Electrician II

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University requires a skilled Electrician II to join Utility Services, maintaining campus electrical systems and lighting. You will install and repair equipment, read schematics, and work on distribution networks up to 15,000V.

The role emphasizes safety, collaboration, and timely preventive maintenance to ensure reliable campus operations. Ideal candidates hold Iowa licensure, have upkeep on high- and low-voltage systems, and can work within a 24/7 campus utility environment.

Qualifications

• Requires State of Iowa Class A Journeyman Electrician license with at least four years as an apprentice plus two years of experience as a journeyman electrician; or Class B license with eight years in trade.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair campus site lighting and low-voltage power distribution systems.
• Install conduit, cable, switchboards, panels, and circuit breakers.
• Perform maintenance and installation of VFDs, mass warning signals, traffic/pedestrian control signals, meters, and flow meters.
• Read and interpret schematics, drawings, and instruction books.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and campus community members.
• Install and maintain motor starters and MCCs; service circuit breakers from 120V to 15,000V.

Skills

Journeyman Electrician

Driver's license

Job description

Position Title: Electrician II

Job Group: Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires State of Iowa Class A Journeyman Electrician license with at least four years as an apprentice plus two years of experience as a journeyman electrician; or State of Iowa Class B Journeyman Electrician license with eight years in the electrical trade in maintenance or construction.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and meet University’s Fleet Safety Program.

Job Description:

Under general supervision, applies knowledge, skills and abilities at the journey level to install and repair electrical systems and equipment (generally less than 600V). Demonstrates Journeyman Electrician qualifications, training, experience and technical knowledge. Responsible for the coordination and accomplishment of maintenance, operations and modifications. Performs the duties peculiar to, and normally required in, the trade of electrician, following recognized procedures and techniques for such work. Utilizes special tools, equipment, and processes (such as insulation testers, thermal imaging cameras and Thermal/Infrared (TIR) Predictive Testing procedures) to collect, perform initial diagnostics, and respond to data through established guidelines for preventive and predictive maintenance to ensure equipment reliability.

About the department – Utility Services

Utility Services is a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year operation dedicated to meeting the energy needs of the Iowa State University community. The department operates and maintains four energy production facilities, as well as an extensive network of utility distribution systems that serve the entire Iowa State campus. Through a commitment to operational excellence, safety, and sustainability, Utility Services works to provide reliable, economical, and environmentally responsible utility services that support the university's teaching, research, and outreach mission. Its primary goal is to safely deliver dependable utility services while continuously advancing sustainability and efficiency across campus operations.

Copy and paste the link below to learn more about our team! https://www.fpm.iastate.edu/utilities/energy_production_facilities.asp

About the role:

• Maintain and repair campus site lighting and low-voltage power distribution systems.
• Install conduit, cable, switchboards, panels, and circuit breakers.
• Perform maintenance and installation of variable frequency drives, campus mass warning signals, traffic/pedestrian control signals, utility electric meters, and mechanical flow meters.
• Utilize utility locating equipment to identify and troubleshoot underground infrastructure.
• Assist Utility High Voltage staff with cable pulls, switch replacements, and vault maintenance.
• Read and interpret schematics, drawings, and instruction books.
• Communicate effectively, professionally, and positively with colleagues and campus community members.
• You will receive training to use utility locating equipment for the identification and troubleshooting of underground infrastructure Install and maintain motor starters and motor control centers.
• Perform maintenance on circuit breakers protecting circuits that range from 120V to 15,000V.
• Other duties as assigned.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs all duties listed under Electrician I.
• Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs and replaces 600 volts and less electrical distribution systems and related equipment, including but not limited to main panel board control systems, programmable controls, solid state control systems, step up and down transformers, current and potential transformers, protective field devices, line monitoring equipment and VFD’s.
• Installs, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs control systems including lighting, programmable controllers, and building heating and cooling system programmable controllers.
• Performs preventive maintenance on electrical equipment systems and control systems.
• As required, will commission 600 volts and less electrical distribution systems and related equipment, and control systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
• Knowledge of safety precautions mandated by OSHA, NFPA, NEC and the EPA.
• Demonstrates all knowledge, skills, and abilities listed under Electrician I.
• Knowledge of electrical control systems, including variable frequency drives.
• Ability to use and interpret specialty tools and equipment used to troubleshoot electrical equipment and systems.
• Ability to plan and perform work involving the installation, modification, troubleshooting and repair of new and existing control systems and related equipment.
• Ability to work in all types of environmental conditions or in areas where there is exposure to excessive noise, dirt, and fumes and at elevated heights from ladders, scaffolds, or hydraulic lifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), including troubleshooting and installation
• Experience with commercial/industrial and three-phase electrical systems
• Familiarity with Building Automation Systems (e.g., Metasys)
• Experience using electrical system testing and diagnostic tools such as insulation testers, thermal imaging, or power analyzers

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type: Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Pay Grade: 5070a Original Posting Date: September 23, 2026 Posting Close Date: October 29, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R19974

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub.

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensiveland-grantmission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world.

And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community.

Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.