Protection & Control (Relay) Technician | Union

Asplundh Tree Expert Co
Asplundh Tree Expert Co

Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Posted on Nov 13, 2026

Protection & Control (Relay) Technician | Union

Brand: Asplundh Electrical Testing, LLC

Location: Grand Rapids, MI, United States

Date Posted:

Requisition Number: 6993

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Description

What if you could discover the way to an exciting and rewarding career? The path is closer than you may think. Connect with us, explore the possibilities, and see why Asplundh is 36,000 strong and growing.

About the Role

At Asplundh Electrical Testing, safety is not just a priority—it is our foundation. We are experiencing strong growth and are seeking motivated Protection & Control (Relay) Technicians to join our field engineering and testing team.

In this role, you will support the testing, commissioning, and maintenance of protective relays and control systems within medium- and high-voltage electrical substations. Working directly alongside experienced Senior Relay Technicians, you will gain hands-on training in industry-standard testing practices, relay logic, and protection scheme fundamentals. This position is ideal for recent electrical graduates, apprentices, or military veterans looking to launch a high-growth career in utility power systems within a safety-driven, team-focused environment.

As a NETA-accredited independent electrical testing and engineering organization, Asplundh Electrical Testing sets the industry benchmark across utility, renewable energy, data center, and industrial sectors.

What You’ll Do

  • Uphold Field Safety: Participate in daily job briefings and safety tailboards, strictly following Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, energized work policies, and a "Safety First, Always" culture.
  • Protective Relay Testing & Maintenance: Perform entry-level acceptance testing, maintenance, calibration, and functional testing on electromechanical and microprocessor-based relays under senior supervision.
  • Learn Protection Schemes & Logic: Assist in developing test routines, macros, and test plans for Overcurrent, Transformer Differential, Bus Differential, and Line Distance protection schemes.
  • Substation Commissioning & Energization: Support control circuit verification, trip checks, end-to-end testing, system commissioning, and substation energization activities.
  • Troubleshooting & Diagnostics: Assist senior technicians in examining protection schemes, logic diagrams, and fault conditions across transmission and distribution systems.
  • Test Equipment & Software Operation: Utilize modern automated relay test sets and software (such as Doble ProTest, Doble Protection Suite, Omicron Test Universe, or Megger) to verify relay performance against design standards.
  • Field Documentation: Record accurate test results, field notes, and redline markups to support project close-out packages.

What You Bring

  • Foundational Electrical Knowledge: Solid understanding of basic electrical theory, AC/DC circuits, phasing, polarity, vectors, and basic logic gates.
  • Print Reading: Ability to read and interpret single-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, and control wiring drawings.
  • Hands-On Aptitude: Practical experience with substations, relay testing, or medium/high-voltage equipment gained through vocational labs, apprenticeships, or military service.
  • Software & Tech Familiarity: Familiarity with relay test software (Doble ProTest, Protection Suite) or microprocessor relays (SEL, GE Multilin) is preferred.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an eagerness to take direction, ask questions, and build technical proficiency.
  • Physical, Travel & Screening Requirements:
    • Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
    • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
    • Ability to work outdoors, climb ladders, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 70 lbs.
    • Willingness to travel regularly within the assigned region, work overtime as needed, and travel outside the region for extended assignments.

Preferred Education & Credentials

    • Education: Associate degree (AAS) or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET), Electronic Engineering Technology, Power Systems, or a related technical discipline preferred.
    • Military & Trade Equivalents: Equivalent technical training strongly considered, including US Army Prime Power School (12P), US Navy Nuclear Electrician’s Mate (EMN), Air Force Electrical Power Production, or IBEW/utility Journeyman and Apprentice Electrician programs.
    • Certifications: NETA Level I or NETA Level II certification (or OSHA 10 / NFPA 70E training) is a plus, but not required for entry-level candidates.

Why Join Asplundh Electrical Testing?

    • Hands-On Mentorship: Learn directly from NETA certified technicians on live utility, renewable, and data center projects.
    • Career Advancement: Structured path to earn NETA certifications and advance to Relay Technician and Senior Relay Technician roles.
    • Safety-First Culture: Work for an industry leader that prioritizes safety, proper tooling, and continuous technical training.
    • Stability & Safety: Backed by the resources of an industry leader.

What We Offer

At Asplundh Electrical Testing, we invest in the well‑being of our people. Eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their health, financial security, and work‑life balance, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plan to help you secure your future
  • Company‑provided life insurance for added peace of mind
  • Supplemental life insurance options, including spouse and child coverage
  • A variety of voluntary supplemental insurance programs
  • Long‑term disability coverage
  • Pre‑paid legal plan
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support personal and professional well‑being
  • Paid time off to recharge and refresh
  • Paid holidays
  • Access to employee discount programs and helpful resources

*Benefits listed above are available to eligible employees. Eligibility requirements and plan provisions apply

Please note: For roles that fall within union‑represented territories, certain benefits and employment terms may differ from what’s listed here. In those cases, the applicable local union agreement will guide the specific benefits and provisions. We’re committed to transparency and will walk you through what applies to your location during the hiring process.

Who We Are

Asplundh Electrical Testing (AET) has been a leading provider of independent electrical testing services since 1981. Headquartered in Foxboro, MA, with regional offices across the country, AET specializes in substation commissioning, acceptance testing, and maintenance for clients in electrical transmission, distribution, and generation. As a NETA-certified company and a member of Asplundh Engineering Services—a subsidiary of Asplundh Infrastructure Group—AET is committed to delivering reliable, high-quality services at competitive prices.

An Asplundh Company

As part of the Asplundh family, AET benefits from extensive resources and a century of experience. Together, we provide utilities with comprehensive end-to-end services, from design to construction, testing, and maintenance, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.

Our Commitment

At AET, we believe in tackling challenges together with our customers, leveraging our collective experience and resources to achieve success in every project.



Important Information for Applicants:
  • Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC and its family of companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any legally protected characteristic.
  • If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our ADA Coordinator at 1-800-248-8733, ext. 3656.
  • Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, which include background screening, drug testing, and employment eligibility verification.
  • Compensation determination is based on market data, job scope and individual qualifications.
  • We offer a competitive total rewards package inclusive of health and welfare and retirement benefits, as well as paid time off and holiday pay benefits.
  • Unsolicited resumes without an executed agency agreement become the property of the company.
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