Electrician Specialist High Voltage

Inside Higher Ed; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development programs

Generous health care benefits

Family care resources

Job summary

A leading university in California seeks a High Voltage Electrician Specialist to oversee the installation and maintenance of electrical substations and distribution systems. The candidate should possess significant experience in high voltage equipment and be knowledgeable about safety standards and procedures. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, repairing systems, and ensuring compliance with regulations in a dynamic environment. This full-time position requires work on-site, and offers a supportive and safe working culture, emphasizing career development and employee well-being.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with high voltage equipment.
• Knowledge of electrical safety procedures and National Electrical Code.
• Valid California non-commercial Class C Driver’s License.
• Must possess California non‑commercial Class C Driver’s License (preferred)
• CPR and First Aid training certification (preferred)
• California State Electrical Certification, preferred

Responsibilities

• Perform journey level and high voltage electrician work.
• Install, maintain, and repair electrical substations and distribution systems.
• Diagnose problems independently and determine procedures needed.
• Coordinate work to maintain high voltage distribution system integrity.
• Oversee safety procedures and ensure compliance with codes.
• May supervise an apprentice and coordinate with contractors.

Skills

High voltage electrical theory

Troubleshooting electrical systems

SCADA systems

Installation of high voltage equipment

Electrical safety

Education

Completion of recognized apprenticeship program

HV electrical experience 5+ years

California electrical certification (preferred)

Tools

Amprobes

Amp meters

Recording devices

Job description

🔍Land, Buildings and Real Estate, Stanford, California, United States📁Facilities📅Nov 04, 2025 Post Date📅106315 Requisition #This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.

Welcome To Land, Buildings & Real Estate

Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE) is the operational core of Stanford University’s physical campus. LBRE constructs and maintains the Stanford campus, where advancements across the academic spectrum are made possible. Our work is founded upon the collective value of dedication, innovation, expertise, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We are committed to serving the university’s academic mission, as well as preserving and enhancing Stanford’s 8,180 acres, and pride ourselves on supporting the teaching and research of the university as “Caretakers of a LEGACY.”

Who We Are

Energy Operations (EO) is responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient operation of Stanford’s Central Energy Facility (CEF) and campus distribution systems, as well as the new Stanford in Redwood City Central Energy Facility. CEF provides electricity for the majority of the university’s main campus via a 100MW substation, which is about twice the current campus load. Electricity at the substation is transformed from 60 kilovolts (kV) down to 12kV, which can then be distributed as high voltage electric power to campus.

The campus electrical distribution system is a largely underground system of 12kV and 4kV cables and switches. Typically, power from multiple sources is brought into individual buildings after being stepped down to 480 volts. Load centers within the buildings step the voltage down to normal service voltages and distribute it to loads throughout the building, with backup emergency power available for all vital loads.

The Energy Operations team manages installation, operation, and maintenance of the electrical distribution infrastructure. A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system provides real‑time information and diagnostics of the campus to monitor the power flow throughout the network, allowing for quick response to system faults.

Job Purpose

Employees in this classification perform journey level and high voltage electrician work involved with the installation, maintenance, operation and repair of the electrical substations, electrical distribution systems, and general low voltage utility controls under general supervision. Assignments can be received in the form of work orders, blueprints, sketches, verbal instructions or employees may be expected to schedule their own work, determine work priorities. At this level employees are expected to diagnose problems independently and determine the appropriate method and procedure needed to complete the work. Working with the Lead and co‑workers, the HV Electrician Specialist is expected to ensure that the work specifications conform to shop standards. May work with the Lead person to order materials needed for work.

Core Duties

• Works in areas of controlled access such as substations not open to unqualified individuals.
• Works on high voltage power distribution systems 600 Volts AC and above.
• Splices and terminates high voltage cables using manufacturer and hand tape methods.
• May update and revise procedures.
• Installs, tests, calibrates and repairs all types of revenue meters, instruments and associated electrical equipment.
• Troubleshoot, monitor, repair, maintain and calibrate computer‑based SCADA systems, transducers, input devices, communication equipment and data transmission equipment.
• Performs switching and maintenance in substations, switchyards, pad‑mounted equipment and in underground vaults and may act as Person in Charge of such operations as directed.
• Responds to power outages during off‑hours on a callback basis.
• Troubleshoots and repair faulty equipment.
• Test and repairs short‑circuits, grounds and troubleshoots high voltage street light circuits.
• Installs new equipment, including conduit, wire, cable, pull boxes, transformers and etc. for repairs and alterations in high voltage systems.
• May be responsible for plans and schematic reviews with written reports to the Systems Manager for his/her review.
• May assist the System Manager in overseeing contractors, ensuring safety regulations are being followed.
• Responsible for coordinating work to ensure the maintenance and integrity of the high volt system.
• Follows University/shop procedures for scheduling system outages.
• May oversee the work of an apprentice.
• Ensures that safety rules are followed. Other duties may also be assigned.

Education & Experience

Completion of recognized apprenticeship program (or equivalent education and/or experience) for journey level electrician.

Must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with high voltage equipment (600 AC Volts and above) and experience with low to medium voltage equipment & repairs. 10+ years of relevant experience preferred.

Preferred Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid California non‑commercial Class C Driver’s License and the ability to operate standard and automatic transmission vehicles and may operate a high lift truck.

Must have and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid training.

California State Electrical Certification, preferred.

Physical Requirements

Must demonstrate knowledge of high voltage electrical theory and practices sufficient to plan work independently on power distribution equipment.

Understanding of, and willingness to comply with, electrical and work safety procedures including National Electrical Code & CAL‑OSHA Standards.

Ability to handle tools of the trade (amprobes, amp meters, recording devices, etc.), to work in awkward positions of crouching or bending for a period of time, and to perform moderately heavy lifting.

Must be able to read metering schematic, wiring, installation diagrams, etc. Ability to diagnose electrical trouble and then make repairs on equipment.

Ability to perform new installations of high voltage equipment and electrical systems, if permitted.

Must be available to work overtime and available for callbacks.

Certifications and Licenses

• Ability to drive day or night.
• Ability to work on or use boom lifts, scissor lifts, cranes and forklifts.
• Constantly stand/walk, lift up to 10 lbs.
• Frequently grasp forcefully, perform light/fine grasping, lift up to 20 lbs.
• Occasionally perform seated work, knee/crawl, climb, twist/bend/stoop/squat, reach, lift, pull, work above shoulders, operate hand and/or foot controls.
• Rarely perform desk‑based computer tasks, use a telephone, write by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, scrub, sweep and lift 21–50 pounds.
• Ability to wear and work in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs), hard hats, respirators and full body suits.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working Conditions

May be required to work overtime, evenings and weekends, including Holidays, sometimes in inclement weather conditions.

Ability to work on or use boom lifts, scissor lifts, cranes and forklifts.

Ability to work in confined spaces and work at elevated surfaces at heights over ten feet.

May be exposed to high‑voltage electricity, radiation or electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise>80db TWA, allergens, biohazards, chemicals, asbestos, hot and cold temperature extremes.

Required to wear appropriate uniform.

May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs), hard hats, respirators and full body suits.

Work Standards

When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide and the appropriate collective bargaining agreement.

Why Stanford is for You

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time‑off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world‑class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full‑time
• Job Code: 8375
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: A43
• Requisition ID: 106315
• Work Arrangement : On Site

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.