Lead Electrician

Department: Facilities Mgmt EV
Salary/Grade: 399/S4

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. Pay for this position will be is $55.49 per hour. Rate is determined by collective bargaining agreement.

Job Summary:

Reporting to and under the direction of the Evanston Campus Chief and Foreman Electricians, manages a portion of the shop staff in the safe and efficient operation of all building electrical and lighting systems, including campus distributed utilities and equipment. Supervises and coordinates, as well as performs installations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operations of all electrical equipment. This position ensures all campus electrical distribution systems, building systems, and associated equipment are maintained and operated properly and in compliance with University policies and applicable codes. The Electrician Lead is a working supervisor position, Providing support to Evanston Electric team at large in all tasks. Assist with customer relations, contractors, site inspections, work tickets, quality control and administrative work.

The role will support the department's mission and values by exhibiting the following: inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures and always follow safety rules.

Please note: Must be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399 or join after a 90-day probationary period. Physical ability to lift and maneuver heavy weights, climb, and descend ladders, and work in hot, cold, cramped, and confined quarters. Ability to work safely and at heights on ladders, lifts, and scaffolding. Dexterity is necessary for the use of tools and manipulation of materials. Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24-hour, 7 day per week coverage.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Organizes and assigns daily work schedules and assignments for staff, assuring completion of routine, corrective, and preventative maintenance activities in accordance with the unit Service Level Agreement;
• Operates, maintains, repairs, and replaces the building and campus electrical systems and ancillary equipment.
• Maintains good order and discipline among personnel consistent with University and departmental policies, requesting commendatory or disciplinary action to the shop supervisors;
• Mentors and provides technical guidance and oversight to employees;
• Manages time sheet approvals, attendance for employees;
• Provides reports to shop supervisors on the condition, renewal needs, and routine maintenance of facilities, components, and related activities or incidents including summaries, recommendations, and root cause analyses;
• Identifies and recommends employee safety, technical, soft-skill training, and professional development opportunities as required to ensure optimum unit performance and development;
• Assists in the management, identification and purchase of equipment, supplies, library materials, and supplemental contracted resources;
• Acts as a liaison with customers, shops, and Facilities Customer Service for electrical systems;
• Other duties as assigned;
• Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma, GED, or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Completion of a 5 year accredited apprenticeship
• Five years field experience working at journey level
• Minimum two years supervisory experience in the planning, directing, and coordinating the maintenance of electrical distribution and/or building systems and equipment.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license recognized by the State of Illinois, provide own reliable transportation, and purchase a University parking permit;
• Be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399 or join after a satisfactory completion of a 90-day probationary period.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Thorough understanding of applicable life safety and electrical codes, laws and regulations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to effectively motivate work groups toward defined and agreed upon common goals.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the tools, instruments, methods, and standard trade/safety practices pertaining to life safety, electrical, and associated systems.
• Ability to perform calculations applicable to field of experience.
• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement.
• Helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented. Ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose.
• Balances listening and talking, speaks and writes clearly and accurately, keeps others informed.
• Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities.
• Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.
• Proficiency with mobile devices including iOS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a campus setting.
• Formal education in fire protection engineering, electrical engineering, architecture, or similar fields.
• ICC, NFPA, and NICET II or higher certification.
• Membership of a related industry technical committee.
• 10 years field experience.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation, and teamwork within and outside of one's own team.
• Plans, manages time well and arrives on time.
• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize, schedule, coordinate, conduct and document maintenance programs.
• Working knowledge of the NEC, City of Chicago Electrical code BOCA, NFPA, State, Local, and other associated building codes.
• Understanding of basic HVAC, VFD's and related control systems and terminology.
• Ability to read, understand, and review construction documents, including design drawings, specifications, shop drawings, RFI's, and as-built documents;
• Successfully uses multiple software programs independently. Software may include Adobe, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, CMMS Systems, and Peoplesoft.
• Familiarity with zone maintenance models.
• Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving, reading and interpreting technical drawings.
• Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.