Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Facility Electrician
💰 $28 - $45 per hour
🎯 Role Definition
Are you a dedicated and experienced electrician looking for a stable and challenging role? We are actively searching for a professional Facility Electrician to become a cornerstone of our maintenance team. In this critical position, you will be responsible for ensuring the integrity, safety, and reliability of all electrical infrastructure across our campus. You will perform a wide range of tasks from routine preventive maintenance and troubleshooting complex electrical issues to installing new systems and supporting facility projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on problem-solver who takes pride in their work and is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Electrical Apprentice
- Maintenance Technician with an electrical focus
- Commercial or Residential Electrician
Advancement To:
- Lead Electrician / Electrical Team Lead
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Facilities Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Industrial Electrician (specializing in manufacturing equipment)
- Controls Technician / Automation Specialist
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, wiring, conduit, equipment, and fixtures in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations.
- Perform comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance on all facility electrical systems, including switchgear, panelboards, transformers, and motor control centers.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctioning electrical systems, apparatus, and components using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
- Read and interpret electrical blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams to determine project specifications and work procedures.
- Respond promptly to emergency electrical outages and equipment failures, performing rapid diagnostics and repairs to minimize downtime and ensure operational continuity.
- Install, service, and maintain industrial motors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), soft starters, and associated control systems.
- Manage and upgrade facility lighting systems, including performing LED retrofits, installing occupancy sensors, and maintaining emergency lighting.
- Perform safety inspections on electrical systems and equipment, identifying and rectifying potential hazards to ensure a safe work environment for all personnel.
- Execute lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for all equipment repairs and maintenance to ensure worker safety.
- Document all maintenance and repair activities accurately and in a timely manner using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
- Install and pull electrical wiring through conduit, cable trays, and other raceways, ensuring proper sizing, connections, and terminations.
- Maintain and test emergency power systems, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and backup generators, to ensure they are ready for immediate use.
- Work with a variety of voltages, from low-voltage control circuits to 480V 3-phase power distribution systems.
- Assist in the planning and execution of electrical aspects of facility renovations, equipment installations, and capital improvement projects.
- Perform thermographic inspections of electrical panels and equipment to proactively identify hot spots and potential points of failure.
- Install and maintain building systems such as fire alarms, security systems, and access control where electrical expertise is required.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, including electrical rooms, workshops, and job sites.
- Manage and maintain an inventory of essential electrical parts, supplies, and tools, and order new materials as needed.
- Collaborate effectively with other maintenance technicians, production staff, and external contractors to complete projects and resolve issues.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior technicians or apprentices on electrical standards and best practices.
- Estimate time, materials, and equipment required for jobs assigned and maintain cost-effective operations.
Secondary Functions
- Assist other skilled trades (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, mechanical) with tasks that require electrical disconnects, connections, or troubleshooting support.
- Actively participate in facility safety committee meetings and contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of safety programs and procedures.
- Support energy conservation initiatives by identifying opportunities for electrical efficiency improvements and implementing solutions.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other relevant safety standards and regulations.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Deep understanding and practical application of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical blueprints, schematics, and single-line diagrams.
- Expertise in working with high and low voltage systems, including 480V/277V, 208V/120V, and 3-phase power.
- Strong knowledge of motor controls, VFDs, PLCs, and other industrial automation components.
- Proficient use of electrical testing and diagnostic equipment, such as multimeters, meggers, clamp-on ammeters, and circuit tracers.
- Skilled in bending, installing, and running electrical conduit (EMT, Rigid, PVC).
- Comprehensive knowledge and strict adherence to lockout/tagout (LOTO) safety procedures.
- Experience operating and maintaining emergency power systems, including generators and UPS systems.
- Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS) and their electrical interfaces.
- Experience working with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for work order tracking and documentation.
- Knowledge of fire alarm, life safety, and security system installation and maintenance.
Soft Skills
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality workmanship.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a collaborative team member.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong time management and organizational skills to handle multiple priorities.
- A proactive and safety-first mindset in all aspects of work.
- Adaptability to changing work environments and urgent repair situations.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Completion of a certified electrical apprenticeship program or equivalent trade school degree.
Preferred Education:
- State-issued Journeyman Electrician License.
- Master Electrician License is highly desirable.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Electrical Technology
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of post-apprenticeship experience as a commercial or industrial electrician.
Preferred:
- 5+ years of experience in a large-scale commercial, manufacturing, or industrial facility environment.
- Verifiable experience maintaining critical electrical infrastructure and production equipment.