Utility Electrician Trainee - INTERNAL ONLY

This is an INTERNAL ONLY opportunity. If you are an external candidate your application will automatically be rejected.

The Opportunity

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.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

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 

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Participation in a structured city-approved training program relevant to utility or industrial electrical work
3. Basic understanding of electrical concepts or demonstrated interest in electrical trade.

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 timeframes.
• Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies as appropriate to training level.

Preferred Qualifications

• No preferred qualifications as this is a trainee 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 complex electrical system failures.

Supervision Received / Exercised

• Received: Close supervision from Utility Electrician, Senior Utility Electrician, or Utility Operations Manager or designee.
• Exercised: None.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Utility Operations staff, Water Resources & Sustainability personnel, Engineering staff, supervisors, managers, and other city employees.
• External: Contractors, vendors, regulatory representatives, utility customers, and the public as necessary to support assigned work.

Tools & Technology

• Electrical testing equipment (e.g., digital multimeters and related diagnostic tools) 
• Asset management systems for infrastructure tracking and maintenance 
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and communication systems 
• Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook 
• Mobile inspection, data collection, and reporting tools

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed in a variety of field, operational, or service environments, depending on assignment. Duties may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, traffic, equipment, uneven terrain, and other operational hazards. Work may require prolonged standing or walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and heavy lifting, as well as the operation of tools, equipment, or vehicles. Some assignments may involve working in confined or restricted spaces.

Work schedules may include evenings, weekends, holidays, emergency response, or on-call assignments based on operational needs. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws.

Commitment to Equity, Safety, and Ethics

Employees are expected to perform their duties in a manner that supports equity, safety, integrity, and professionalism. This includes following all safety policies and procedures, treating coworkers and the public with respect, and conducting work ethically and responsibly.

Employees are expected to uphold public trust through fair, transparent, and lawful conduct and to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment.