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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Facilities Electrician

💰 $28 - $45 an hour

Skilled TradesFacilities MaintenanceElectricalIndustrial

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a highly skilled and motivated electrician looking for a stable and challenging role? We are actively searching for a professional Facilities Electrician to become a cornerstone of our maintenance team. In this position, you will be the go-to expert for all things electrical within our buildings. You will be responsible for ensuring the lights stay on, the machinery runs smoothly, and our entire facility remains safe, compliant, and fully operational. This role is critical to our success, requiring a proactive problem-solver who can work both independently on complex issues and collaboratively with the broader facilities team to support our operational goals. If you thrive on troubleshooting, take pride in quality workmanship, and are committed to safety, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Electrical Apprentice (Post-certification)
  • Residential or Commercial Construction Electrician
  • Industrial Maintenance Technician with a strong electrical focus

Advancement To:

  • Lead Electrician or Electrical Team Lead
  • Facilities Supervisor or Maintenance Supervisor
  • Maintenance Manager or Facilities Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Controls Technician or Automation Specialist
  • Project Manager (for electrical installations/upgrades)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, motors, and control systems, in strict accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations.
  • Perform systematic troubleshooting and diagnostics on complex electrical equipment and circuits to identify root causes of failures and implement effective, lasting repairs.
  • Read, interpret, and work from technical documents including blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and manufacturer specifications to execute installations and repairs.
  • Conduct routine and preventative maintenance on critical electrical infrastructure such as switchgear, panelboards, transformers, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and emergency generators.
  • Install, terminate, and test new electrical wiring, conduit, fixtures, and equipment for facility expansions, renovations, and equipment upgrades.
  • Respond promptly to emergency electrical outages and service calls, safely restoring power and functionality in a time-sensitive manner.
  • Work with and troubleshoot variable frequency drives (VFDs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and other motor control circuits that support our building automation and production systems.
  • Maintain and test life safety systems, including fire alarm panels, emergency lighting, and exit signs, to ensure they are fully operational and compliant.
  • Execute proper lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures on all equipment before performing maintenance to guarantee a safe work environment for yourself and others.
  • Utilize a variety of electrical testing and diagnostic tools, such as multimeters, clamp-on ammeters, meggers (insulation resistance testers), and circuit tracers.
  • Install and service medium and low-voltage systems, confidently working with circuits up to 480V/600V in a commercial or industrial setting.
  • Inspect electrical components, including circuit breakers, transformers, and wiring, to identify potential hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair.
  • Perform electrical load calculations to ensure that new equipment installations do not overload existing circuits or systems.
  • Support the installation and commissioning of new facility equipment and machinery by providing necessary electrical connections and integrations.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain an accurate inventory of essential electrical parts, supplies, and tools, and submit purchase requisitions to prevent work delays.
  • Document all maintenance, repair, and installation activities meticulously in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
  • Collaborate effectively with other maintenance trades (HVAC, plumbing, mechanical) to complete complex projects and resolve multi-trade issues.
  • Participate actively in safety programs, attend regular safety training, and proactively identify and report potential workplace hazards.
  • Assist in scoping and planning for upcoming electrical projects, providing technical input on design, materials, and labor estimates.
  • Escort and monitor third-party electrical contractors to ensure they adhere to facility safety policies and quality standards.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior technicians or apprentices, sharing your knowledge and promoting best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • NEC Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of the National Electrical Code and local electrical codes.
  • Blueprint & Schematic Interpretation: Ability to read and accurately interpret complex electrical blueprints, single-line diagrams, and control schematics.
  • Troubleshooting & Diagnostics: Proven ability to logically and systematically diagnose faults in electrical circuits and systems.
  • Motor Controls & VFDs: Experience with installing, wiring, and troubleshooting motor control circuits, starters, and variable frequency drives.
  • Conduit Installation: Proficiency in bending and installing various types of electrical conduit, including EMT, Rigid, and PVC.
  • Test Equipment Operation: Skilled in the use of standard electrical test equipment like digital multimeters, insulation testers (meggers), and clamp-on ammeters.
  • High/Medium Voltage Systems: Experience working with 3-phase power systems up to 480V or 600V.
  • Life Safety Systems: Knowledge of fire alarm, emergency lighting, and security system installation and maintenance.
  • CMMS Software: Familiarity with using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track work orders and assets.
  • Lock-out/Tag-out (LOTO): Thorough knowledge and strict adherence to LOTO safety procedures for energy isolation.

Soft Skills

  • Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to working safely and promoting a safe environment for all colleagues.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions under pressure.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in workmanship and documentation to ensure quality, safety, and compliance.
  • Effective Communication: Clearly communicate technical information to non-technical staff and collaborate effectively with team members.
  • Time Management: Ability to prioritize a dynamic workload, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work on a wide variety of tasks and respond to changing priorities and emergency situations.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative spirit and willingness to work with other trades to achieve common goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • State-issued Journeyman Electrician License or equivalent certification.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree in Electrical Technology or a related field.
  • Completion of a formal electrical apprenticeship program (e.g., IBEW, ABC).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of post-apprenticeship experience as an electrician.

Preferred: Direct experience as a Facilities or Maintenance Electrician in a large-scale commercial, manufacturing, data center, or industrial environment.

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