Utility Plant Specialist - Electrical

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities is seeking a qualified Utility Plant Specialist - Electrical to work in the City's water or wastewater treatment plants, ensuring that the plant and equipment function properly. Incumbents utilize knowledge and skills in multiple trades, such as mechanical or electrical work, to perform assigned duties. This position focuses on the maintenance and repair of heavy industrial electrical equipment associated with a water utility, including systems up to 34.5KV.

About the role

This is an exciting time to join the City of Richmond. We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. Recent enhancements to employee benefits include:

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Responsibilities

• Conduct preventative and corrective actions on various types of Water Utility electrical systems in an industrial environment.
• Perform administrative tasks, such as composing work orders per CMMS, updating files, and keeping maintenance logs.
• Coordinate and assist outside vendors/contractors performing essential tasks.
• Read and apply blueprints, electrical schematics, and operations/maintenance manuals.
• Utilize and understand the usage of various types of electrical test equipment.

Requirements

Minimum Training and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• No experience required; however, two years of experience in a related field is preferred.
• Advancement through the broadband depends on additional experience:
  • Zone II: minimum of 12 additional months of experience.
  • Zone III: minimum of 18 additional months of experience.
  • Zone IV: minimum of 36 additional months of experience.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• VA Board Journeyman license.
• VA Contractor Board Master License.

Licensing, Certifications, and Other Special Requirements:

• Requires a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record or must obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Some assignments may require a Commercial Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 9 months after hire.
• Zone II: All the above plus Forklift certification OR the ability to obtain Forklift certification within 90 days of hire.
• Zone III: All the above plus VA Contractor Board Journeyman license.
• Zone IV: All the above plus VA Contractor Board Master License.

Skills

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Conduit bending and installation.
• Electric motor/wiring Megger testing.
• National Electrical Code.
• NFPA 70E and Arc Flash Hazards.
• Principles of boiler maintenance and operations.
• Principles of HVAC.
• Centrifuges.
• Electrical and mechanical equipment used at a utility plant (e.g., water purification, pumping, and wastewater equipment).
• CMMS automated system.
• Utility plant operations.
• Safety practices and principles.

Skills (some combination of the following):

• Troubleshooting electrical circuits.
• Updating, repairing, and replacing plant lighting systems.
• Maintaining and repairing electrical systems up to 34.5KV.
• Reading and understanding drawings, blueprints, and maps.
• Using and operating various equipment safely and correctly.
• Using chemicals properly.
• Working with vendors.

Abilities (some combination of the following):

• Operate equipment such as bucket trucks and forklifts.
• Operate power washers.
• Operate cranes and other equipment for hoisting and pulling equipment.
• Operate equipment for laser alignment of pumps and motors.
• Operate and use basic hand and power tools.
• Operate drill press.
• Operate electrical and electro-mechanical equipment.
• Problem solve and troubleshoot.
• Utilize sophisticated electrical test equipment.

Working Conditions

Environmental Hazards: Working conditions may include exposure to travel within and outside the City of Richmond; hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment.

Physical Requirements: Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraints. Essential duties may require the ability to:

• Regularly talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions.
• Frequently climb, balance, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, and lift.
• Occasionally stoop, crawl, finger, grasp, and feel.

This classification is considered heavy work, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.