Utility Plant Electrician

Utility and Energy Services at CU Boulder is seeking a Utility Plant Electrician to focus on the installation, maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical equipment, controls, metering, and related systems. This role emphasizes safety, code compliance, and minimizing downtime while supporting the campus-wide utility metering system, instrumentation and controls (I&C), and medium voltage tasks.

About Us

Utility and Energy Services is responsible for the design, operation, maintenance, and repair of the campus’ energy generation and distribution infrastructure for steam (heating), chilled water (cooling), and electricity. We provide reliable utility services in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner, along with measurement, line locating, performance engineering, regulatory, and data management services.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and install electrical equipment and devices within district energy plants, including VFDs, motor starters, UPS systems, electrical distribution systems, and various industrial control and metering devices.
• Complete small projects, such as installing RMC and EMT conduit within plants and campus buildings.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues specific to plant automation controls in a utility plant environment.
• Perform regular maintenance and inspections to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
• Inspect contractor-installed equipment to ensure compliance with national and local electrical codes, safety regulations, and campus standards.
• Collaborate with other campus groups and departments to generate lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, troubleshoot electrical metering, coordinate outages, respond to customer demands, and supervise contractors.
• Work with plant operations and maintenance teams to identify electrical needs and recommend improvements for plant performance and safety.
• Communicate system needs and assignments to supervision and coworkers while keeping management informed.
• Maintain documentation of plant repairs and preventive maintenance (PMs).
• Schedule and coordinate work tasks, order parts and materials, analyze trends and data, and review drawings and schematics.

Requirements

• 2 years of electrical maintenance experience in a plant/industrial environment.
• 5 years of general electrical experience or a combination of relevant education and experience totaling 5 years.
• Ability to run RMC and EMT raceways with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to work with and around voltages ranging from 24V to 15KV.
• Must be available to respond to plant and campus emergencies/outages.
• Valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Ability to work successfully both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical schematics and blueprints related to power distribution systems, plant control systems, and supporting infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of electrical theory.
• Proficiency in using basic hand and power tools.
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proven problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid Journeyman Electrical License (Colorado or reciprocal state).
• Understanding of process controls.
• Knowledge and experience in safe handling practices of flammable gases, liquids, and high-pressure systems.
• Experience with high-pressure gas and liquids, processing equipment, medium voltage equipment, pumps, gas turbine engines, and compressors.
• Knowledge or prior experience with boilers, chillers, and associated equipment.
• Experience with AC and/or DC controls.
• Experience with instrumentation devices.
• Experience with diagnostic electrical test equipment.

Pay

The salary for this role is $85,000 – $92,000 annually.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• Generous paid time off.
• Tuition assistance for you and your dependents.
• ECO Pass for local transit.
• Access to additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
• Relocation assistance available per department guidelines.

This role is designated as essential services and requires availability for after-hours response to campus emergencies.