Electrician, Utilities

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance and vision

Retirement plans

Paid time off

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University seeks a skilled HV/BD technician to perform daily inspections and preventive maintenance on motors, transformers, switchboards, and related high- and medium-voltage systems. This role involves specialized switching, testing, and installation tasks, with supervision as needed.

The position requires an accredited apprenticeship or equivalent education, PA CDL, and 1–3 years of relevant experience. Union affiliation and collective bargaining terms apply.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to a complete accredited apprenticeship or equivalent to high school plus a 2-year technical college education.
• Requires PA CDL; experience with preventative maintenance and high-voltage systems.

Responsibilities

• Inspect motors, switchboards, transformers, high voltage equipment as part of preventive maintenance.
• Perform switching operations for high voltage lines in coordination with utilities.
• Install and test medium-voltage cables and electrical equipment.
• Direct work of other employees and ensure safety of utility services on duty.
• Operate specialized equipment such as digger, bucket trucks and high reach tools.

Skills

Preventive maintenance

Electrical testing

High voltage

Medium voltage

Troubleshooting

Electrical wiring

Equipment installation

Education

Apprenticeship or equivalent

High school + 2-year technical college

Pennsylvania CDL (CDL)

Tools

Phase sticks

High pot

Relay test sets

Fault indicators

Job description

Job Description And Position Requirements

• Perform daily inspection of motors, switchboards, transformers, high voltage breakers, frequency drives, circuits, relays, electric meters, combustion turbines and other equipment as a matter of preventive maintenance
• Use specialized tools and equipment such as, but not limited to, phase sticks, high pot, relay test sets, fault indicators (thumper), motor test sets, rotation meters, meggar, ground test set, oil test set, TTR test set; safety-related testing equipment, variable speed drives, etc., to perform necessary work
• Perform specialized switching operations of high voltage lines, including coordination with the local utilities
• Maintain a constant high level of knowledge of the high voltage distribution systems, switching stations and substations in order to provide an emergency or fast response
• Install, terminate and test medium-voltage cables
• Install and wire equipment such as distribution or portable generators, motors, electronic equipment, frequency drives, combustion turbine, special lighting and wiring, stage lighting, street lighting; install conduit, making bends, threading and reaming where necessary; install intelligent high voltage selector switches as necessary
• Operate special equipment such as, but not limited to, digger, reel and bucket trucks, sky-van, high reach and power assisted tools
• Install and remove electrical line poles
• Climb poles for installation and maintenance of high voltage distribution systems and lighting systems, including athletic field lighting
• Install and maintain high voltage distribution systems and lighting systems and equipment in steam generating plants, substations, electrical manholes, vaults and tunnels; install high voltage gear in substations
• Maintain and repair power house and potable and waste water treatment equipment such as frequency drives, switchboards, transformers, generators, motors, etc.
• Tear down units; localize trouble and determine extent of repairs necessary; repair or replace defective parts or wiring, reassemble
• Disassemble motors, clean, repair or replace defective parts or wiring; adjust or replace brushes, bearings, commutators and reassemble
• Detect unusual conditions or defective materials and report to supervisor
• Direct the work of other employees as needed
• Safeguard utility services and facilities at various times while on duty and report unusual circumstances to the supervisor
• Operate University vehicle as required

Job Requirements

Requires the use of advanced shop mathematics, together with the use of complicated drawings, specifications, charts, tables, handbook formulas, all varieties of precision measuring instruments and/or the use of broad training in a recognized trade or craft. Equivalent to a complete accredited, indentured apprenticeship or equivalent to high school plus a 2-year technical college education.

A Pennsylvania Commercial Driver` s License (CDL) required. Over 1 year up to and including 3 years of effective experience.

Work Schedule

7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Days Off

Saturday, Sunday

Qualifications

Minimum Work Experience

1 to 3 years of effective experience

Required Certifications

• Pennsylvania Commercial Driver's License - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Background Checks / Clearances

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Collective Bargaining Agreement

This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 8. More information can be found here: Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Salary And Benefits

For details on starting pay rate and progression, please see the above collective bargaining agreement.

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.