Industrial Electrician - Environmental Services Department

Industrial Electrician - Environmental Services Department

Location: San Jose Metropolitan Area |
Job Type: Full-Time |
Salary: $ - $ Annually

The City of San José, the heart of Silicon Valley, invites highly qualified individuals to join our Environmental Services Department (ESD). ESD is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility service provision, and climate action. Working at the San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF) offers the unique opportunity to impact the health of over 1.4 million residents while enjoying hybrid work flexibility, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive leadership team.

• Maintain, operate, and adjust electrical primary power substations ranging from 4160 V to 115 kV, including circuit breakers, relays, batteries, and controls.
• Test low‑ and high‑voltage electrical equipment, including transformers, variable frequency drives, high‑voltage switches, phase shifters, and components of process control, telemetering, cathodic protection, and electronic equipment boards.
• Diagnose problems and determine needed repairs or modifications.
• Install conduit and pull wires for motors, control panels, and lighting fixtures.
• Review work orders, maintain activity logs, prepare requisitions, and obtain approvals for various projects.
• Design, fabricate, and install electrical systems and components to ensure code compliance.
• Inspect job sites for potential hazards, determine precautions, and follow safe and effective work procedures.
• Respond to and evaluate emergencies, taking required actions and identifying the need for additional support.
• Attend meetings and liaise with contractors, vendors, and other departments.
• Purchase electrical supplies, coordinate purchases, and select vendors.
• Perform additional duties of a similar nature or level as required.

• Education and Training: High school graduation or equivalent and completion of an approved apprenticeship program.
• Substitution: Successful completion of the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards electrician certification exam or documented proof of 8500 hours of coursework and experience covering all areas of the California Electrician Apprenticeship Standards.
• Experience: One (1) year post‑apprenticeship experience with substation construction, equipment maintenance, control and protective system troubleshooting in an industrial, utility, or manufacturing environment.
• Licensing/Certification: Valid California driver’s license. Substation Maintenance certification meeting OSHA 29 CFR(a)(2)(vii) desirable.
• Conditional
  
  Offer:
  
  Proof of a valid California driver’s license and a California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) assessment may be required. Failure to pass the EPN assessment will deem ineligible.
• Competencies include knowledge of electrical fundamentals, high‑voltage substation equipment, PLC programming, NFPA 70E, mechanical safety, and the National Electrical Code.
• Analytical thinking, teamwork, interpersonal skills, computer proficiency (MS Office), and communication skills are essential.
• Basic knowledge and skills: foundation of electricity and electronics, electrical motor controls, protective relay testing, code compliance, blueprints, vendor direction, material estimation, record keeping, driving electric carts, SOP development, and hand tools operation.
• Desirable qualifications: PLC & VFD programming, NFPA 70E training, motor control and VFD certification.

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of training and experience. Qualified applicants will be invited to a written exam (February 2026), a practical exam (March 2026), and an oral interview. Confirmation of dates, times, and instructions will be provided.

Employment Eligibility: All employees must provide verification of eligibility to work in the United States. The City of San Jose will not sponsor or sign documents related to visa applications.

Application Notes: All job‑specific questions must be answered. Applications not entered through Cal Opps or other third‑party systems will not be accepted. Email City Careers if a confirmation email is not received.

AI and the Hiring Process: The City encourages responsible use of AI as a support tool for preparation. AI cannot replace authenticity and reasonableness in application responses.

To apply:

Industrial Electrician

The City of San Jose is an equal‑opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration unlawful under federal, state, or local laws. The City of San Jose is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact 408‑535‑1285, 711 (TTY), or City Careers.