The SPS System Protection Department has an opening for a Protection Relay Technician A (with degree), in Carlsbad or Hobbs, NM! This position may be hired at Protection Relay Technician A level only. Selection will be based on education, qualifications, and experience. Successful candidate must live, or be willing to relocate, within 20 miles of the Carlsbad, NM Service Center 88220 or Hobbs, NM Service Center 88240. Position Summary: Maintain the protective relay systems and other substation control systems, support capital projects and help in service restoration. System reliability is directly affected by the activities of this position. All system protection relay technician A prerequisites must be met. Minimum Requirements for placement based on previous experience: 1. High School Diploma or equivalent 2. Department of Labor Protective Relay Technician Journeyman Certificate Required 3. Physical demands include, but not limited to lifting, carrying, climbing, handling, kneeling, and reaching. Must be able to lift and maneuver 90 pounds 4. Overnight travel and assignments will be required in this position. 5. Must be able to climb ladders and lattice structures and work out of a bucket truck. Heights up to 80 ft. 6. Must exhibit a teamwork attitude and work well with others. 7. Must be able to work independently without direct supervision 8. Must be mentally competent, able to communicate, able to comprehend instructions and build on previous experience 9. Must have the ability to learn and/or operate various pieces of test equipment. 10. Must be able to work in confined spaces 11. Must be computer literate, use and understand basic computer skills. 12. Required to work outdoors and in power plant environments 13. Must be willing & able to work considerable amounts of overtime. 14. Subject to after hour callouts. 15. Must have a two-year accredited degree in electronics or digital equipment for Protection Relay Technician "A". Bargaining The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $61.64 per hour This position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Tuition reimbursement, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Vacation, Holidays, Sick Time, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO) Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Deadline to Apply: 10/04/26 All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. Accessibility Statement Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.