Electrician Job Description

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Table Of Contents

Learn about the essential requirements, obligations, responsibilities, and skills that are helpful in an electrician’s job description.

Electricians work with electrical systems to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. From homes and businesses to industrial sites, people with this job play a crucial role in maintaining the infrastructure that powers our communities.

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Electrician Job Description Template

Are you a trained and experienced electrician? If so, we want to add someone like you to our team. As an electrician with our company, you’ll handle everything associated with installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in various settings. You should be comfortable working with and explaining technical blueprints and other related documents. Working with clients is also a large part of the job, as you should be able to communicate effectively with them to ensure that their electrical systems are safe, efficient, and up to code.

Electrician Responsibilities

  • Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and equipment, including lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, electrical appliances, and wiring projects

  • Regularly perform quality control assessments on electrical systems and equipment to diagnose problems

  • Educate clients on energy-saving measures and safety regulations related to their electrical systems

  • Perform general maintenance on electrical systems and equipment

  • Ensure all systems are compliant with local and national electrical regulations

  • Interpret and work with technical diagrams to plan repairs and installations

  • Handle electrical emergencies (this may involve being on-call)

Electrician Requirements 

  • High school diploma, GED, or relevant education. Electrician degree preferred

  • Completed apprenticeship program or equivalent training in electrical work

  • Valid electrician’s license

  • Strong understanding of electrical codes, regulations, diagrams, and schematics

  • Able to lift heavy loads and stand for long periods

Electrician Duties And Responsibilities

Handle electrical emergencies (this may involve being on-call) 

Electricians are some of the first professionals called when an emergency happens. They are responsible for restoring power and addressing electrical hazards that can cause harm or damage to property. In many settings, the unexpected nature of these emergencies may cause electricians to have to be on call. To handle these emergencies, candidates should be able to identify and diagnose issues quickly and communicate effectively.

Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and equipment, including lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, electrical appliances, and wiring projects

Knowing how to properly install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and equipment is the primary responsibility of an electrician. Because electrical systems can become hazardous if not installed or maintained correctly - leading to fires, electrical shocks, and other dangers - they must have a keen eye for detail and an ability to follow technical diagrams and schematics.

Candidates should also be comfortable working with electrical equipment like lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, and appliances.

Regularly perform quality control assessments on electrical systems and equipment to diagnose problems 

Electricians must identify and diagnose problems with electrical equipment to prevent them from becoming severe safety hazards. Conducting regular assessments allows electricians to detect things like loose connections, corrosion, or wear and tear and address them before they cause significant damage or harm. To perform quality control assessments effectively, electricians must have strong attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot problems.

Although it’s not their primary responsibility, some electricians may have to work with clients to educate them on energy-saving measures and safety regulations related to their electrical systems. This helps to promote safe and efficient electricity usage and to raise awareness about information clients may not be aware of — helping them prevent accidents and ensure that their systems operate safely. Electricians must have clear communication skills and the ability to explain technical information to handle this responsibility.

Ensure all systems are compliant with local and national electrical regulations 

Electrical systems that don’t comply with regulations can pose a significant risk of injury, electrocution, or fire. Electricians should deeply understand local and national electrical regulations, including building codes, safety standards, and zoning laws for different types of electrical systems.

If you want to become an electrician, you should start by updating your resume. Check out our guide to creating an electrician resume to learn more.

Electrician Salary And Job Outlook

Median National Salary: $52,423

Education Required: High school diploma or GED. Most employers prefer an electrician degree from a technical college.

Number of Jobs: 79,900 new jobs projected yearly from 2021-2031

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 7%

Related: Best Paying Jobs In Public Utilities

The Bottom Line

Electricians will be at the forefront of many companies hiring lists as the demand for renewable energy sources and smart technology continues to grow. If you’ve got the proper training, it’s time to start looking for electrician jobs today.

To see where employers are searching for candidates, check our list of the best free job posting sites. If you want to add an electrician to your team, post your electrician job description on ZipRecruiter today!