City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Austin Water Electrician III

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for leading crews and performing senior Journeyman-level tasks in the repair and installation of 15KV electrical substation switchgear and distribution systems, 1000V-15KV motors and motor controls, treatment process equipment and control systems, and lighting systems within Austin Water (AW) treatment process facilities and remote locations.

1. Plans, organizes, schedules, and leads crews in the completion of assigned work orders, including making materials ready, performing quality inspections, preparing/executing switching requests, preparing as-built markups, and other tasks as necessary.
2. Communicates with customers to explain the purpose of activities that impact services.
3. Trains others to apply sound electrical maintenance and construction techniques in high, medium, and low-voltage electrical distribution systems, as well as low-voltage process control systems.
4. Communicates with supervisor regarding work order planning and status, or other issues as needed.
5. Monitors compliance and communicates safety issues to personnel.
6. Performs complex electrical diagnostics, calibrations, maintenance, and repairs on 2.5KV-15KV substation switchgear, distribution equipment, protective relays, breakers, battery banks, and capacitor trip systems.
7. Performs complex diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on 1000V-15KV motors and motor control systems and on various types of process control systems related to treatment plant facilities.
8. Repairs and installs electrical distribution and critical treatment process equipment.
9. Repairs various lighting systems using bucket truck as needed.
10. Performs preventative maintenance on all electrical equipment for treatment plant and remote location facilities while adhering to AW’s standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
11. Coordinate 15KV switching for maintenance repairs and power outages with electrical utility providers and AW facilities during electrical outages or planned switching.

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to Utility Electricians.

• Knowledge of safety rules and procedures when working with energized electrical systems.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations.
• Knowledge of utility design and safety standards.
• Knowledge of installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment and instruments.
• Knowledge of the laws, theories, rules, and standards pertaining to electrical construction and maintenance, including maintenance and repair of electrical substation and utility distribution systems.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program while driving personal and City of Austin vehicles on official business.
• Ability to read, interpret, and modify blueprints, schematics, and diagrams.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively to subordinates, management and customers.
• Ability to respond quickly and perform strenuous work under emergency and in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work in environments that may have hazardous atmospheres.
• Ability to select and operate proper air ventilation equipment based on readings from atmospheric monitors, in compliance with Utility Confined Space Entry Policy/Procedures.
• Ability to safely perform operations and maintenance tasks including working in confined and hazardous environments.
• Ability to work in confined spaces where there may be limited or restricted means for entry or where the work activity may be hindered by energized equipment and electrical voltage.
• Ability to function as confined-space entry supervisor.
• Ability to climb to heights of 200 feet on ladders that support up to 300 pounds.
• Ability to perform maintenance tasks that require lifting and/or carrying equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to participate in on-call program and to work both scheduled and unscheduled overtime.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus three (3) years experience in all phases of work as a journeyman-level electrician installing, diagnosing, troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems such as medium voltage distribution equipment, motor controls, facility building equipment, and lighting systems at a water or wastewater treatment plant or industrial production plant.

OR

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus four years of experience in all phases of work as a journey-level electrician, of which two years must include directly related utility electrical experience performing installations and diagnostics including experience working at voltages of 1000V-15kV installing, troubleshooting, and repairing a variety of electrical machinery and equipment in permanent building systems, power generation plants, water or wastewater treatment plants, or industrial plants. Experience must include commercial or industrial wiring, installing and repairing electrical conduit systems, and troubleshooting industrial motor control systems, mechanical motor starters, soft starters, and variable frequency drives.

• Must possess a valid State of Texas Journeyman Electrician License.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.