power Distribution Technician?

AspectPower System Protection TechnicianPower Distribution Technician
CertificationsElectrical certifications, relay technician licensesElectrical licenses, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentSubstations, control centers, high-voltage systemsDistribution lines, transformers, residential/commercial areas
Industry UsagePower utilities, transmission companiesUtility companies, construction firms
Job FocusProtecting electrical systems, troubleshooting relaysInstalling, maintaining distribution infrastructure

The Power System Protection Technician primarily focuses on safeguarding electrical systems and troubleshooting relays within substations and high-voltage environments. In contrast, the Power Distribution Technician handles the installation and maintenance of distribution lines and transformers in residential and commercial areas. Both roles require electrical certifications and are vital in the power industry, but they differ in scope and work environment.

More about Power System Protection Technician jobs

What job categories do people searching Power System Protection Technician jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Power System Protection Technician jobs are:

Power System Protection Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power System Protection Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,186 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

SYSTEM PROTECTION TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE OR JOURNEYMAN (ELECTRICAL RELAY TECHNICIAN)

Basin Electric Power Cooperative

Williston, ND • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the operation, maintenance, repair, and inspection of high voltage system protection equipment and schemes.

  • Operate, maintain, test, and inspect protection equipment such as relays, SCADA, power line carrier, and related systems.

  • Support the commissioning of new equipment and complete required documentation and reports.

Job description

SYSTEM PROTECTION TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE OR JOURNEYMAN (ELECTRICAL RELAY TECHNICIAN)
Posting Start Date: 7/23/26
Job Description:
POSITION PURPOSE
This position is located at our TSM Williston outpost in Williston, ND.
This position is open to varying levels of experience.Assist in the operation, maintenance, repair, and inspection of high voltage system protection equipment and schemes. This includes but is not limited to electromechanical relays, solid state relays, programmable relays, networks, power-line carrier, tone equipment, digital fault recorders, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and ancillary equipment used in high voltage substations. Responsible for supporting the reliability and optimal performance of protection system schemes, the Apprentice System Protection Technician plays a supportive role in repairs, inspections, and learning safety protocols. Requires a willingness to learn, develop technical skills, and stay informed about evolving technologies in the field.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Complete on-the-job training and assigned academic work to become proficient in the maintenance and repair of system protection equipment.
  • Assist journeyman in operating and maintaining assigned equipment.
  • Operate, maintain, test, and inspect the Transmission System Maintenance (TSM) system protection equipment and related equipment. Equipment responsibilities include protective relaying, metering, disturbance monitoring, annunciator, SCADA, power line carrier, tone equipment, and auto-generation control (AGC) in power plants. This equipment is normally in Basin Electric Power Cooperative (BEPC) substations, switchyards, and power plants in the BEPC service area, but can also include facilities and equipment not owned by BEPC, which is contracted for maintenance services.
  • Commission new equipment in new or existing facilities to provide the best possible assurance that the equipment is ready for service and will perform its designed functions.
  • Complete the appropriate test forms, reports, timecards, mileage logs, receiving reports, and all other assigned and required paperwork for submission to the appropriate personnel.
  • Maintain assigned vehicles, equipment, tools, and assist other trades in operating and maintaining the assigned TSM shops and adjoining BEPC property.
  • Attain proficiency in securing outages for equipment; determining the proper clearance points; taking switching orders; and properly tagging and grounding equipment, as required, for general switching, equipment clearances, and hot line holds.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Associate's degree in electronic technology, or a related field, preferably a substation specialized program; or
  • A high school diploma or equivalent (GED or HSED) and 2 years of related military training/experience.
  • Must complete the apprentice training program within the first four years of employment to obtain the qualifications necessary to be a System Protection Journeyman.
  • A valid driver's license in the state of residence.
  • This is a Department of Transportation (DOT) (FMCSA) (non-CDL) qualified position.
  • Occasional overnight travel is required.

This position is identified as a Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) related position, which may allow physical and/or logical access to Bulk Electric System (BES) cyber related assets or systems. This position may allow access to privileged information relating to such assets or systems. This position will be required to strictly adhere to all Basin Electric policies, procedures, and programs applicable to the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
This position requires frequent sitting, standing, bending, reaching, use of keyboard/computer and use of tools; and occasional walking, climbing stairs or ladders, crawling, kneeling, lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, and pushing/pulling up to 150 pounds. Finger dexterity, ability to perform close work, good color vision, hearing, the ability to speak and read are required. Working conditions may include frequent exposure to electrical risks; occasionally works around dirt and dust, fumes, chemicals, confined spaces, extreme heat and cold, vibration, noise, and poor ventilation. The incumbent will also be required to work at heights up to 50 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards. Harness rating usually 300 lbs., including tools, clothing, and the individual. The incumbent frequently operates cars and trucks and may be required to operate tractors, man-lifts, and other motorized equipment. The incumbent must remain fit for duty.
KEY SKILLS
  • Knowledge of computers, electronic and electrical theory and its applications, electrical blueprint reading, electronic schematic reading, and a mechanical aptitude.
  • Knowledge of networking and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to learn and understand vector mathematics and must be competent in analyzing and troubleshooting solid-state circuits to the component level.
  • Proficient with computers, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
  • Ability to analyze data and reports, implement recommendations, grasp new technologies, and work under pressure to complete projects within deadlines.

Wage: $52.38 - 62.36 per hour

Apply