Industrial Utility Electrician I (Austin Water)

About This Position

 

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

 

Job Description:

Industrial Utility Electrician I

Purpose:

Under direct supervision, this position performs apprentice-level electrical diagnostics on 600V to 5KV motors and motor controls, 15KV substation switchgear and electrical distribution systems, and lighting systems within industrial utility facilities and remote locations.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• 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.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must possess a State of Texas Electrical Apprentice License or greater.

• Valid Texas Class "C" Driver License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

This position will perform apprentice-level electrical diagnostics on motors and motor controls, substation switch-gear and electrical distribution systems, and lighting systems within Austin Water process facilities.

Pay Range:

$37.44 – $39.31 per hour

Position(s) will be filled at the following location:

South Service Center (3616 South 1st St., Austin, TX 78704)
 

The incumbent in this position may be asked to report to one or more of the following locations:

Lift Stations
Various locations

Hornsby Bend Biosolids Plant
2210 S. FM 973, Austin, TX 78725

South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
1017 Fallwell Lane, Austin TX, 78717

Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
7113 FM 969, Austin, TX 78724

Davis Water Treatment Plant
3500 W. 35th Street, Austin, Texas 78703

Water Treatment Plant 4
6800 North F. M. 620, Austin, Texas 78732

Ullrich Water Treatment Plant
1000 Forest View Dr., Austin, Texas 78746

Pump Stations & Reservoirs – South Service Support Center
3616 S. First St., Austin, Texas 78704
 

Work location and shift assignment for candidates selected will be determined based on business need and is subject to change at management’s discretion.

Days and Hours:

Monday through Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This position is considered essential and as such we are response ready 24/7. During bad weather events we may be called in to respond and work 12-hour mandatory shifts to provide uninterrupted service to our customers. This position will require you to work scheduled and unscheduled overtime, outside of normal operating hours. It will also require you to participate in an on-call shift rotation program and respond to after-hours emergencies. Both the overtime and on-call shifts may require you to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information. Additionally, this position offers a career progression plan, which provides a unique opportunity to promote without having to go through the competitive process. As employees go through on-the-job training to develop new skills and abilities and obtain the appropriate license, they are eligible to submit for Career Progression, which allows them to demonstrate knowledge and skills without having to interview for the promotion.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.

• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.

• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• This position requires experience in commercial/industrial electrical installations, not residential.  Your work history should include the duties you performed, the environment you worked in (industrial/commercial/residential), the voltage that you worked with, and any related equipment and computer software used for each employer listed on your application.