Becoming an electrician in Blacksburg, VA typically begins with an apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 135 electricians in Blacksburg, VA, with wages averaging $160.67 per week for apprentices and up to $259.13 per week for experienced professionals. Trade schools, unions, and local platforms help aspiring electricians find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
Job Description Reporting to the Electrical Supervisor, the Electrician is responsible for performing maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, installation and repair of a variety of commercial/institutional building electrical systems and equipment of up to and including 480 VAC. Building electrical systems and equipment to be serviced includes, but is not limited to, motors and associated controls, lighting systems, panelboards, breakers, wiring, transformers, and variable frequency drives. Assists mechanical/plumbing, building trades and preventive maintenance staff as requested. This position is designated as “Emergency Personnel” and responds to emergency callbacks for service on a rotating basis. Required Qualifications • Must have or be able to obtain a Journeyman’s or Masters license in electrical trade within eleven months of hire date; OR current Journey or Master level licensing agreement (reciprocity) from another jurisdiction as approved by the Virginia Board for Contractors. Must obtain Virginia license within 6 months of employment. • Verifiable journeyman level experience in a large commercial or institutional setting in the maintenance, inspection and repair of building electrical systems up to and including 480 VAC. • Working knowledge of National Electrical Code. • Extensive knowledge of electrical motors, controls and circuitry. • Knowledge of fluorescent and LED lighting systems and associated dimming controls. • Working knowledge of a variety of technical documents such as blueprints, technical drawings, sketches, schematics, specification records, and operating and maintenance manuals. • Record keeping experience such as processing work orders and/or tracking inventory. • Must have a valid driver’s license. • Required to operate a motor vehicle daily. • Ability to perform routine electrical tasks, and recognize and understand industry terminologies of multiple trades. • Ability to use a computer, keep accurate and complete records, and perform work with minimal margin of error and work independently with little or no supervision. • Ability to communicate effectively, work as an effective team member, and receive and execute instructions from the immediate supervisor and/or lead worker. • Ability to safely and frequently move and handle heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more; ability to maneuver materials up and down stairs; ability to climb and work from elevated work stations such as ladders and scaffolds; ability to work for long periods of time standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing/pulling. • Must be able to work in all types of weather conditions including extreme temperatures. • Required to work in non-permit required confined spaces. Preferred Qualifications • Previous experience working with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or computerized work order system. • Experience installing and maintaining variable frequency drives. • Knowledge of emergency power systems to include generator testing and minor repairs. Pay Band 3 Appointment Type Regular Salary Information $46,000-$60,000 Review Date March 13, 2025 Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
See More Details >>Overview: We are seeking an experienced Maintenance Electrician to join our team. The successful candidate will successfully plan layouts, troubleshoot, install and repair wiring, electrical fixtures, apparatuses, and control equipment on various systems and equipment. The role requires a high level of electrical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. Responsibilities: - Plans new or modified installations to minimize waste of materials, provide access to future maintenance, and avoid unsightly, hazardous, and unreliable wiring, consistent with specifications and local electrical codes. - Prepares sketches showing location of wiring and equipment, or follows diagrams or blueprints, ensuring that concealed wiring is installed before the completion of future walls, ceilings, and flooring - Measures, cuts, bends, threads, assembles, and installs electrical conduit and pulls wiring through conduit. - Installs control and distributions apparatuses such as switches, relays, and circuit-breaker panels. - Connects power cables to equipment, such as electric range or motor, and installs grounding leads. -Tests continuity of circuit to ensure electrical compatibility and safety of components with testing instruments such as ohmmeter, battery and buzzer, and oscilloscope. - Observes functioning of installed equipment or systems to detect hazards and needs for adjustment, relocation, or replacement. - Recommends changes in circuitry or installation specifications to simplify assembly and maintenance. - Adjusts, calibrates, aligns, and modifies circuitry and components and records effects on unit performance. - Repairs faulty equipment or systems. - Notifies supervisor of safety or quality concerns. - Assists Maintenance Mechanic in plant mechanical repairs. - Enters logs of all work orders into Plexus. - Cleans tools, equipment, machines, and work area. -Keep accurate records of work performed and maintain a clean and organized workspace. - Performs other duties as assigned through supervisor. Requirements: - Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from a two-year-college or technical school. Masters or Journeyman certification required. Knowledge of basic computer and keyboard use. Blueprint reading skill required. Industrial Maintenance Background required. - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization. - Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interests, and commission, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. - Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety concrete variable in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. - Ability to troubleshoot using PLC software/knowledge - Ability to work within NFPA 79 wiring standards - Ability to work within NFPA 70E Arc Flash standards - Knowledge of NEC 2010 - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear, and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $26.89 - $30.42 per hour Benefits: • 401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Employee assistance program • Employee discount • Flexible spending account • Health insurance • Health savings account • Life insurance • Paid time off • Referral program • Vision insurance Experience: • Mechanical knowledge: 5 years (Required) Work Location: In person
See More Details >>Are you passionate about electrical engineering and eager to contribute to the dynamic, exciting industry of high reliability and space electronics? Our engineers at VPT work in a cross functional team to achieve a product that is industry leading in performance and reliability. All the engineers at VPT are passionate, energetic and like to think outside of the box. As a vital member of our engineering team, you will be • Developing new designs in switching power applications • Designing analog and digital circuits that are targeted for high reliability and space environments • Designing, layout and test new designs that meet the high expectations for the high reliability market • Learn about radiation effects and design for circuits • Keep abreast of state-of-the-art technologies and perform competitive bench marking for each project • Provide technical support for production issues, failure analysis and problem resolution VPT offers an excellent benefits package upon full-time hire including health and dental insurance, 401K, disability insurance, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and paid time off. Salary will be discussed with applicant and is dependent upon experience. VPT, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/VET/Disability Employer Key Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering • Strong analytical and problem solving skills • Ability to analyze and test power electronic circuits • Familiarity with lab equipment including oscilloscope, function generator, frequency response analyzer, EMI test receiver • Lab experience in power electronics • Highly motivated, self-starter with strong personal integrity and attention to detail • Ability to work well with cross-functional teams • US Person
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