About this role
ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .
Job Posting End Date:
Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
DESCRIPTION
This is a skilled and technical level operations position. Under the direction of Building Maintenance Management, the Electrician plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of school facilities by maintaining and repairing essential electrical equipment and control systems. This position is responsible for the preventative maintenance and repairs of power outlets, light fixtures, lighting controls, motors/starters for various building equipment, public address systems, scoreboards, and other low-voltage systems across all school sites. Assignments are carried out in accordance with accepted electrical trade standards and applicable codes and regulations. Work is reviewed periodically on a project basis. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A combination of education and experience may be considered.
Education:
- High school diploma or GED.
Experience:
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the electrical trade.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Education:
- Completion of a formal apprenticeship program or trade ‑ related technical coursework.
Experience:
- Previous experience with lighting control systems, public address systems, or generators.
- Experience working in an institutional, commercial, or public ‑ sector facilities environment.
- Possession of journey level electrician license.
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
- Repairs and maintains electrical distribution systems, branch circuits, power outlets, light fixtures, lighting controls, motors/starters, public address systems and other low-voltage systems within school facilities.
- Assists senior electricians with complex repairs, installations, testing, and commissioning activities.
- Conducts preventive maintenance on electrical equipment, public address systems, motor/starter systems, low-voltage systems, and control wiring.
- Troubleshoots, diagnoses, and repairs electrical issues including power outages, short circuits, and system malfunctions.
- Ensures compliance with NEC, NFPA, and state/local electrical codes in all work performed.
Employee Safety
- The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
- The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.
- The employee is responsible for the safety and maintenance condition of their assigned vehicle.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.
- Knowledge of standard electrical practices, methods, tools, instruments, and equipment.
- Thorough working knowledge of electrical installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of medium and low-voltage power systems.
- Skilled in the use of hand tools utilized in the electrical trade.
- Ability to organize work, read engineering drawings, sketches, diagrams and specifications.
- Ability to interpret and prepare work orders with respect to time and materials used.
- Ability to troubleshoot and determine damage to electrical equipment and ensure repairs meet safety regulations and electrical codes.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and good working relationships with fellow workers and school administration.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
- Knowledge of principles of safety as they relate to the trade .
- Ability to respond to emergency calls, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.
- Ability to climb and work from scaffolds, ladders, catwalks, aerial lifts, and bucket trucks.
- Ability to communicate effectively with administrators and custodial staff and get along well with others.
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements.
- Ability to carry tools and to handle materials and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds.
- Ability to crawl in, under, over, or through equipment.
- Ability to work in confined spaces.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Physical Requirements
- Ability to climb and work from scaffolds, ladders, catwalks, aerial lifts, and bucket trucks.
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements.
- Ability to carry tools and to handle materials and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds.
- Ability to crawl in, under, over, or through equipment.
The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.
Licensure
- Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Prior to any employment offer, t he selected candidate will need to provide a copy of their license and consent to a review of their driving record.
Working Hours
- The duty day for a full-tim e position is 8.5 hours per day including an unpaid duty-free thirty-minute lunch.
- This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Complete applications must be submitted , and o nce your application has been submitted , you will not be able to add documentation or make any chan ges. I ncomplete applications will not be consider ed . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Compensation
This is a 12 -month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade I X on the Maintenance/Warehouse salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.
Retirement
Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary .
Benefits
HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.
A ll employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, s ome positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing .
Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.
For questions regarding this posting , please contact Philip Wentt ( [email protected] ) OR [email protected] .
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected] .
HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.