Protection & Control Field Services Engineer / Associate

Protection & Control Field Services Engineer/Associate (Columbus, GA) 

Job Summary 

This posting is for Protection & Control Field Services Engineer positions based in the Central Transmission Maintenance Area of Columbus, GA.  These positions will be filled as Non-Exempt positions in the Protection & Control Field Services Engineer family, with the pay and level commensurate with the qualifications, education, and experience of the successful candidate. 

The successful candidates will be responsible for the Protection & Control (P&C) Field Services activities in their respective area.  Safety and Quality are paramount in this position.  The successful candidate will be expected to learn and apply switching procedures and safety measures.  The candidate will be expected to plan and complete projects safely, efficiently, on schedule, and without service interruptions. 

Candidates Selected to interview will be chosen from the applicants based on fit with the job requirements listed below. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills) 

Education Requirements 

• 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, or 
• 4-year BS Degree in Engineering Technology, or 
• Professional Engineering License, 

Experience  

• P&C Field Services experience preferred
• Electric power utility transmission construction, maintenance, or operations experience preferred
• Related substation experience (P&C Applications, Design, Construction, Major Equipment, Project Management, etc.) preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of 3-phase power systems, AC/DC Protection & Control Schemes, Fault Analysis 
• Familiar with test equipment such as voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, communications instruments, and computerized relay test sets. 
• Candidate must possess ability to solve problems and make decisions while managing projects with multiple priorities 
• Ability to communicate across multiple work groups including customers, covered employees, and leadership 
• Familiar with computer programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office products (Word, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). 

Other Requirements 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license. 
• Successful candidates shall participate in callout rotation and be available to respond to outages or other abnormal conditions outside of their normal work schedule. 
• Overnight travel is sometimes required. 
• Safety sensitive position subject to relevant pre-employment screening(s) to determine fitness for duty. 
• Field position requiring the physical ability to operate manual switches and work in a substation environment. 
• Must live in/near or be willing to relocate within reasonable distance to the office location. 
• Must be able to pass the standard Southern Company background check, drug screen, and NERC Background check. 

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES  

Job Responsibilities 

• Commissioning, testing, maintaining, and troubleshooting protective relaying, controls, and communication equipment associated with substation and transmission power lines.   
• Complete construction projects and substation routines as assigned, ensuring they are completed without service interruptions.  This includes managing clearances effectively to meet quality, schedule, and budget targets. 
• Coordinating substation outages and commissioning activities with multiple internal and external stakeholders.  Handle trouble calls as needed. 
• Develop and use safe and efficient work practices to prevent safety and operational incidents.  Follow formal written requirements.  Conduct job briefings to identify and mitigate safety and operational risks.   
• Develop and share technical expertise in 3-phase power, relaying, SCADA, and substation testing techniques with others through daily work. 
• Isolate hazards and damaged equipment during emergencies to safely and efficiently restore service  

Behavioral Attributes 

• Model “Our Values”: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance.
• Incorporate Human Performance tools into daily work practices 
• Support GPC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals 
• Self-motivated to produce results without direct supervision 
• Customer focus  
• Questioning attitude 
• Active learner seeking to expand knowledge of GPC and Southern Company maintenance practices, guidelines, and procedur