Electrical Worker Helper

Transmission & Distribution World; Manhattan (KS); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

NBAF in Manhattan, Kansas seeks an Electrical Helper to assist journeyperson electricians in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical distribution systems. The role requires using various test meters and protective equipment while following safety protocols and project drawings.

The incumbent will support troubleshooting, documentation, and coordination with the team, ensuring work aligns with code requirements and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate safety awareness and ability to follow procedures.
• Ability to assist journeyperson electricians with installation and maintenance.
• Experience handling electrical test equipment and recording data.

Responsibilities

• Assist journeyperson electricians with installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical distribution systems.
• Use test equipment (meters, voltmeters, ammeters, watt meters, ohmmeters) to diagnose issues.
• Follow safety procedures and wear protective equipment during tasks.
• Refer to National Electrical Code and project drawings for compliance.

Skills

Electrical safety

Troubleshooting

Safety procedures

Tools

Test meters

Voltmeter

Ammeter

Watt meter

Ohmmeter

Job description

Summary

This position is located at the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, KS. In this position, you will assist journeyperson electricians with installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical distribution systems.

Duties

Installs, modifies, repairs, maintains, tests, and loads new and existing electrical distribution systems, equipment and their components.

Helps electricians in troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment, distribution circuits and controlling equipment to locate and correct the cause of outages and improper operation.

Uses a variety of test equipment such as test meters, voltmeters, ammeters, watt meters and ohmmeters.

Uses step ladders, man lifts, and boom lifts and follow safety procedures for this type of equipment.

Complies with the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and agency safety requirements and precautions while working in areas where the subject regulations apply.

Understands the National Electrical Code aimed at safeguarding persons and property from hazards associated with electrical installations.

Works with electricians and electronics workers in making emergency cutouts and substitution of power lines and equipment, sometimes working on secondary distribution systems when they are energized.

Works with electricians and electronics workers on scheduled and unscheduled adjusting, cleaning, repairing, replacing defective parts, and lubricating programs on all electrical equipment with related accessories.

Works with electricians and electronics workers in placing distribution panels, boxes, fittings, fixtures, transformers and other electrical devices.

Uses word processing and software to accurately maintain records such as documenting or recording equipment numbers, time and materials as required for preventative and planned maintenance.

References National Electrical Code, local codes, building plans, blueprints, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings and electrical maintenance and repair manual as pertains to the work.

Works with electricians in troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment, distribution circuits and controlling equipment to locate and correct the cause of outages and improper operation.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position you must meet the following by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: 09/30/2026 Qualifications will be determined under the Job Element Rating System X-118C, Qualifications Standard Handbook. While a specific length of time and experience is not required for most Wage Grade positions, you must show through experience and training that you possess the best qualified level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements emphasize the quality of experience, not necessarily the length. The responses to the questionnaire and your resume should be in significant detail to provide the person rating your application with a good understanding of your ability to do the job, technical knowledge, work, and training experience, etc. (For example You must have the ability to perform the duties of a, Electrical Worker Helperwithout more than normal supervision (Screen Out)). Applicants who do not meet the SCREEN OUT ELEMENT will not be given further consideration. Working Conditions: Incumbent is exposed to varying abnormal temperatures and conditions, both indoors and outside buildings. The incumbent works in areas where equipment is in continual operation, and noise levels are abnormal and odors prevail. The incumbent is subject to infection, mechanical injury, gas, cuts, bruises, fumes, dirt and grease. Work requires changes to clothing provided by NBAF while at work duty station. Work may require to showering prior to reporting to duty station in accordance with entrance/exit safety protocols for specific areas of the center. The incumbent must use safety equipment including hard hat, gloves, safety glasses, lock out tag out (LOTO), arc flash clothes and other protective items. The incumbent must wear a full face respirator when working in biological control areas; and restrictions of facial hair may be imposed for proper use of personal protective equipment. Discomfort may occur when wearing protective clothing, gloves, and eye goggles. The health status of personnel is monitored periodically using biologic and serologic tests and physical examinations. Restrictions against contact with birds and livestock outside the laboratory may apply after entering high security animal facilities that are working with disease agents foreign to the United States. Physical Effort: The work requires performing duties in utility spaces, on ladders and scaffolding and may operate a boom truck. Work requires close hand and eye coordination; active walking; prolonged periods of standing on concrete floors, climbing, bending, and reaching and working in cramped positions or crowded areas or confined spaces (manholes). The incumbent may be required to lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds with proper support.