High Voltage Electrician I

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits from Day 1

Onsite childcare (Ames, IA)

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a High Voltage Electrician I to install, maintain, and repair high-voltage distribution systems (5kV to 15kV) on campus. You will lead safety protocols, coordinate outages, and work with a dynamic team to ensure reliable power delivery across facilities.

The role requires a strong background in electrical theory, schematics, and field diagnostics, with emphasis on safety and collaboration with apprentices and other trades.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• Six years of experience in the trade, including apprenticeship, with two years on high voltage (over 600V) or completion of site-specific high voltage training.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot medium- to high-voltage distribution systems (5kV–15kV).
• Lead safety protocols, coordinate outages, and generate switching procedures.
• Test power systems using phase meters, hi-pot testers, and infrared thermometers.
• Assist in directing apprentices and other workers.

Skills

Electrical theory

Reading schematics

Communication skills

Safety procedures

Troubleshooting

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Phase meters

Hi-pot testers

Meggers

Infrared thermometers

Job description

Position Title

High Voltage Electrician I

Job Group

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Six years of experience in the trade, including apprenticeship, of which two years must be working with high voltage (over 600 volts) or successfully completed the site-specific high voltage training program for the High Voltage Electrician I.

Job Description

Are you an experienced High or Medium Voltage Electrician looking for a great career move with a consistent work that fosters work-life balance? Step up to a role where your journey-level skills can make a real impact! We’re seeking a skilled professional to join our team, installing, maintaining, and repairing high-voltage electrical distribution systems (5kV to 15kV). Generous benefits starting from Day 1 All holidays off Opportunity to work on a dynamic team that’s committed to maintaining a safe, efficient, and thriving campus environment.

About the Role

Installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting medium-voltage distribution systems, including transformers, generators, switchgear, and control systems. Repairing and calibrating equipment like circuit breakers, relays, substation gear, and more. Leading on safety protocols, coordinating outages, and generating switching procedures. Conducting power system tests and using tools like phase meters, hi-potential testers, and infrared thermometers.

About You

In-depth knowledge of electrical/electronic theory and techniques. Strong ability to read schematics and electrical documentation. Excellent communication skills to work effectively with colleagues and apprentices. Solid experience in electrical maintenance and installation.

About Us

At Facilities Planning and Management, we’re all about making campus a safe, efficient, and welcoming place for everyone. Our Utilities Services team plays a vital role in keeping our infrastructure in top shape, ensuring smooth operations across campus.

Preferred Qualifications

• State of Iowa Electrical license or other applicable electrical certifications
• Journeyman lineman three-phase electrical trade experience
• Experience installing and maintaining medium voltage system equipment up to 15,000 volts
• Experience splicing/terminating medium voltage cables
• Experience working on underground electrical systems and in confined spaces
• Experience using high voltage electrical system testing and diagnostic equipment

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

Characteristic Duties And Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, calibrates, repairs and replaces high voltage electric distribution systems and related equipment, including but not limited to switchgear, circuit breakers, relays, substation equipment, solid state control systems, power and distribution class transformers, generators, capacitor banks, solid state meters, protection and monitoring systems, cable and conduit. Jobs may require one day to several weeks to complete depending on complexity.
• Energizes and operates high voltage electrical distribution equipment.
• Determines jobsite work sequences and safety procedures required, procures materials, coordinates outages, completes work, and places systems back into service.
• Generates basic switching procedures to allow de-energization of portions of the electrical distribution systems to safely isolate equipment to complete required tasks.
• Tests power systems utilizing equipment such as phase meters, hi-potential testers, meggers, and infrared thermometers.
• Assists in directing the work of apprentices and other workers.
• May perform other electrical duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of electrical theory, methods and techniques used in the high voltage electrical trade.
• Knowledge of the tools and equipment of the high voltage electrical and electronic trade and detailed skill in their safe use, proper care and maintenance.
• Knowledge of the trade occupational hazards and safety precautions while working in confined spaces, aerial or elevated locations, extreme temperatures, excavations, and other environmental caused conditions.
• Knowledge of electrical codes, utility standards, and safety programs as governed by rules, regulations and guidelines of OSHA, EPA, NFPA, ANSI, equipment manufacturers, and others.
• Knowledge of proper bending and lifting techniques and ability to lift and carry at least 100 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with other department personnel, vendors and suppliers, students, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to plan and perform work involving the installation, modification and repair of new and existing high voltage electrical systems and related electronic control and protective equipment with minimal guidance by others while maintaining work continuity when unplanned events cause disruptions.
• Skill to read, understand and interpret installation manuals, specifications, and construction drawings for the basic installation, maintenance and operation of high voltage equipment.

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?

• 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

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.