Austin Aviation – Industrial Utility Electrician III

City of Austin•Austin, TX

23d•$40 - $51•Onsite

About The Position

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for leading crews and performing senior journeyman-level tasks in the repair and installation of 15KV electrical substation switchgear and distribution systems, 1000V to 15KV motors and motor controls, treatment process equipment and control systems, and lighting systems within industrial utility facilities and remote locations. The Industrial Utility Electrician III serves as a senior-level electrician responsible for advanced installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of complex industrial and utility electrical systems. This position ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of medium- and high-voltage power distribution, control systems, and critical facility infrastructure. In addition to performing highly skilled electrical work, the Electrician III provides technical guidance, mentors junior staff, and assists in planning and coordinating major projects and system upgrades. Primary duties include: Performing advanced troubleshooting, testing, and repair of electrical distribution systems, substations, generators, and automated controls. Leading and training lower-level electricians in safe work practices, diagnostic methods, and system operations. Reviewing and interpreting complex electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, and engineering plans to ensure accuracy in installation and repairs. Coordinating with engineering, operations, and contractors to plan and execute electrical projects and system improvements. Developing and overseeing preventive and predictive maintenance programs for electrical infrastructure. Ensuring full compliance with NEC, NFPA 70E, OSHA, and organizational safety standards; enforcing lockout/tagout and arc flash boundaries. Serving as a subject matter expert for specialized systems such as SCADA, VFDs, PLCs, and power monitoring equipment. Preparing detailed reports, documenting system performance, and recommending upgrades to improve reliability and efficiency.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus four (4) years of experience in all phases of work as a journeyman-level electrician installing, diagnosing, troubleshooting and repairing medium-voltage electrical systems such as 5KV to 15KV distribution equipment, motor controls, facility building equipment, and lighting systems at a utility or facility plant or industrial production plant.
OR Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years of experience in all phases of work as a journeymanlevel electrician, including two (2) years of experience which include directly related utility electrical experience performing installations and diagnostics experience working at voltages of 1000V to 15kV installing, troubleshooting, and repairing a variety of electrical machinery and equipment in permanent building systems, power generation plants, utility facilities, treatment plants, or industrial facilities. Experience must include commercial or industrial wiring, installing and repairing electrical conduit systems, and troubleshooting industrial motor control systems, mechanical motor starters, soft starters, and variable frequency drives.
Must possess a valid State of Texas Journeyman Electrician License.
Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
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 read, interpret, and modify blueprints, schematics, and diagrams.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the general public.
Ability to communicate effectively to subordinates, management and customers.
Ability to respond quickly and perform strenuous work under emergency and in all weather conditions.
Ability to work in environments that may have hazardous atmospheres.
Ability to select and operate proper air ventilation equipment based on readings from atmospheric monitors, in compliance with Utility Confined Space Entry Policy/Procedures.
Ability to safely perform operations and maintenance tasks including working in confined and hazardous environments.
Ability to work in confined spaces where there may be limited or restricted means for entry or where the work activity may be hindered by energized equipment and electrical voltage.
Ability to function as confined-space entry supervisor.
Ability to climb to heights of 200 feet on ladders that support up to 300 pounds.
Ability to perform maintenance tasks that require lifting or carrying equipment or supplies weighing up to fifty (50) pounds unassisted.
Ability to participate in on-call program and to work both scheduled and unscheduled overtime.
Must have the ability to read, write, and fluently speak in English.

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge in industrial or utility electrical experience.
Skilled in troubleshooting using advanced test equipment (megger, power analyzers, thermal imaging).
Advanced training in predictive maintenance technologies (infrared, vibration analysis, power quality).
Demonstrated experience with substation maintenance, medium-voltage switching, and motor control troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes, schedules, and leads crews in the completion of assigned work orders, including making materials ready, performing quality inspections, preparing or executing switching requests, preparing as-built markups, and other tasks as necessary.
Communicates with customers to explain the purpose of activities that impact services.
Trains others to apply sound electrical maintenance and construction techniques in high, medium, and low-voltage electrical distribution systems, as well as low-voltage process control systems.
Communicates with supervisor regarding work order planning and status, or other issues as needed.
Monitors compliance and communicates safety issues to personnel.
Performs complex electrical diagnostics, calibrations, maintenance, and repairs on 2.5KV to 15KV substation switchgear, distribution equipment, protective relays, breakers, battery banks, and capacitor trip systems.
Performs complex diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on 1000V to 15KV motors and motor control systems and on various types of process control systems related to treatment plant or other utility facilities.
Repairs and installs electrical distribution, treatment process, or other critical utility equipment.
Repairs various lighting systems using bucket truck as needed.
Performs 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.
Coordinates 15KV switching for maintenance repairs and power outages with electrical utility providers and utility facilities during electrical outages or planned switching.
Maintains records of electrical maintenance activities using various software applications such as CMMS.
Provides leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.