Description

Apprentice Relay & System Protection Technician

Posting Date:                          February 13, 2026

Job Posting Number:            2026-012

Pay Grade:5

Department:Operations, Maintenance/Substation

Location:Keystone Heights

Classification:                        Non-Exempt

Notes:This is a current position.

THERE ARE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION.

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. does not sponsor employment visas.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request by emailing [email protected] or by calling 352-473-8000, EXT 8264 or 8270.  Please be advised that this assistance is available for individuals who require accommodation due to disability.

Classification Summary:

Individuals in positions allocated to this class perform technical work involved in substation relay protection devices owned by the cooperative. Primary responsibilities include assisting in the testing, calibrating and installation of complex relaying and control equipment; analyzing and troubleshooting circuits through the use of drawings, circuit analysis and specialized equipment; and providing technical assistance to other departments. 

Work is performed under the supervision of the System Protection Technician Supervisor who reviews work on a daily basis to ensure that the employee is progressing in their performance of duties and responsibilities and is adhering to the Cooperative Safety Manual

Essential Job Functions

(Note:  These job functions are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. All employees are expected to demonstrate cooperation in working with others, deal effectively with members and practice safety consciousness.)

1. Performs Maintenance. Assists other technicians test, calibrate, repair, and perform routine maintenance on protective relays and microprocessor-based relay schemes, and maintains accurate records on same. Assists in changing and/or adding control wiring and implements relay settings for upgraded protection and safety on the system. Assists in the installation or major modification of entire substation protection systems, as required for substation construction.  This includes complete rewiring of control panels, and alteration or installation of associated circuits. 
2. Substation Protection Systems. Assists in the verification of proper operation of transmission, substation and distribution protection systems, including fault simulation to check all components of protective system prior to energizing the station or line. 
3. Use and Care of Tools and Equipment. Is responsible for the use, care and security of tools, parts, vehicle, equipment and materials utilized. 
4. Safety. Practices safe work habits in the performance of all job duties and is familiar with and follows those portions of the Cooperative Safety Manual that pertain to the position. 
5. Other Essential Duties. Each employee is responsible to perform other duties as required to benefit the Cooperative and its members, includes responding to and/or assisting in emergency situations.

Minimum Training and Experience:

This position requires an Associate of Science degree from a regionally accredited college or university with major coursework in electronics, and preferably with specialization in substation and relay technology.

Individuals in this position must maintain a valid State of Florida driver's license. A Florida Class A commercial driver’s license must be obtained within the first six (6) months of employment in this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to learn and use the electronic test equipment and the knowledge to interpret the results. 

Broad knowledge of electrical theory and practical application of theoretical concepts.

Ability to use personal computers in the scope of programming microprocessor-based relay schemes.

Ability to assist other technicians operate vital equipment, assist in the restoration of electrical power to transmission and distribution devices during emergencies, and to help work on energized control circuits without interrupting electrical service. 

Ability to understand the meaning and significance of manufacturers’ technical publications.

This position requires the employee to be available to perform work after normal working hours and assume on-call or back up call responsibilities as needed.

This position requires the ability to promote to the position of Relay and System Protection Technician after successfully completing the requirements of the cooperative’s course curriculum for the Relay and System Protection Technician and at a minimum 48 months of work as an Apprentice Relay and System Protection Technician.

Employees in this position shall comply with Policy 110., "Residence Required in Districts and Operations Department”.

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All applicants for employment shall be considered on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, physical or mental handicap or disability, where otherwise qualified, or marital or veteran status.  Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. treats all employees equally without discrimination in rates of pay and other opportunities for advancement.

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. has a drug-free workplace policy.

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. participates in E-Verify.  E-Verify electronically compares information entered on the Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9, with records contained in Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases.  This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.

JOB ANALYSIS FORM

for

APPRENTICE RELAY & SYSTEM PROTECTION TECHNICIAN

This form is used to determine the essential function and physical requirements of each

job class for recruitment purposes to comply with the American With Disabilities Act.

Tools, Equipment, Vehicles, or Machinery Used:

Volt meters, amp meters, relay test equipment switches, Gang Operated Air Break switches, hot sticks, ¾ ton van or truck, ladders, and hand tools

Work Conditions:

Communication Requirements:

Physical Requirements of the Job:

Note: - In terms of an 8-hour workday, "Occasionally" equals 1% to 33% of the time, "Frequently" means 34% to 66% of the time, and "Continuously" means 67% to 100% of the time.

Definitions:

1. Simple Grasping- Apply pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
2. Pushing-Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
3. Pulling-Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
4. Fingering-Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters or must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Some requirements may exclude individuals that cannot be reasonably accommodated or who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.