Utilities High Voltage Electrician

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY seeks a Utilities High Voltage Electrician to test, inspect, maintain, repair, and operate high voltage electrical systems across campus, including transformers, substations, switches, distribution lines and building systems.

Under the Utilities Systems Manager and High Voltage Supervisor, you will perform outages and install new equipment, ensuring safety and reliability.

Qualifications

• Technical diploma required.
• 6 years related experience or more.
• Master Electrician License – Commonwealth of Kentucky required.

Responsibilities

• Test, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot and operate high voltage systems.
• Install, test and commission high voltage equipment during construction/renovation.
• Read schematics and interpret instructions for high voltage electrical work.

Skills

MS Windows/Office

KRONOS

SAP

Electrical systems knowledge

Education

Technical Diploma

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title: Utilities High Voltage Electrician

Requisition Number: RE55463

Department Name: 3CU00:Utilities & Energy Management

Work Location: Lexington, KY

Grade Level: 44

Salary Range: $21.48-34.36/hour

Type of Position: Staff

Position Time Status: Full-Time

Required Education: Technical Diploma

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience: 6 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification: Master Electrician License – Commonwealth of Kentucky

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to and over 50lbs; Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs; Working at heights above 4 feet; Confined spaces; Loud noises; Temperature extremes; Hazardous chemicals, fumes, odors, including waste.
• Subject to inside and outdoor working conditions (cold/heat), including in substations, manholes, and power generating facilities; Wet/Slippery Surfaces; Exposure to hazards, including explosive equipment and cables as well as electrical shock.
• Physical upper body strength and agility is necessary; Performs physical activities involving considerable use of arms, legs, and movement of the whole body, such as required in climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, crawling, and handling of materials; Standing for long periods of time; Kneeling in small places; Navigating manholes.
• Ability to work off scissor lift, aerial lift, and ladder.

Shift: 7:30 am – 4:15 pm (Monday-Friday)

Hours of work may vary dependent upon situational factors, emergencies, and crisis management requiring night(s); weekend(s), and holiday(s) response.

Job Summary: Reporting under the leadership of the Utilities Systems Manager and High Voltage Supervisor, this position tests, inspects , maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, and operates high voltage electrical systems, including, but not limited to, transformers, switching stations, underground switches and equipment, distribution lines, circuit breakers, relays, substations, control panels, and building systems; Prevents and/or repairs large Campus-wide outages; Performs planned outages supporting Campus-wide construction activities, including installations, maintenance, and repairs; During construction/renovation, designs, installs and tests new high voltage equipment and systems; Assesses projects and gathers necessary permits; Implements design and oversees preparation and installation of high voltage wiring and lighting; runs conduit, pulls and mounts equipment; terminates power and control circuits; starts up; and checks out equipment; Repairs, replaces, and/or maintains older, pre-existing high voltage electrical systems and equipment; Diagnoses problems and applies critical thinking in the process of repairing or remedying the issue(s); Analyzes and solves problems with various high voltage electrical controls and systems; electromechanical repairs; transformers; switches; and circuit breakers; Interprets schematics, prints, and oral instructions for high voltage electrical applications; Interprets high voltage electrical and mechanical situations to determine process failures, process needs, and process improvements; Uses testing equipment, including but not limited to DMMs, amp meters, Megger meters, High Voltage Tester and an array of tools and diagnostic equipment; Performs preventative maintenance in accordance with methods and procedures to eliminate operating problems and improve outcomes; and Provides technical guidance and training as needed and may guide apprentices and journeymen voltage electricians. In addition, the Utilities High Voltage Electrician ensures high voltage electrical systems are safe and operating efficiently; Follows all protocols; complies with safety procedures; statutory regulations; and federal and state codes; Models and promotes excellent customer service for internal and external customers; Deals calmly and effectively with others in difficult situations; Works well with contractors and other tradesmen; and Provides technical guidance and training for other trade crafts.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:

• MS Windows/Office; KRONOS ; SAP
• Experience and knowledge to tackle the most complex electrical systems; Extensive job knowledge and understanding of the electrician’s trade, including practices, methods, tools, materials, and equipment; Knowledgeable in all areas of the national electrical code; and Excels in analyzing and solving problems with various electrical controls and systems.

Driver’s License — Preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Preferred Education/Experience: Minimum: 4-year apprenticeships, completing 144 hours of technical training; and 2,000 hours of training on-the-job + 6 Years Trade or Field Experience

Deadline to Apply: 08/31/2026

Our University Community: We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.