Maintenance Electrician

City of Dubuque, IA; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Dubuque, IA seeks a WRRC Maintenance Electrician to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems at the Water & Resource Recovery Center and lift stations. You will use CMMS to document work and SCADA to review equipment status, alarms, and operating data for troubleshooting and optimization.

The role requires knowledge of wastewater systems, electrical distribution, motors, MCCs, VFDs, and building systems, with a focus on safe, reliable operations and teamwork within a municipal

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 3+ years of industrial/municipal electrical experience preferred.
• Experience with electrical installation, maintenance, and repair in wastewater or similar environments.
• Familiarity with CMMS and SCADA for diagnostics, work orders, and asset tracking.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems for wastewater treatment and lift stations.
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on electrical/electromechanical equipment.
• Coordinate activities with WRRC staff to ensure safe, reliable operations.
• Use SCADA to monitor performance, alarms, and data for troubleshooting.
• Document work using CMMS and assist with asset management and maintenance planning.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain clean, safe work areas.
• Assist with inventory and participate in training and development.

Skills

Water/Wastewater knowledge

Electrical trade

Industrial control systems

Mechanical & maintenance

Tools & documentation

Problem solving

Codes & safety

Communication & teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CMMS

SCADA

PLCs/basic instrumentation

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, the WRRC Maintenance Electrician performs skilled electrical installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair work on wastewater treatment and collection system equipment at the Water & Resource Recovery Center (WRRC) and sanitary sewer lift stations throughout the City. The position supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electrical systems associated with wastewater treatment processes, pumping stations, and facility infrastructure; works under the guidance of senior maintenance staff; and performs assigned tasks independently while coordinating closely with operations and maintenance personnel. The position is required to utilize the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to document work activities and to interact with the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to review equipment status, alarms, and operating data in support of maintenance and troubleshooting activities. The position supports a management philosophy that is input-oriented and emphasizes problem solving, openness to differing perspectives, and the ability to work productively with others to build strong internal and external partnerships, and operates within an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The work in the WRRC Maintenance Electrician classification involves skilled electrical work related to the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater treatment facilities and sanitary sewer lift stations. Duties emphasize electrical distribution systems, motors, motor control centers, variable frequency drives, generators, lighting systems, and associated wastewater process equipment. Work is generally performed independently under general supervision and is subject to inspection during progress or upon completion. Assignments are received verbally and in writing. Work is reviewed through observation, reports, and results achieved. The position requires participation in emergency response and on‑call rotation.

JOB DUTIES:

• Install, maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems and equipment associated with wastewater treatment processes and sanitary sewer lift stations, including motors, motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), generators, power distribution panels, lighting systems, and associated control circuits.
• Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on electrical and electromechanical equipment; diagnose electrical faults and equipment malfunctions using appropriate testing equipment, diagnostic methods, and available system data.
• Coordinate electrical maintenance and repair activities with WRRC staff to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant and lift station operations; assist with electrical aspects of new equipment installations and system upgrades.
• Utilize the SCADA system to monitor equipment performance, identify abnormal operating conditions, and access operating manuals and historical data to support troubleshooting and repairs.
• Utilize facility software systems, including the CMMS, to receive assignments, document work performed, and support asset management and maintenance tracking.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and participation in required safety training.
• Maintain clean and safe work areas and properly store tools and materials.
• Assist with inventory control by identifying and reporting needed parts and supplies.
• Participate in training and development opportunities to build skills and support facility operations.
• Support a respectful, welcoming, and safe work environment for all employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Water and Wastewater Systems Knowledge – Basic understanding of wastewater treatment processes and collection systems, including the general sequence and function of treatment stages and lift station operations, sufficient to support informed maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination with operations staff.
• Electrical Trade Knowledge – Knowledge of standard practices, methods, materials, and equipment used in the electrical trade as applied to industrial and municipal facilities, including electrical distribution systems, motors, motor control centers, generators, lighting systems, and associated control circuits.
• Industrial Control Systems and Technology – Working knowledge of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, including the ability to review alarms, monitor equipment performance (such as run time and amp draw), and access operating manuals and historical data to support diagnostics and troubleshooting. Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for receiving assignments, documenting tasks, and supporting preventive maintenance tracking. Basic knowledge of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and electronic instrumentation used in industrial environments, along with a basic understanding of computer systems and software relevant to maintenance and operations.
• Mechanical and Technical Skills – Basic understanding of the design, function, repair, and maintenance of machines and tools and the ability to apply practical techniques and procedures to perform mechanical and electrical maintenance tasks.
• Use of Tools and Technical Documentation – Skill in the use of appropriate tools and test equipment for installation and repair work and the ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics.
• Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking – Ability to recognize operational or mechanical problems, diagnose electrical and electromechanical equipment issues, and contribute to the development and implementation of practical solutions while following written and verbal instructions.
• Codes, Standards, and Compliance Awareness – Knowledge of applicable local, state, and national electrical codes, standards, and regulations governing electrical installation, maintenance, and repair work in industrial environments.
• Maintenance Documentation and Asset Awareness – Ability to accurately document work performed, materials used, and equipment conditions in maintenance records and systems to support asset reliability and preventive maintenance planning.
• Communication and Teamwork – Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with supervisors and coworkers to support safe, coordinated operations and shared organizational goals.
• Work Practices and Safety Awareness – Understanding of occupational hazards and safety practices related to high‑voltage equipment, confined spaces, and hazardous materials, and the ability to work safely in potentially hazardous environments while supporting a respectful and safety‑focused workplace.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of three (3) years of applicable experience performing electrical installation, maintenance, and repair work in an industrial, municipal, or commercial facilities environment involving motors, machinery, or building systems; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position, including lifting up to 50 pounds, working in confined spaces, climbing ladders and stairs, and working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Knowledge of or experience working in a wastewater treatment facility, industrial plant, or similar process‑driven environment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid state driver’s license within 30‑days after appointment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a State of Iowa Journeyman Electrician license or a minimum of six (6) years of documented experience working as an electrician in an industrial or municipal facilities environment.
• Experience performing electrical maintenance and repair work on equipment and systems in a wastewater treatment facility, sanitary sewer lift station, water treatment facility, or similar process‑driven industrial or municipal environment, including motors, motor control centers, variable frequency drives, generators, and building electrical systems.
• Experience using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and accessing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system information to document work activities, support preventive maintenance programs, monitor equipment performance, and assist with troubleshooting and verification of repairs.
• Experience working in environments requiring adherence to formal safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and electrical safety practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical ability to perform the duties of the position, including lifting up to 50 pounds, working in confined spaces, climbing ladders and stairs, and working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

SUPERVISORY STATUS: None

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt