Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

Job Summary

Operate, maintain, and repair the campus 115,000 high voltage power distribution system, exterior lighting system, and related equipment.

Essential Functions

• Tests, repairs, or replaces insulators, conductors, transformers, fuses, disconnects, and lightning arresters.
• Makes standard types of transformer connections.
• Assembles, disassembles, and maintains major rotating equipment such as synchronous condensers, motors, and generators.
• Installs and repairs switchboard wiring and controls, major devices, and equipment, complicated wiring relaying, and control circuits using plans and drawings as required.
• Diagnoses and repairs trouble relating to assignments.
• Assembles, disassembles, and rebuilds power circuit breakers, voltage regulators, and power and distribution transformer.
• Installs new construction for all voltage classifications.
• Performs unusual work where no standard methods or specific directions are available.
• Performs all types of cable cutover and transfer work.
• Arranges and lays out cable equipment and bus installations in manholes and vaults.
• Makes standard types of splices and pothead installations in any positions.
• Uses distribution live line tools (for 13,800 volts, 2,400 volts and 115,000 volts).
• Instructs and provides technical guidance to lower level line personnel.
• May exercise functional supervision to 1-5 employees on a project by project basis.
• Performs construction work in accordance with safe procedures and using work orders and drawings.
• Locates, diagnoses, and repairs fault conditions on the electrical high voltage distribution, exterior lighting, and traffic signal systems.
• Performs work required for service restoration under storm and emergency conditions.
• Performs switching operations on electrical systems as directed.
• Performs operations in unattended substations as directed and in accordance with existing practices.
• Installs working grounds as directed or as required by the safety manual.
• Interprets circuit maps, work orders and electrical diagrams.
• Works on live electrical circuits up to 115,000 volts while wearing and/or applying the proper insulating equipment.
• Selects and installs appropriate rubber protective equipment on energized conductors and apparatus.
• Performs all types of rigging associated with removal and installation of transformers, switchgear, street lights, utility poles, and related appurtenances.
• Installs all types of electrical bus works and makes electrical connections on copper or aluminum cables and bus work including the connection of dissimilar metals.
• Operates various vehicles associated with line work (e.g. bucket trucks, pole diggers, corner mounts and wire running equipment).
• Verifies ''Dig Safe” requests for planned excavations.
• Performs transmission switch orders by Convex and distribution switching operations on electrical systems as directed.
• Applies Convex and UMass protective switching and tagging procedures.
• Performs monthly maintenance inspections on 115,000 volt substation.
• Performs core drilling.
• Performs work in confined space areas.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working on construction or maintenance of electrical utility systems (up to 115,000 volts).
• Documented proof of High Voltage Safety Training.
• OSHA 10 Card.
• Massachusetts Journeyman or Master Electrician License required at hire.
• Hoisting License -Class 3A required at hire.
• Knowledge of standard cable practices.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of 115,000 volt outside electrical distribution systems including underground cables, oil and dry transformers, switches, vaults, and sub-transmission lines.
• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions peculiar to working with 13,800 volts, 2,400 volts, and 115,000 volts systems.
• Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts Electric Code.
• Skill in working with the tools and equipment used in the electrical utility trade.
• Ability to work from drawings and diagrams and from oral and written instructions.
• Ability to detect and locate causes of electrical failures and breakdown of equipment.
• Ability to install, maintain and repair electrical distribution wiring systems and related equipment.
• Ability to make job/work related decisions.
• Previous experience working with electrical utility systems.
• Ability to climb, work in high places, and work in confined spaces along with heavy lifting and other strenuous activities.
• Willingness to work with outside contractors under varying weather conditions.
• Abilities and experience related to operation of heavy equipment such as bucket trucks, electrical line trucks equipped with cranes and digging augers.
• 115,000 High Voltage Safety training.
• Knowledge and understanding of how to apply Distribution Construction Standards.
• Knowledge related to recognizing and working with asbestos.
• Knowledge of NFP 70 E.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Ability to climb, work in high places, and work in confined spaces along with heavy lifting and other strenuous activities. Willingness to work outside under varying weather conditions.

Additional Details

This position is essential. This includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. Incumbent is responsible for updating the service desk with current phone number.

QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB

• Ability to estimate time and materials associated with work.
• Complete knowledge of the layout and characteristics of the UMass electrical distribution systems.
• Knowledge of locations and complexity of the UMass electrical distribution systems.
• Thorough knowledge of the UMass and Convex switching protocol.
• Confined space training.
• Asbestos training.
• Completion of Convex switching training class.
• Commercial Driver's License within 6 months of hire.
• On the job training up to 115,000 volts.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday.
• 7:00am - 3:00pm.
• May be reassigned per the contract with notification.

Salary Information

• Grade 20.
• Special Recruitment Rate Step 6.

Applicant Instructions

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.