Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Greenhouse Electrician

🎯 Role Definition

Are you an expert electrician with a passion for technology and a green thumb? We are searching for a dedicated Greenhouse Electrician to become the backbone of our state-of-the-art agricultural facility. In this role, you will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of our critical electrical systems—from the high-intensity grow lights and complex climate controls to the automated irrigation and fertigation systems. This isn't just a maintenance job; you are a vital partner to our cultivation team, ensuring the perfect environment for our crops to thrive 24/7. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who excels in a dynamic environment and is passionate about being part of the future of sustainable agriculture. You will be the go-to expert for all electrical infrastructure, playing a direct role in our facility's productivity and success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Industrial Electrician
Commercial Journeyman Electrician
Automation Technician
Manufacturing Maintenance Technician

Advancement To:

Lead Electrician or Electrical Supervisor
Maintenance Manager
Facilities & Engineering Manager
Controls Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Industrial Controls Technician
PLC Programmer
Building Automation Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Install, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced horticultural lighting systems, including LED, HPS, and CMH fixtures, ballasts, and related control networks.
Perform comprehensive diagnostics, repair, and preventative maintenance on environmental climate control systems, including HVAC units, exhaust fans, circulation fans, heating systems, and automated shade/venting systems.
Manage and service the electrical components of automated irrigation and fertigation systems, including pumps, motors, solenoids, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and dosing controls.
Read, interpret, and modify complex electrical schematics, blueprints, P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), and control system diagrams to execute projects and resolve issues.
Conduct routine and emergency troubleshooting of all greenhouse electrical equipment, identifying root causes of failures and implementing robust, long-term solutions.
Install, terminate, and test wiring for power distribution, motor controls, and low-voltage instrumentation, ensuring all work is organized, safe, and to code.
Program, troubleshoot, and perform basic modifications on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) that govern greenhouse automation.
Ensure strict adherence to the National Electrical Code (NEC), local regulations, and internal safety protocols, including the proper execution of lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.
Perform regular preventative and predictive maintenance schedules on all electrical panels, switchgear, transformers, and motor control centers to minimize downtime and ensure operational reliability.
Respond swiftly to after-hours emergency calls to diagnose and repair critical system failures that could impact crop health or facility safety.
Install and commission new equipment and electrical systems for facility expansions or upgrades, working closely with project managers and external contractors.
Maintain and test emergency backup power systems, including generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), to guarantee continuity of operations.
Calibrate and maintain a wide array of environmental sensors, including those for temperature, humidity, CO2, and light (PAR), to ensure accurate data for our control systems.
Execute electrical system upgrades and retrofitting projects aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing system capabilities.
Document all maintenance activities, repairs, and system modifications meticulously in our Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Secondary Functions

Maintain an organized inventory of essential electrical spare parts, components, and supplies, and proactively order new stock as needed.
Collaborate directly with the cultivation and growing teams to understand their operational needs and provide technical support for equipment operation.
Provide expert feedback and recommendations to management regarding equipment upgrades, new technology adoption, and improvements to the electrical infrastructure.
Assist with general facility maintenance and light mechanical repairs during periods of low electrical workload to support the broader maintenance team.
Participate actively in safety committee meetings, providing insights on electrical safety and contributing to the continuous improvement of our workplace safety program.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to equipment performance and energy consumption.
Mentor and provide guidance to junior maintenance technicians or apprentices on electrical best practices and safety procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

PLC & Automation Controls: Strong proficiency in troubleshooting and diagnosing issues with PLC-based control systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Priva) and their associated HMIs.
VFD Expertise: In-depth knowledge of installing, programming, and troubleshooting Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for motor speed control.
-Schematic Interpretation: Expert ability to read, understand, and red-line electrical blueprints, single-line diagrams, control schematics, and P&IDs.
Power Systems: Extensive experience working with 480V/277V 3-phase power, as well as low-voltage control circuits, with a strong understanding of power distribution principles.
NEC & Code Compliance: Deep and current knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other relevant safety standards.
Conduit & Wiring Mastery: Skilled in bending and installing various types of conduit (EMT, Rigid) and pulling/terminating wire with a high degree of craftsmanship.
Horticultural Systems: Familiarity with the specific electrical requirements of horticultural lighting, environmental controls, and automated irrigation systems.
Diagnostic Tool Proficiency: Competence in using a wide range of electrical testing equipment, including multimeters, clamp-on ammeters, meggers, and circuit tracers.
Motor & Control Circuits: Solid understanding of motor theory, motor control circuits, relays, contactors, and other control components.
Safety Procedures: Demonstrable expertise in LOTO (Lock-out/Tag-out) and other critical electrical safety practices.

Soft Skills

Analytical Problem-Solving: Ability to logically and methodically diagnose complex, non-routine electrical and system-level problems under pressure.
Independent Work Ethic: A highly self-motivated individual who can manage their own schedule, prioritize tasks, and work effectively with minimal supervision.
Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can tolerate working in variable conditions, including the heat and humidity of a greenhouse.
Attention to Detail: A commitment to precision and quality in all work performed, from wiring installations to documentation.
Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal communication skills to clearly explain technical issues to non-technical staff (like growers) and collaborate effectively with the entire team.
Proactive & Preventative Mindset: A forward-thinker who looks for opportunities to improve systems and prevent failures before they happen.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.
State-issued Journeyman Electrician License OR documented equivalent of 5+ years in a relevant industrial electrician role.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree in Electrical Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field.
Master Electrician License.
PLC or Automation-specific certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electrical Engineering Technology
Industrial Maintenance
Automation & Controls

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of hands-on experience as an industrial, commercial, or manufacturing maintenance electrician.

Preferred:

Direct experience in a controlled environment agriculture (CEA), food and beverage manufacturing, or large-scale production facility.
Proven experience working with complex automated systems, including conveyors, pumps, and environmental controls.
Experience with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).