Electrician Leader

Company Description

The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a state-of-the-art research and diagnostics facility located in Manhattan, KS. NBAF replaces the Plum Island Animal Disease Center and will jointly host the missions of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The facility supports comprehensive research, vaccine and antiviral development, and advanced diagnostic and training capabilities to protect the nation from serious animal diseases that impact the food supply, agricultural economy, and public health.

NBAF is the first U.S. facility with maximum biocontainment (BSL-4) laboratories capable of housing cattle and other large livestock. Scientific activities are being introduced in phases from BSL-1 and
-2 to BSL-3 and
-4, with all operations subject to strict federal inspections and regulatory reviews.

The Electrician Leader is a full-time, on-site role based in Manhattan, KS, responsible for leading and performing electrical work in a high-containment research environment. This role oversees day-to-day installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, equipment, and components, ensuring compliance with safety codes, biocontainment requirements, and USDA/NBAF standards. The Electrician Leader assigns and monitors work for a team of electricians, provides technical guidance, and conducts troubleshooting to resolve complex electrical issues.

Daily responsibilities include inspecting electrical infrastructure, coordinating with facility operations and engineering staff, documenting work performed, and supporting preventive maintenance schedules to maximize reliability and uptime. The role collaborates closely with multidisciplinary facility teams to support critical research operations and respond to electrical emergencies or system alerts as needed.

• Strong technical skills in electricity and electrical work, including installation, wiring, and safe operation of electrical systems in an industrial or laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated experience in maintenance & repair and troubleshooting of complex electrical equipment, control systems, and building power distribution.
• Foundational knowledge of electrical engineering principles as applied to facility operations, power systems, and energy management.
• Proven leadership experience directing the work of electricians or technical staff, including task assignment, training, and quality control.
• Thorough understanding of relevant electrical codes, NFPA standards, OSHA regulations, and safe work practices, preferably in high-security or critical infrastructure facilities.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical documentation, and to use electrical testing instruments and diagnostic tools effectively.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across facilities, engineering, safety, and scientific teams.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of