High Voltage Electrician I

Iowa State University - College of Design; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting from Day 1

Holidays off

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Facilities Planning and Management seeks a High Voltage Electrician I to install, maintain, and repair high- and medium-voltage distribution systems (5kV–15kV) across campus.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and hands-on problem solving, with opportunities to lead outages, coordinate work, and mentor apprentices.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Six years of experience in the trade, including apprenticeship, with two years in high voltage or completed high voltage training.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical theory and safe work practices.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and documentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot medium- and high-voltage distribution systems (5kV to 15kV).
• Repair and calibrate equipment such as switchgear, breakers, relays, and substation gear.
• Lead safety protocols, coordinate outages, and develop switching procedures.
• Conduct power system tests using phase meters, hi-potential testers, and infrared thermometers.

Skills

High voltage trade knowledge

Read schematics

Effective communication

Electrical maintenance & installation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Journeyman lineman

Tools

Phase meters

Hi-potential testers

Infrared thermometers

Meggers

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.

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.

Appointment and Compensation

• Appointment Type: Regular
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12
• Month Work Period Time Type: Full time
• Pay Grade: 5073a
• Original Posting Date: September 23, 2026
• Posting Close Date: October 29, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R19977

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 comprehensive land-grant mission 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 Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

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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.

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