FACILITIES SERVICES
Job Description
Campus Engineering & Operations
Electrician Lead High Voltage
Job Code: 8834 – Contract Classified
Department Introduction:
Campus Engineering provides professional engineering support for the design, construction, operation and maintenance
of all University facilities. Campus Operations maintains and operates critical building systems including fire/life safety
systems, elevator systems, building environmental systems and controls, central clock systems, high voltage distribution
systems, and a utility shutdown coordination program. Campus Operations also provides emergency maintenance
response service to the Seattle campus community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Campus Utilities produces steam,
emergency electrical power, chilled water, and compressed air for the campus.
Job Purpose:
Lead and work with high voltage electricians to perform journey-level work relating to the operation, maintenance, testing,
troubleshooting, installation, and repair of the University of Washington high voltage electrical utility distribution system,
and other related systems. Perform the work in accordance with applicable WAC 296-Chapter 45 electrical workers safety
rules and environmental regulatory requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities:
 Identify and implement daily operation strategies for campus high voltage electrical distribution system to ensure
continuous and reliable service
 Respond to emergency situations such as power outages in order to minimize or prevent loss of property,
damage to research activities, or disruption to life-safety systems
 Develop work plans, methods, and procedures to be followed by high voltage electricians
 Perform duties of a power dispatcher (clearances and recordkeeping) as defined in WAC 296-Chapter 45 of the
electrical workers high voltage safety rules
 Write and issue high voltage clearances on previously energized electrical equipment
 Issue switching orders to high voltage electricians for the purpose of obtaining clearances on high voltage
equipment
 Dispatch high voltage electricians to perform necessary job tasks that follow WAC 296-Chapter 45 electrical high
voltage safety rules
 Work with operational engineers on system specifications for high voltage installations including, products,
design, installation, and scheduling of power interruptions
 Attend contractor meetings for the purpose of coordination of contract work which affects the University of
Washington high voltage systems
 This involves clearances, personal grounding of electrical equipment, scheduling of system shutdowns,
specifications, and safety plan reviews
 Lead and work with high voltage electricians to troubleshoot and repair electrical system failures relating to cable,
cable terminations, substations, relays, transformers, secondary voltage breakers, and other related high voltage
distribution equipment
 Maintain records of PCB-contaminated equipment to follow environmental requirements
 Direct the cleaning of PCB spills, and maintain the containment of PCB spills in accordance with applicable safety
rules and procedures
 Direct work on asbestos-containing equipment (Class II Asbestos work) in accordance with applicable safety rules
and procedures
 Direct work on the maintenance of generation systems
 Test and coordinate methods for testing of generation systems, transfer switches, and other high voltage systems
 Maintain a preventative maintenance program on transformers, switchgear, cables, substations, UPS battery
systems, and other related high voltage distribution system components
 Direct the setting up of temporary generation systems during power failures, scheduled or un-scheduled
 Maintain and update electrical distribution system schematics through red line system changes to completion on
distribution maps
 Coordinate system shutdowns of electrical service with clients, construction coordinators, and contractors
communicating by telephone, e-mail, and on site conferences
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Perform other duties as assigned
Regular and predictable attendance is required
Core Competencies:
 Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness
 Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively
 Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems
 Be responsible and accountable
 Use organizational skills and provide attention to details
 Maintain a positive, optimistic and success-oriented attitude
 Exercise professional demeanor, which includes being tactful and courteous
 Exhibit a professional work ethic
 Continuously promote a safe work environment
Required Skills, Experience and Knowledge:
 Completion of a recognized apprenticeship as a cable splicer AND one year experience as a cable splicer or high
voltage electrician; OR Full journey status as a cable splicer or high voltage electrician AND one year experience
performing journey-level cable splicer or high voltage electrician work; OR equivalent education/experience
 Must be knowledgeable of WAC 296-Chapter 45 of the electrical workers safety rules
 Must be a strong team leader and be able to work both independently and as a team member
 Must be able to work in a diverse workforce
 Must be able to respond to system emergencies during regular business hours and outside regular business
hours
 Possess excellent skills in written communication with crew members, clients, and contractors
 Must have experience communicating effectively with clients and personnel to present a professional image of the
University of Washington
 Must have basic computer skills including editing/creating MS office documents, email and online work order
systems
 Have knowledge and understand of safe work practices and policies
 Must be able to wear all proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required
 Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions and communicate in English regarding the use of
chemicals, supplies, and equipment; comply with safety policies and procedures
Desirable Skills, Experience and Knowledge:
 Possess excellent skills in building crew harmony
 Journey-level status as a high voltage electrician or completion of a recognized apprenticeship, or four years
equivalent experience
 A minimum of five years of experience in the maintenance and operation of high voltage distribution equipment in
excess of 601 volts including, splicing of high voltage cables, working with high voltage clearances, and
experience in utility distribution systems
Conditions of Employment:
 Approved safety shoes must be provided at employee's expense and worn on the job
 Must have a valid motor vehicle driver's license
 Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment
 A satisfactory outcome from a criminal background verification will be required prior to hire
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