Salk Institute for Biological Studies Hiring for Electrician at La Jolla, CA Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, performs the full range of skilled journey level electrical and related work including the installation, maintenance, modification and repair of electrical apparatuses, equipment, and systems. Acts independently and responds with acquired skill, exercising Institute and professionally established safety procedures.  

Inspects, isolates, troubleshoots and repairs electrical malfunctions using various test instruments; operates electrical power-generating equipment and other electrical equipment and systems; maintains and repairs low voltage systems including fire, alarm and access systems; tests electrical equipment for safety and efficiency; plans the layout and wiring of new or remodeled installations; fabricates electrical parts; performs incidental soldering as necessary to complete electrical work; advises in the selection and storage of electrical equipment; inspects completed work for conformance with specification, adheres to requirements and compliance with applicable building and safety codes and regulations; inspects related work performed by contractors; estimates cost, time and materials for electrical projects; participates in the maintenance and operations of an electrical shop; cleans, maintains and services tools and equipment used in the performance of duties; maintains a safe and clean work environment; maintains records and retrieves data related to work performed using manual and/or computerized record-keeping systems; prepares standard reports; and assists in other trades.

Provides instruction, and lead direction to unskilled and semi-skilled assistants. May act as supervisor in the absence of the Supervisor of Facilities Services. Work may involve exposure to hazardous materials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

ELECTRICAL:

• Organize and coordinate electrical projects; install, maintain, and repair lighting fixtures, and controllers, conduit, receptacles, switches, magnetic starters, PLC’s, electrical panels, switchgear, motors, transformers, VFD’s, power supplies, and other electrical devices in accordance with the NEC. More specifically:
• Repair and maintain all facility electrical wiring and fixtures in accordance with blueprints, manuals, and building codes using appropriate hand and electrician’s tools.
• Measures, cuts, bends, threads, assembles, and installs electrical conduit.
• Pull wiring through conduit.
• Install and repairs electrical fixtures, apparatus, and control equipment.
• Repair and maintain major equipment such as motors, motor controllers, generators, and electrical distribution systems.
• Test defective equipment to determine the cause of malfunction or failure using standard electrical test equipment.
• Observe functioning of installed facility equipment to detect hazards and need for adjustments, relocation, or replacements.
• Inspect circuits and wiring for specified shielding and grounding and repair or rewire plant equipment systems, according to applicable codes and safety regulations.
• Plan layout of new wiring installations.
• Prepare sketches showing location of wiring and equipment.
• Inspect all equipment on a regularly scheduled basis; meets all requirements of the established preventive maintenance program.
• Install cabling for network and phone systems. Makes terminations in accordance with industry standards.
• Prepare routine reports and makes estimates of time and materials needed for task completion.
• Ensure adequate inventory of necessary supplies and parts.
• Utilize procurement system to order supplies and parts.
• Maintain the files necessary to support all maintenance activities.
• Support maintenance of construction plans, prints, specifications and Operations and Maintenance Manuals.
• Prepare schematics and diagrams in laying out work areas.
• Check own work and possibly work of others.
• Prioritize own weekly schedule.
• Train employees on technical skills, and may occasionally assist them with problem solving and technical procedures

OTHER DUTIES:

• Assist in other skilled trades.
• Perform a variety of routine manual duties as required, such as moving supplies, furniture, equipment, removing trash, scrap material, sweeping and mopping, etc.
• Provide work direction to lower-level technicians, and act as supervisor in the absence of the Supervisor of Facilities Services as directed.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• 5 years of experience as an electrician

EDUCATION

Required:

• High school graduate/GED
• 1 year of trade/vocational education or combination of progressively responsible training and experience which demonstrates achievement of journey-level skills equivalent to that acquired through completion of a standard electrician’s apprenticeship program.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Demonstrated ability to read construction drawings and documentation.
• Ability to read electrical schematics.
• Ability to use broad guidelines and independent judgement in resolving problems and making recommendations for improvement in processes and assigned tasks.
• Ability to use ladders to gain access to work areas and to work from heights.
• Ability to assemble, install, maintain, and repair electrical apparatuses.
• Ability to make rough sketches, estimate the cost, time, and materials of electrical work.
• Cleans and paints all required areas to maintain proper, effective, and safe operation.
• Ability to work well independently or in a group, always exercising Institute and professionally established safety precautions.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
• Maintain records and communications using the work management system, MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal skills that include tact, good judgment, diplomacy, and flexibility to relate to diverse scientific research staff, faculty, executive management, administrative staff, and external contacts.
• Ability to analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Ability to work as team member and team resource.
• Ability to apply knowledge, skills and Institute policies and procedures with a high level of independence to resolve issues for customers.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Satisfactory completion of the post-offer physical required.
• Must be willing to use ladders to provide access to work areas and works from heights.
• Must be able to work overtime as needed.
• Willing to sign an employee confidentiality agreement.
• Must be willing to maintain First Aid/CPR/AED training/certification.

The expected pay range for this position is $32.45-$36.00 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

• As a safeguard for employees and animals, all FS employees may be subject to vaccines/tests/physical exams prior to working with specific animals or animal populations as required by research needs including but not limited to:
• TB Testing/Clearance (once a year)
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (proof of vaccination) 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/MENTAL ACTIVITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

This position requires constant seeing, and touching/feeling, as well as frequent balancing, bending, carrying/pushing/pulling 20-50lbs., lifting over 50lbs., handling, hearing, kneeling, reaching, standing, talking, walking, analyzing, communicating, reading, reasoning, and working inside. 

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.