System Protection Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position is located at our TSM Williston outpost in Williston, ND.
This position will lead a team of Technicians in overseeing the operation, maintenance, and inspection of high voltage substation equipment, including electromechanical, solid-state relays, microprocessor relays, networks, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and ancillary components. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the reliability and optimal performance of protection system schemes, and will play a crucial role in managing teams, coordinating repairs, and fostering a culture of safety. This position demands active leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to staying abreast of evolving technologies in the field.

• Supervise System Protection Technicians, providing leadership, coaching, and performance management to ensure high-quality work and team effectiveness.
• Promote a strong safety culture by training staff and ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and safe work practices.
• Plan, implement, and oversee preventive maintenance programs for substation protection and control equipment, including relays, fault recorders, SCADA systems, control circuits, metering, PLCs, and communication/telemetry systems.
• Assist and provide technical guidance in the maintenance, testing, and calibration of protection and control systems and associated equipment.
• Develop and manage weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedules to ensure reliability and continuity of service.
• Oversee and support new substation construction, commissioning, and checkout activities.
• Review engineering drawings and update documentation to reflect as-built conditions for substation projects.
• Ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of substations, control houses, shops, and associated facilities.
• Serve as primary on-call contact for abnormal substation or system protection conditions and coordinate response actions.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure work is completed efficiently and remains compliant with NERC and other applicable regulations.
• Administer and support apprenticeship programs and ongoing technical development of staff.
• Act as a liaison with other technical groups (e.g., communications, line crews, substation personnel) to coordinate work and support operational needs.
• Where applicable, coordinate and oversee activities specific to HVDC tie operations, including interface coordination with external entities, monitoring of DC system performance, and support of specialized control, protection, and communication finctions unique to HVDC functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering Accreditation Board/Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) accredited Electrical Engineering program, or a closely related field and 4 years of experience in system protection engineering, including hands-on field and testing expeirence with high voltage (HV) or extra high voltage (EHV) equipment; or
• Associate’s degree in Electronic Technology, or a related field, preferably a substation specialized program, and a 4-year System Protection apprenticeship program; or
• A high school diploma or equivalent (GED or HSED) and 9 years of extra high voltage (EHV) experience as a System Protection Technician.
• Knowledgeable in the function and testing of standard substation system protection and control equipment such as electromagnetic and microprocessor relays, fault recorders, SCADA, control circuits, meters, PLC, audio tone, telemetry equipment circuits.
• Previous experience acting as lead or in step-up role.
• A valid driver’s license in the state of residence.
• This is a Department of Transportation (DOT) (FMCSA) (non-CDL) qualified position.
• Frequently travel overnight.

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.

This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, stooping, bending, climbing stairs, and carrying up to 50 pounds, and use of keyboard/computer; occasional climbing of ladders, kneeling, reaching, pushing/pulling up to 150 pounds, use of tools, foot controls, and turning valves. Finger dexterity, good vision and hearing, and the ability to communicate are required. May frequently be required to work in hot or cold conditions and be exposed electrical hazards; and occasionally exposed to chemicals and noise. Working at heights up to 60 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards, may be required. Required to drive a motor vehicle. The incumbent must remain fit for duty.

• Must be familiar with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
• Requires mechanical abilities and a working knowledge of hand tools, test instruments, computers and computer maintenance software and maintenance manuals.
• Electrical knowledge and the ability to read schematics and wiring diagrams are also required to effectively troubleshoot electrical problems. 
• The ability to demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Ability to demonstrate they can work with minimal supervision and provide work direction.
• Ability to analyze data/reports, conduct problem- solving investigations, implement recommendations, develop plans, accomplish goals, and work under pressure
• Must be able to direct staff, evaluate performance and present information.