High Voltage Electrical Helper

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Duke Careers is seeking a High Voltage Electrician Helper to join our electrical distribution team on Duke's campus. You will support installation, maintenance, and repair of high voltage systems while learning from experienced electricians and line technicians. This entry-level role emphasizes safety, hands-on training, and gradual skill development in substation work, street lighting, and power distribution projects across Duke facilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license required.
• First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the first 30 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation of high voltage equipment and systems, including wiring, conduits, duct banks, transformers, switches, switchgear, and protective devices.
• Support construction, maintenance, and repair activities within electrical substations, underground vaults, pole lines, and electrical distribution systems.
• Assist with telephone infrastructure projects, including conduit installation, cable pulling, trenching, and backfilling operations.
• Support street lighting and traffic signal installation projects.
• Participate in construction of underground duct systems, including excavation, precast manholes and vaults, ducts, concrete work, shoring, sheeting, backfilling, and site restoration.
• Operate safely in accordance with established electrical and construction safety procedures.
• Assist team members in maintaining electrical distribution equipment and associated systems.
• Support preventive maintenance activities designed to improve system reliability and performance.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing technical and safety training.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Duke's electrical infrastructure operations.

Skills

Basic electrical knowledge

Team collaboration

Safety awareness

Willingness to learn

Physical endurance

Education

High school diploma

Driver's license

First Aid/CPR certification

Job description

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we believe that every team member plays an important role in powering our mission of education, research, and patient care. As an High Voltage Electricial Helper, you’ll join a skilled electrical distribution team responsible for supporting the safe and reliable operation of Duke’s high voltage infrastructure. Your willingness to learn, commitment to safety, and collaborative spirit will help keep our campus energized and connected.

Whether you are beginning your career in the electrical trades or looking to build specialized experience in electrical distribution systems, Duke provides the training, mentorship, and opportunities to help you grow.

Be Bold.

As a High Voltage Electrician Helper, you will support the installation, maintenance, and repair of high voltage electrical systems and related infrastructure. Working alongside experienced electricians and line technicians, you will gain hands‑on experience while contributing to safe and efficient electrical operations across Duke facilities.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist with the installation of high voltage electrical equipment and systems, including wiring, conduits, duct banks, transformers, switches, switchgear, and protective devices.
• Support construction, maintenance, and repair activities within electrical substations, underground vaults, pole lines, and electrical distribution systems.
• Assist with telephone infrastructure projects, including conduit installation, cable pulling, trenching, and backfilling operations.
• Support street lighting and traffic signal installation projects.
• Participate in the construction of underground duct systems, including excavation, placement of precast manholes and vaults, installation of ducts, concrete work, shoring, sheeting, backfilling, and site restoration activities.
• Operate safely in accordance with established electrical and construction safety procedures.
• Assist team members in maintaining electrical distribution equipment and associated systems.
• Support preventive maintenance activities designed to improve system reliability and performance.
• Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing technical and safety training.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Duke's electrical infrastructure operations.

What You’ll Bring:

Education & Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license required.
• First Aid and CPR certification, or the ability to obtain certification within the first 30 days of employment.

Experience

• No prior experience required.
• Interest in electrical systems, utilities, construction, or skilled trades preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic understanding of electrical principles and practices.
• Basic knowledge of high voltage circuits and their applications.
• Basic knowledge of electrical safety procedures and safe work practices.
• Familiarity with lockout/tagout procedures.
• Basic understanding of electrical equipment and component identification.
• Basic knowledge of manhole and duct bank safety requirements.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to perform physical labor in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous learning.

At Duke, we invest in your growth. As you progress toward the next level, you will have opportunities to develop skills in:

• Electrical schematic reading and troubleshooting.
• Operation of bucket trucks, line trucks, cable trailers, wire pullers, and trenching equipment.
• Lighting control installations.
• Cable pulling techniques for power and telecommunications systems.
• Fire safety and portable fire extinguisher usage.
• OSHA lockout/tagout standards and compliance.
• Leadership and team development.
• Installation of street lighting systems.
• Installation of duct bank systems for power and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Preventive maintenance of electrical distribution equipment and associated circuits.

Typical advancement preparation includes gaining approximately three years of experience within a high voltage electrical environment and successful completion of required training programs.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a community committed to excellence, innovation, and professional growth. We offer competitive benefits, meaningful work, and opportunities to build a rewarding career while supporting one of the nation's leading universities and health systems.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Possess a valid North Carolina driver's license. Received First Aid and CPR training or do so w/i the first 30 days of employment.

Experience

None OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

None OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.