Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon’s top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest’s oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master’s degrees in data science and computer science.
Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, [email protected] or call us at 503-370-6210.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Facilities Department at Willamette University is responsible for the daily operations, maintenance and upkeep of approximately 1.4 million square feet of academic, residential, administrative and off campus properties situated on approximately 60 acres with all the associated utilities and infrastructure.
The Facilities Electrician is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and upgrading the electrical systems that support Willamette University’s academic, residential, and administrative buildings. This position ensures safe, reliable operation of campus electrical infrastructure while providing exceptional customer service to students, faculty, and staff. The electrician plays a crucial role in the day-to-day functioning of campus buildings and supports the University’s mission by creating a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Electrical Maintenance & Repair
Perform skilled work in the installation, alteration, maintenance and repair of the University electrical systems, equipment and fixtures in accordance with standard practices of the trade.
Diagnose and resolve issues involving fire alarm systems, lighting systems, wiring, panels, breakers, motors, pumps, and building electrical components.
Respond to daily service requests and prioritize work to minimize disruption to campus operations.
Installation & System Upgrades
Install, modify and maintain electrical systems, including circuits, conduit, lighting, controls, panels, motors, generators and related equipment.
Support construction, renovation, and energy-efficiency projects in coordination with Facilities staff and contractors.
Ensure all installations meet applicable electrical codes and University standards.
Review blueprints and contractors’ work for deviation from code and specifications and report issues to Facilities Managers.
Preventive Maintenance
Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance on electrical panels, emergency lighting, generators, and specialized equipment.
Track and document all maintenance activities and repairs in the University’s work order system.
Identify opportunities to improve system reliability and reduce operational downtime.
Safety & Compliance
Advise Facilities Managers on all code discrepancies and deviations to plans.
Perform all work in compliance with NEC, Oregon Electrical Code, OSHA regulations, and University safety policies.
Follow proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), fall protection, and confined space procedures.
Actively promote a safe working environment and report hazardous conditions.
Operational & Customer Support
Collaborate with HVAC, Plumbing, Carpentry, and other Facilities teams to support building operations.
Provide clear, professional communication to faculty, staff, and students regarding project timelines and service impacts.
Assist with campus events and special operational needs requiring electrical support.
Emergency Response
Respond promptly to after-hours emergencies such as electrical outages and critical system failures.
Assist in restoring power and equipment functionality quickly and safely.
Respond to fire alarms and other emergencies.
Documentation & Inventory Management
Maintain accurate records of repairs, upgrades, and system changes, including panel schedules and equipment labeling.
General
Manages and encourages Facilities Management workplace expectations, valuing all persons and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Fills in on weekends and holidays when required.
Subject to after-hours call backs.
Performs other duties as assigned.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Accountability: Ability to accept responsibility and account for actions.
Customer Oriented: Ability to provide a high level of customer service while following company procedures.
Detail Oriented: Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
Calm & Efficient: Ability to deal with emergencies in a calm and efficient manner.
Organized: Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method for tasks.
Communication: Ability to communicate positively and effectively with a wide variety of clients in person, by phone, or in writing.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum
Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. High school education with some college coursework preferred.
Oregon Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME) License, General Journeyman Electrician (J) License, or an equivalent state-recognized electrical license.
Three years of experience performing electrical maintenance, installation, troubleshooting, and repair in commercial, institutional, or industrial facilities.
Demonstrated knowledge of: Electrical codes, standards, and safety regulations (including NEC); low-voltage and line-voltage systems; and electrical distribution systems, controls, and motor equipment.
Proficient use of a personal computer and software programs such as Word, Excel and any other specialized applications required. Keyboarding, email and maintaining databases required. Willingness and ability to quickly learn new computer skills.
Possess a thorough knowledge of building construction, maintenance and custodial/housekeeping related trades and be familiar with Maintenance terminology/operations.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in order to meet deadlines.
Ability to work in a fast-paced team oriented environment.
Must possess an understanding of accounting processes and mathematics.
Must be able to buy selectively through the competitive bidding process. Able to estimate time and materials accurately.
Requires considerable contact with individuals outside the University and a high level of contact with individuals within the University, and requires the interpersonal skills necessary for such contact.
Experience with record keeping and file maintenance skills to keep accurate records of purchases, purchase orders issued, payments, warranty information, and vendor lists.
Must have the ability to effectively interact with a variety of people in a manner that emphasizes strong customer service and portrays the University’s programs, personnel, and philosophies in a positive manner.
Knowledge of safety hazards and precautions related to building and equipment maintenance such as OSHA, Hazardous Communications, DEQ, and EPA regulations.
Ability to work independently as well as establish and maintain harmonious relations with other staff, faculty and students.
Must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record in order to drive university vehicles and carts.
Preferred
State of Oregon General Journeyman Electrician License (J-level) or equivalent out-of-state licensure with ability to obtain Oregon reciprocity.
State of Oregon General Supervising Electrician License, Limited Supervising Manufacturing Plant Electrician License, General Journeyman License or Limited Journeyman Manufacturing Plant Electrician License required.
Five+ years of experience performing electrical maintenance, troubleshooting, and installation in a commercial, industrial, or institutional setting—preferably within higher education or public facilities.
Demonstrated experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS), including controls troubleshooting and integration with HVAC systems.
Experience with energy-efficient technologies, LED retrofits, motor controls, VFDs, and power-quality troubleshooting.
Strong proficiency with CMMS work order systems (e.g., TMA, FAMIS, AiM, SchoolDude).
Working knowledge of NFPA 70E, NEC, OSHA regulations, and industry safety best practices.
Experience with low-voltage systems, including fire alarms, access control, CCTV, and data/communication systems.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in occupied academic buildings, coordinating work with students, faculty, and staff with minimal disruption.
Typical Work Schedule: 7:30am – 4:00pm M-F
Salary: $38.46 per hour (~$80,000 annually)
You will need to upload the following two documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:
Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments - listed at the bottom of the page - must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.
