Electrical Authority Having Jurisdiction (E-AHJ)

About the role

The Electrical Authority Having Jurisdiction (E-AHJ) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) serves as the sole Electrical Authority Having Jurisdiction for LBNL in accordance with NFPA and DOE requirements. This role includes overseeing electrical safety functions, enforcing electrical codes, and providing authoritative interpretations and enforcement of applicable electrical codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• E-AHJ Statutory Authority, Code Interpretation & Final Determinations
• Serve as the sole Electrical Authority Having Jurisdiction for LBNL in accordance with NFPA and DOE requirements.
• Provide oversight of qualified and trained staff performing electrical safety functions.
• Establish and maintain site-wide electrical safety policies, determinations, and governance frameworks.
• Resolve differences of opinion between electrical installation officers, inspectors, engineers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
• Exercise authority to make final determinations and approve waivers, equivalencies, and alternate methods.
• Participate in or review investigations related to electrical safety incidents or near-misses.

• Electrical Safety Governance, Stewardship & External Interface
• Enforce maintenance and quality of inspection records by electrical installation inspectors and electrical equipment inspectors.
• Represent the Laboratory in interactions with DOE, regulators, third-party evaluators, and external review bodies on matters related to electrical safety and code compliance.

• Leadership
• Manages cross-divisional staff, including the Deputy Electrical Safety Officer, the Facilities Division Electrical Safety Officer, the ALSU electrical inspection professional, and the Electrical Safety Specialist/LOTO Program Manager.
• Provides high-level technical consultation and strategic direction to program leads.
• Leads the application of Integrated Safety Management (ISM) principles in assigned functional areas.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 20 years of experience, or Master’s degree and 15 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in occupational safety with a concentration in electrical safety or electrical engineering.
• Demonstrated experience functioning in an AHJ, senior electrical authority, or equivalent role with decision-making responsibility, preferably in a DOE Laboratory, National Laboratory, nuclear facility, or other high-hazard or compliance-driven scientific research facility.
• Expert knowledge of:
• NFPA 70 (NEC) and NFPA 70E
• Working knowledge of DOE orders, directives, and guidance applicable to electrical installations and electrical safety

• Strong understanding of:
• Electrical distribution systems
• Programmatic and experimental electrical systems
• Non-listed and lab-built equipment
• Electrical equipment field evaluations

• Ability to apply risk-based decision-making while maintaining code intent and safety outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, trust, and professional credibility, rather than positional authority alone.
• Proven skill in setting clear policy and guardrails while empowering qualified professionals to execute within their authority.
• High level of integrity, consistency, and fairness in decision-making.
• Ability to work occasional off-hours to support critical operations, inspections, incident response, or emergent electrical safety matters.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any certifications or qualifications required by Berkeley Lab within six months (or one year of hire into this position).

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)
• ICC Electrical Inspector or Plans Examiner certification
• LBNL Qualified Electrical Work (QEW) 3