Electrical Distribution Electrician

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Utilities and Energy Management (UEM) at The University of Texas at Austin provides electricity and other utility services to campus. The Electrical Distribution Electrician performs electrical construction, maintenance, and repair, with an emphasis on underground electrical systems and low- and medium-voltage switchgear. The role requires working safely on energized and de-energized systems, interpreting technical drawings, and carrying out complex field operations with minimal supervision. The position installs, operates, maintains, tests, and repairs campus electrical distribution equipment and systems, including switchgear, underground cables, overhead systems, and related protective and grounding equipment. It also involves documenting work electronically, updating record drawings, preparing switching orders, reviewing design proposals, operating vehicles and equipment, and communicating with colleagues. The employee may work in all weather conditions, in confined spaces and at heights, and participates in an on-call program with possible extended shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This is a 40-hour weekly position scheduled Tuesday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Salary starts at $65,000, depending on qualifications. The role requires a Class C driver's license, an acceptable driving record, successful completion of physical abilities testing, and background checks. Required training certification must be obtained within 24 months.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least three years of experience in the electric utility field.
A Journeyman Lineman or Journeyman Electrician license with advanced overhead and underground electrical installation and maintenance skills, or competence in medium-voltage electrical systems and professional mastery of utility line construction and repair.
Accuracy in developing record drawings and equipment specifications.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Class C operator's driver's license; the selected applicant must provide a current three-year driving record. Non-Texas residents must obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Ability to pass physical abilities testing, including moving a 100-pound manhole cover, pushing or pulling 100 pounds of resistance, lifting and carrying up to 90 pounds, lifting 45 pounds up a ladder, and performing kneeling work in confined spaces.
Ability to work in all weather conditions, in confined spaces and at elevated locations, and around electrical, mechanical, chemical, and other workplace hazards.
Ability to work on call and as requested overtime, including extended shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Obtain required training certification within 24 months.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Five years of experience installing and maintaining switchgear and distribution systems.
Completion of a formal line worker apprentice program.
Equivalent military electrical or power distribution training.

Responsibilities

Install, operate, maintain, and repair low- and medium-voltage metal-enclosed and metal-clad switchgear for campus electrical distribution systems.
Perform functional and diagnostic testing; inspect and service breakers; and ensure work complies with electrical safety standards and operating procedures.
Install, pull, splice, and terminate medium-voltage underground lead-jacketed and EPR-insulated cables, and install and pull low-voltage wire as needed.
Install, operate, maintain, and repair underground distribution systems, including duct banks, manholes, vaults, raceways, grounding systems, and protective systems.
Work on exposed and overhead electrical distribution systems, including raceway and insulated and non-insulated cable systems.
Climb poles, towers, and other elevated structures, when designated, to install, maintain, and repair electrical components and low-voltage lighting systems.
Update record drawings, create switching orders, and review design proposals and specifications for feasibility.
Document maintenance activities, inspections, and system conditions electronically; enter, update, and track work orders, asset information, and service histories in UT-Works CMMS.
Operate forklifts, bobcats, backhoes, bucket trucks, cable trailers, cable-pulling devices, personnel lifts, and other assigned equipment; drive UT vehicles.
Use standard hand tools and electrical testing instruments, including digital volt-ohm meters, high-voltage testers, high-pot testers, and megohmmeters.
Communicate verbally and electronically and perform other related functions as assigned.
Maintain an acceptable driving record, wear required uniforms, and carry a University-issued cell phone during work and on-call hours.
Participate in the on-call program and work overtime or extended shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.

Benefits

Health benefits with employee premiums covered at 100% and family premiums at 50%.
Voluntary vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
Teachers Retirement System of Texas defined-benefit retirement plan with employer matching funds.
Voluntary retirement programs, including 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity and 457(b) deferred compensation.
Flexible spending accounts for medical and childcare expenses.
Free LinkedIn Learning access and professional conference opportunities.
Tuition assistance.
Employee discount program, including athletic tickets.
Free access to UT Austin libraries and museums with staff ID.
Free rides on UT shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID.