Industrial Utility Electrician I (Austin Water)

City of Austin • Austin, TX

26d • Onsite

About The Position

For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Serving over 1,000,000 people across more than 548 square miles, Austin Water is a leader in sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation. The Industrial Utility Electrician I position performs apprentice-level electrical diagnostics on various electrical systems within industrial utility facilities and remote locations. This role involves assisting with diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on substation switchgears, distribution equipment, motors and motor control systems, process control systems, electrical distribution equipment, and lighting systems. The position also includes performing preventative maintenance, coordinating switching operations, maintaining records, and participating in an on-call program with potential for overtime and unscheduled overtime.

Requirements

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment and instruments.
• Knowledge of the laws, theories, rules, and standards pertaining to electrical construction and maintenance, including maintenance and repair of electrical substation and utility distribution systems.
• Knowledge of principles of electrical theory as applied to transformers, switches, and equipment.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program while driving personal and City of Austin vehicles on official business.
• Ability to use power line electrician's tools and equipment in performing all phases of line construction, operations, and maintenance work.
• Ability to read, interpret, and modify blueprints, schematics, diagrams, and drawing control circuits.
• Ability to tap and splice cable.
• Ability to safely perform operations and maintenance tasks among high voltage energized lines.
• Ability to perform maintenance tasks in confined spaces up to 100 feet deep and requiring the use of SRL body harness that supports 300 pounds.
• Ability to perform maintenance tasks that require climbing to heights of up to 200 feet on ladders that support up to 300 pounds.
• Ability to function as confined space entry supervisor.
• Ability to respond quickly and perform strenuous work under emergency and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the general public.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to select and operate proper air ventilation equipment based on readings from atmospheric monitors, in compliance with Utility Confined Space Entry Policy or Procedures.
• Ability to work in environments that may have hazardous atmospheres.
• Ability to perform maintenance tasks that require lifting or carrying equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus four (4) years of experience in the electrical trade, including as an electrician helper and licensed apprentice which must be in commercial or industrial installations. Experience may be acquired before or after licensing.
• Must possess a State of Texas Electrical Apprentice License or greater.
• Valid Texas Class "C" Driver License.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge, training, and experience performing installations, maintenance, and diagnostics on 600v-5kv class motors and motor controls, switchgear and 15kv class electrical distribution systems.
• Experience working with solid state devices used in the operations of substation distribution equipment and process/motor control systems.
• Experience working in a water utility or similar industrial environment.
• Experience working on energized electrical power systems.
• Basic computer skills.
• State of Texas Electrical Journeyman License, or the ability to obtain a journeyman license within six (6) months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assists in performing electrical diagnostics, calibrations, maintenance, and repairs on 2.5KV to 12.5KV substation switchgears, distribution equipment, protective relays, breakers, battery banks, and capacity trip systems.
• Assists in performing diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on 600V to 5KV motors and motor control systems, using schematics, vibration analysis, multimeter, amp probe, megohmmeter, surge tester, and hand tools.
• Assists in performing diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on various types of process control systems related to treatment plant or other utility facilities.
• Assists in repairing and installing electrical distribution equipment, including but not limited to conduit, conductors, breakers, panel boards, disconnects, transformers, switches, and receptacles.
• Assists in repairing various lighting systems including building lighting, area lighting, streetlights, ballasts, bulbs, capacitors, igniters, contactors, and photocells. Some repairs require use of a bucket truck.
• Assists in performing preventative maintenance on all electrical equipment for treatment plant, utility, or remote location facilities while adhering to the utility’s standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Assists in coordinating 15kV switching for maintenance repairs and power outages with electrical utility providers and utility facilities during electrical outages or switching.
• Participates in on-call program and scheduled or unscheduled overtime.
• Maintains records of electrical maintenance activities using various software applications.

Benefits

• Medical
• Paid leave time
• Retirement plan
• Training opportunities
• Career progression plan
• Incentive Bonus of up to $3,000 ($500 after 90 days, $500 after 180 days, $1,000 after 1 year, $1,000 after 2 years)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED