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Utility Plant Specialist - Electrical

City of Richmond
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 17 Aug 2026
💰 $74,360/yr($43,560/yr$74,360/yr)

About the role

Posting number: 35M00000204

Department: Public Utilities

Job classification: Utility Plant Specialist*

Posting type: Open

Categories: Utilities

Summary

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities is seeking a qualified Utility Plant Specialist - Electrical to work in the City's water or wastewater treatment plants and ensures that the plant and equipment are functioning properly. Incumbents utilize knowledge and skills in multiple trades, such as mechanical or electrical work, to perform the assigned duties. This position is responsible for the maintenance and repair of heavy industrial electrical equipment associated with a water utility. Maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of electrical equipment up to 34.5KV.

Examples of duties

  • Conducting preventative and corrective actions on various types of Water Utility electrical systems in an industrial environment.
  • Performing administrative tasks, such as composing work orders per CMMS, updating files and keeping maintenance logs
  • Coordinating and assisting outside vendors/contractors performing essential tasks.
  • Reading and applying blueprints, electrical schematics and operations / maintenance manuals.
  • Utilizing and understanding usage of various types of electrical test equipment.

Qualifications

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • No experience required
  • Prefer two years of experience in a related field
  • Advancement through the broadband depends in part on additional experience (Zone II, minimum of 12 additional months of experience; Zone III, minimum of 18 additional months of experience; and Zone IV minimum of 36 additional months of experience
  • An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • VA Board Journeyman license
  • VA Contractor Board Master License.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Requires a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record or must obtain a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire.
  • Some assignments may require a Commercial Driver's License or the ability obtain a Commercial Driver's License within 9 months after hire.
  • Zone II requires all the above plus Forklift certification OR the ability to obtain Forklift certification within 90 days of hire.
  • Zone III requires all the above plus VA Contractor Board Journeyman license.
  • Zone IV requires all the above plus VA Contractor Board Master License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

  • Conduit bending and installation
  • Electric motor/wiring Megger testing
  • National Electrical Code
  • NFP 70E and Arc Flash Hazards
  • Principals of boiler maintenance and operations
  • Principles of HVAC
  • Centrifuges
  • Electrical and mechanical equipment used at a utility plant (e.g. water purification, pumping,  and wastewater equipment)
  • CMMS automated system
  • Utility plant operations
  • Safety practices and principles

 

Skills (some combination of the following):

  • Troubleshooting electrical circuits
  • Updating, repairing, and replacing plant lighting systems
  • Maintaining and repairing electrical systems up to 34.5KV
  • Reading and understanding drawings, blueprints, and maps
  • Using and operating various equipment safety and correctly
  • Using chemicals properly
  • Working with vendors
 

Abilities (some combination of the following):

  • Operate equipment such as bucket trucks and forklifts
  • Operate power washers
  • Operate cranes and other equipment for hoisting and pulling equipment
  • Operate equipment for laser alignment of pumps and motors
  • Operate and use basic hand and power tools
  • Operate drill press
  • Operate electrical and electro-mechanical equipment
  • Problem solve and troubleshoot
  • Utilize sophisticated electrical test equipment

Supplemental information

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:

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Company

City of Richmond

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