High Voltage Electrician (8154C)

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning and research. Through the efforts of over 400 dedicated staff members and serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.

Position Summary

The Utilities Maintenance group is responsible for the operation and maintenance of campus utilities (steam, high voltage, natural gas, water, and sewer) distribution.

The Utilities Maintenance group is responsible for the operation and maintenance of campus utilities (steam, high voltage, natural gas, water, and sewer) distribution. They perform preventive maintenance, repairs, emergency response, and all regulatory compliance work. The high voltage electricians operate and maintain the University's electric distribution system that receives high voltage power from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and distribute it throughout the main Berkeley campus.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: May 4, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

High Voltage Electrician (65%)

• Inspect, maintain, test, repair, operate, troubleshoot and replace all 4160V, 12KV, and 115KV apparatus on all campus sites.
• This includes, but is not limited to, switching high voltage and preparing the switching procedures.
• Maintenance of high voltage equipment includes switches, circuit breakers, transformers, relays, transmission lines, cables, and cable terminations.
• High voltage relay calibration, cable splicing and cable terminating are preferred skills.
• Troubleshooting of control systems related to pumps and motors of various voltage supplies are preferred skills.
• Coordinate appropriate repairs with other trades at PP-CS.
• Work with all other trades to coordinate shutdowns and maintain all utilities and buildings in good working order.
• Maintain Utilities support systems, such as pumps, streetlights and other electrical systems.
• Respond to high voltage requests; assist with fire alarm calls and SCADA installations.

Administrative Duties (10%)

• Consult lead/supervisor/or project superintendents who administer requirements and standards for the modification of projects.
• Interpret prints, schematics, wiring diagrams, flow charts and written descriptions of functions and project requirements.
• Support maintenance projects and programmatic work assignments.
• Keep accurate work records and complete paperwork in a neat and timely manner.
• Serve as liaison with clients, relaying their needs and requirements to the appropriate department or superintendent.
• Obtain materials and equipment as required.

Safety (20%)

• Adhere to all University and departmental safety guidelines and is responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.
• Attend all job-related safety training.
• Must maintain up-to-date knowledge of OSHA and NEC high voltage regulations and complete 40 hours of documented high voltage safety training.
• Must maintain up-to-date knowledge of HVPPE, high voltage testing procedures, and high voltage equipment.

Other (5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain California State Electrical License
• Must have completed a five-year electrical apprenticeship program or equivalent.
• Must have three years of high voltage experience.
• Must have strong troubleshooting skills.
• Must be able to interpret complicated circuitry designs and have a good understanding of electronic devices such as relays and VFD's.
• Must possess knowledge and ability to utilize correct tools, techniques and methods for handling specific electrical projects by applying thorough knowledge of codes and the skills of a craftsperson.
• Ability to interpret prints, schematics, wiring diagrams, flow charts and written descriptions of functions and project requirements.
• Must be able to interpret complicated circuitry designs and have a good understanding of electronic devices such as relays and VFD's.
• Ability to operate electrical machines, equipment, and other hand and/or power tools needed to perform skill-related job tasks.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and gain access to areas that normally require stairs, ladders and scaffolding, using specific methods to perform job tasks.
• Must possess excellent communication skills and ability to interact in a positive manner with campus community, including students, building managers, academic personnel and craft personnel, in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to track jobs to completion and prioritize requirements; able to work and support shutdowns and project schedules to minimize interference with others.
• Ability to interpret information from equipment manufacturers manuals, service requests, layout sketches, blueprints, appropriate state and local government codes, trade-specific manuals and practices and to determine how the fixture or equipment should perform.
• Ability to distinguish colors and use color codes effectively.
• Ability to communicate clearly over the telephone and two-way radio.
• Ability to execute all job assignments in a timely manner.
• Must be willing and able to work in confined spaces such as vaults and manholes, and be able to work in high lifts to reach overhead lines.
• Must be able to lift 75-pound objects and maneuver much heavier objects, such as manhole covers.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license.
• Pre-employment medical physical will be required.
• Must be available to respond to emergencies, work on-call, rotating swing shift, and holidays.
• Must be able to accommodate the campus overtime needs as needed.
• Must adhere to Facilities Services work rules and Code of Conduct.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer Hard Splices and Pre-Formed Splice Kits certification issued by a licensed school or approved training program.
• Strong conduit installation abilities preferred.
• Strong motor control skills with or without drawings preferred.
• Experience with outdoor lighting system preferred.
• Knowledge of Control Systems related to pumps and motors preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with FS6 breakers, high and medium voltage breakers, and relays, and mains up to 600 volts preferred.
• Knowledge of HVPPE, HV testing procedures, and HV equipment preferred.
• Prefer to have been trained on the use of high lifts and bucket trucks.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

• This is an hourly, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time Career position that is eligible for full benefits.