Utilities High Voltage Electrician

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a skilled Utilities High Voltage Electrician to test, maintain, repair and operate campus electrical systems, including substations and distribution networks. The role requires Master Electrician licensure in Kentucky and hands-on experience with high voltage equipment.

The position involves performing design, installation and testing during construction, ensuring safety and compliance while supporting outages and emergency responses across the campus.

Qualifications

• Licensed Master Electrician in Kentucky.
• Minimum: 4-year apprenticeships, completing 144 hours of technical training; and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training + 6 years trade or field experience.
• Experience with high voltage electrical systems and knowledge of national electrical codes is required.
• Ability to operate off scissor lifts, aerial lifts and ladders.

Responsibilities

• Test, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair and operate high voltage electrical systems including transformers, substations, and distribution equipment.
• Prevent and/or repair campus-wide outages and support construction activities.
• During renovations, design, install and test high voltage equipment and wiring; run conduit and terminate power and control circuits.
• Interpret schematics, prints, and instructions for high voltage applications; diagnose problems and implement improvements.
• Provide technical guidance or training for apprentices and journeymen voltage electricians and ensure safety compliance.

Education

Master Electrician License – Commonwealth of Kentucky

Tools

MS Windows/Office

KRONOS

SAP

Job description

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

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have 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

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have an active Master Electrician License in the State of Kentucky?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Which option best represents your years’ experience in working with high voltage electricity (12,000 Volts)?
  • None
  • More than 0 years, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 6 years
  • More than 6 years, up through 9 years
  • More than 9 years, up through 12 years
  • More than 12 years
• * Please describe your high voltage electrical and utilities work experience. (Include types of utilities, electrical equipment, voltages, size and scope of project.)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How many years of experience do you have working in a facility regulated by federal entities/regulations (i.e., FDA, DEA, OSHA, EHS, etc.)?
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years
• * By nature, this position is stressful and laborious as stated in the physical requirements of this posting. Can you perform these essential functions as listed in the physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodations?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents