Industrial Utility Electrician I - Austin Water

Job Description:

Industrial Utility Electrician I - Austin Water

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up-we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under direct supervision, this position performs apprentice-level electrical diagnostics on 600V to 5KV motors and motor controls, 15KV substation switchgear and electrical distribution systems, and lighting systems within industrial utility facilities and remote locations.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Assists in performing electrical diagnostics, calibrations, maintenance, and repairs on 2.5KV to 12.5KV substation switchgears, distribution equipment, protective relays, breakers, battery banks, and capacity trip systems.
  
• Assists in performing diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on 600V to 5KV motors and motor control systems, using schematics, vibration analysis, multimeter, amp probe, megohmmeter, surge tester, and hand tools.
  
• Assists in performing diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs on various types of process control systems related to treatment plant or other utility facilities.
  
• Assists in repairing and installing electrical distribution equipment, including but not limited to conduit, conductors, breakers, panel boards, disconnects, transformers, switches, and receptacles.
  
• Assists in repairing various lighting systems including building lighting, area lighting, streetlights, ballasts, bulbs, capacitors, igniters, contactors, and photocells. Some repairs require use of a bucket truck.
  
• Assists in performing preventative maintenance on all electrical equipment for treatment plant, utility, or remote location facilities while adhering to the utility’s standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
  
• Assists in coordinating 15kV switching for maintenance repairs and power outages with electrical utility providers and utility facilities during electrical outages or switching.
  
• Participates in on-call program and scheduled or unscheduled overtime.
  
• Maintains records of electrical maintenance activities using various software applications.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• 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 principles of electrical theory as applied to transformers, switches, and equipment.
  
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• 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 use power line electrician's tools and equipment in performing all phases of line construction, operations, and maintenance work.
  
• Ability to read, interpret, and modify blueprints, schematics, diagrams, and drawing control circuits.
  
• Ability to tap and splice cable.
  
• Ability to safely perform operations and maintenance tasks among high voltage energized lines.
  
• Ability to perform maintenance tasks in confined spaces up to 100 feet deep and requiring the use of SRL body harness that supports 300 pounds.
  
• Ability to perform maintenance tasks that require climbing to heights of up to 200 feet on ladders that support up to 300 pounds.
  
• Ability to function as confined space entry supervisor.
  
• Ability to respond quickly and perform strenuous work under emergency and in all weather conditions.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the general public.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to select and operate proper air ventilation equipment based on readings from atmospheric monitors, in compliance with Utility Confined Space Entry Policy or Procedures.
  
• Ability to work in environments that may have hazardous atmospheres
  
• Ability to perform maintenance tasks that require lifting or carrying equipment or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus four (4) years of experience in the electrical trade, including as an electrician helper and licensed apprentice which must be in commercial or industrial installations. Experience may be acquired before or after licensing.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must possess a State of Texas Electrical Apprentice License or greater.
  
• Valid Texas Class "C" Driver License.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge, training, and experience performing installations, maintenance, and diagnostics on 600v-5kv class motors and motor controls, switchgear and 15kv class electrical distribution systems.
  
• Experience working with solid state devices used in the operations of substation distribution equipment and process/motor control systems.
  
• Experience working in a water utility or similar industrial environment.
  
• Experience working on energized electrical power systems.
  
• Basic computer skills.
  
• State of Texas Electrical Journeyman License, or the ability to obtain a journeyman license within six (6) months of hire.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

This position will perform apprentice-level electrical diagnostics on motors and motor controls, substation switch-gear and electrical distribution systems, and lighting systems within Austin Water process facilities.

Pay Range:

$34.80 - $36.53 per hour

Position(s) will be filled at the following location:

South Service Center (3616 South 1st St., Austin, TX 78704)

The incumbent in this position may be asked to report to one or more of the following locations:

Lift Stations
Various locations

Hornsby Bend Biosolids Plant
2210 S. FM 973, Austin, TX 78725

South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
1017 Fallwell Lane, Austin TX, 78717

Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
7113 FM 969, Austin, TX 78724

Davis Water Treatment Plant
3500 W. 35th Street, Austin, Texas 78703

Water Treatment Plant 4
6800 North F. M. 620, Austin, Texas 78732

Ullrich Water Treatment Plant
1000 Forest View Dr., Austin, Texas 78746

Pump Stations & Reservoirs - South Service Support Center
3616 S. First St., Austin, Texas 78704

Work location and shift assignment for candidates selected will be determined based on business need and is subject to change at management’s discretion.

Days and Hours:

Monday through Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This position is considered essential and as such we are response ready 24/7. During bad weather events we may be called in to respond and work 12-hour mandatory shifts to provide uninterrupted service to our customers. This position will require you to work scheduled and unscheduled overtime, outside of normal operating hours. It will also require you to participate in an on-call shift rotation program and respond to after-hours emergencies. Both the overtime and on-call shifts may require you to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more - click HERE for more information. Additionally, this position offers a career progression plan, which provides a unique opportunity to promote without having to go through the competitive process. As employees go through on-the-job training to develop new skills and abilities and obtain the appropriate license, they are eligible to submit for Career Progression, which allows them to demonstrate knowledge and skills without having to interview for the promotion.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
  
• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.
  
• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.
  
• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• This position requires experience in commercial/industrial electrical installations, not residential. Your work history should include the duties you performed, the environment you worked in (industrial/commercial/residential), the voltage that you worked with, and any related equipment and computer software used for each employer listed on your application.
  

If you are selected to interview:

• Your skills and competencies for this job will be assessed prior to being invited to interview. A 70% or above on the assessment is required to be considered for the next step.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
  
• If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  

Retention Incentive Bonus:

This position may be eligible for an Incentive Bonus of up to $3,000!

$500 after 90 days.

$500 after 180 days.

$1,000 after 1 year.

$1,000 after 2 years.

Technical Licensure:

• This position requires the employee to hold a valid State of Texas Electrical Apprentice License or higher.
  
• To determine your eligibility, please review the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Guidelines
  

Driving Requirement:

This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Work Environment:

This position is in a heavy industrial setting and requires performing all duties associated with operating heavy equipment outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and rain. This position will include cross training in operations of various equipment. Position will require adaptability and willingness to change or modify workload on demand and multitask. Position requires working in environments which may have hazardous situations.

Physical Requirements:

• This position will require that you be able to perform the following essential job functions with confidence and with or without reasonable accommodations: carrying or lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs., sitting, standing, walking, lying, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching overhead, kneeling, crawling, stooping/bending, twisting, repetitive foot and hand movement, driving, grasping and squeezing, exposure to extreme weather conditions, atmospheric conditions, hazardous conditions, and very loud noise.
  

Confined-Space Entry Requirements:

• Candidates must be able to work in environments which may have hazardous atmospheres, or in confined spaces where there is limited or restricted means for entry and exit, or where the activities of an employee are hindered.
  

Climbing Requirements:

Candidates must be able to perform duties with confidence at sites where climbing heights of up to 200 feet is required on ladders that support weight as designated by work area.

Pre-Employment Testing Requirements:

• Selected candidates will be required to complete and pass a pre-employment physical exam to be considered for this position, which includes a Functional (FC) strength/agility test.
  

Essential Employee:

• This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery.
  

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
  
• Austin Water will review all secondary employment.
  
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.
  

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Please note this posting may close any time after 7 days.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-01-14