Utility Electrician Trainee - INTERNAL

Utility Electrician Trainee

The City of Tumwater is seeking a motivated individual to begin a rewarding career as a Utility Electrician Trainee. This entry-level position combines paid, hands-on experience with a structured city-approved training program designed to prepare you for advancement to a journey-level Utility Electrician. Working alongside experienced electricians, you'll help maintain, repair, and install electrical systems that support the city's water, wastewater, and utility infrastructure while developing specialized skills in industrial electrical systems, motor controls, instrumentation, and SCADA technology.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong interest in the electrical trade who is committed to learning, working safely, and building a long-term career in the utility industry. Through mentorship, classroom instruction, and on-the-job training, you'll progressively develop the technical knowledge and experience needed to support essential public services and grow into a journey-level Utility Electrician with the City of Tumwater.

Electrical Maintenance & Installation:

• Assists Utility Electricians and Senior Utility Electricians with the maintenance, repair, installation, and replacement of electrical equipment serving wells, pump stations, lift stations, treatment facilities, generators, motors, control panels, and related utility infrastructure.
• Performs basic electrical maintenance tasks appropriate to demonstrated training level and competency.
• Assists with preventative maintenance, inspections, testing, cleaning, and adjustment of electrical equipment and systems.
• Learns proper installation techniques for conduit, wiring, electrical components, and control systems.

Training & Technical Development:

• Participates in a structured city-approved training program designed to develop journey-level electrical knowledge and skills.
• Completes classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and competency evaluations as required.
• Learns utility electrical systems, motor controls, telemetry, instrumentation, SCADA systems, and related technologies.
• Demonstrates continuous progress toward required certifications and development milestones.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance:

• Learns and follows all applicable electrical safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, confined space requirements, and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Maintains safe work practices while working around energized electrical systems and utility facilities.
• Identifies unsafe conditions and promptly reports hazards, equipment deficiencies, or operational concerns.
• Maintains work areas, tools, and equipment in a safe, clean, and organized condition.

Documentation & Operational Support:

• Assists with maintaining maintenance records, work orders, inventory documentation, and operational reports.
• Assists with tracking materials, tools, equipment, and replacement parts.
• Supports emergency response activities appropriate to training level and under supervision.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic electrical principles, tools, and safety practices; workplace safety rules applicable to construction and utility environments.
• Skill in using hand tools and basic electrical test equipment under supervision; following instructions and performing tasks accurately.
• Ability to learn and apply electrical concepts and procedures; work safely in field and facility environments; communicate effectively with trainers, coworkers, and supervisors; maintain regular attendance and make satisfactory progress in assigned training programs.

Training Progression:

• Successful completion of the training program and demonstration of required competencies may qualify the incumbent for consideration for advancement to the Utility Electrician classification, subject to position availability and management approval.
• Acquisition of EL07 Nonresidential Maintenance specialty electrician certification from Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Minimum Qualifications:

Special Requirements:

• Valid Washington State driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain enrollment in a city-approved training program.
• Ability to progress through training milestones and competency evaluations within required time frames.
• Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies as appropriate to training level.

Other information (if any) specific to this position:

Decision Rights & Problem Solving:

• Applies established procedures and follows instructions provided by Utility Electricians, Senior Utility Electricians, or supervisory staff.
• Identifies equipment deficiencies, safety concerns, or unusual operating conditions and reports them promptly.
• Performs assigned work within established training guidelines and does not independently diagnose or resolve…