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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Service Electrician

💰 $28 - $48 per hour

Skilled TradesConstructionMaintenanceFacilities

🎯 Role Definition

As a Service Electrician, you are the face of our company in the field. You're not just fixing wires; you're solving critical problems for our clients and ensuring their operations run smoothly and safely. This role is perfect for a seasoned journeyman who excels at diagnosing complex electrical issues and performing high-quality repairs and installations with minimal supervision. You will operate from a well-equipped service vehicle, traveling to various client sites to address everything from emergency outages to planned maintenance and system upgrades. Your ability to communicate effectively with clients, manage your time efficiently, and uphold the highest standards of safety and workmanship will be the key to your success and our clients' satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Journeyman Electrician (Construction)
  • Industrial Maintenance Electrician
  • Experienced Apprentice Electrician

Advancement To:

  • Master Electrician
  • Service Manager
  • Electrical Foreman / Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Controls & Automation Technician
  • Electrical Estimator
  • Low Voltage Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctioning systems, apparatus, and components, including transformers, motors, and panels, using advanced testing equipment and tools to identify and correct the root cause of electrical issues.
  • Perform skilled repairs and installations of a wide variety of electrical equipment such as wiring, conduits, lighting, power distribution systems, and control devices.
  • Respond promptly to emergency service calls to assess situations and safely restore power and functionality for commercial and industrial clients.
  • Read and interpret complex electrical blueprints, schematics, one-line diagrams, and technical manuals to determine the proper layout and execution of work.
  • Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in full compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all applicable local codes and safety regulations.
  • Perform preventative maintenance on electrical systems and components to ensure reliability and prevent future breakdowns, documenting findings and recommending further action.
  • Upgrade and replace outdated electrical infrastructure, including service panels, circuit breakers, and switchgear, to meet increased load demands and modern safety standards.
  • Install and service emergency power systems, including standby generators, automatic transfer switches (ATS), and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).
  • Skillfully install various types of raceways and conduit (EMT, Rigid, PVC) and pull electrical conductors and cables.
  • Terminate and test wiring for complex control systems, motor controls, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
  • Ensure all work is performed safely, adhering to strict Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, company safety policies, and job site-specific protocols.
  • Provide exceptional customer service by clearly communicating diagnoses, proposed solutions, and project status to clients in a professional and understandable manner.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain an organized and fully stocked service vehicle, managing inventory to ensure necessary parts and materials are available for any given service call.
  • Prepare detailed and accurate work orders, service reports, and other field documentation for each job, recording time, materials used, and a description of services performed.
  • Provide mentorship and on-the-job training to apprentice electricians, guiding them on proper techniques, code compliance, and safety procedures.
  • Advise clients on potential electrical hazards, code violations, and opportunities for energy efficiency upgrades, such as LED retrofits and lighting controls.
  • Coordinate with other trade professionals, facility managers, and project supervisors to ensure electrical work is integrated smoothly and without disruption.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current with changes in the NEC, new technologies, and safety best practices.
  • Uphold a professional appearance and demeanor at all times, representing the company with integrity and excellence.
  • Manage job-site cleanliness, ensuring work areas are tidy and safe throughout the project and thoroughly cleaned upon completion.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • NEC Expertise: Deep, practical knowledge of the National Electrical Code and local amendments.
  • Advanced Troubleshooting: Proven ability to logically and efficiently diagnose complex electrical problems in live environments.
  • Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Proficiency in interpreting all forms of electrical drawings and technical documents.
  • Conduit Bending & Installation: High level of skill in working with EMT, Rigid, and other raceway types.
  • Power Systems: Experience with commercial/industrial voltages, including 480/277V and 208/120V 3-phase systems.
  • Motor Controls & VFDs: Competency in installing, wiring, and troubleshooting motor starters, controls, and variable frequency drives.
  • Testing Equipment: Proficient use of multimeters, meggers, circuit tracers, and other diagnostic tools.
  • Low Voltage Systems: Familiarity with fire alarm, security, and data/communication systems is a strong plus.
  • Safety Procedures: Expertise in LOTO, arc flash safety (NFPA 70E), and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Generator & ATS: Experience with the installation and service of emergency power systems.

Soft Skills

  • Customer Focus: A dedication to providing outstanding service and building client trust.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to overcome unexpected challenges in the field.
  • Communication: The ability to clearly explain technical issues to non-technical clients and document work effectively.
  • Autonomy & Initiative: The discipline to work independently, manage your own schedule, and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to prioritize and manage multiple service calls efficiently.
  • Professionalism: A positive attitude, a neat appearance, and the ability to represent the company well.
  • Attention to Detail: A commitment to high-quality workmanship and doing the job right the first time.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Successful completion of a certified Electrical Apprenticeship program.

Preferred Education:

  • State-issued Journeyman or Master Electrician License.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Technology
  • Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 4-10 years of post-apprenticeship experience in the electrical trade.

Preferred: At least 3+ years of dedicated experience working as a Service Electrician in a commercial or industrial environment, operating from a service vehicle.

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