Electrician
Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
Location(s): Amado, Arizona
Salary Range: $30.79 - $35.86 Per Hour
Job Summary: This Electrician position is loacted at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (FLWO), in the Optical and Infrared Astronomy Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in Amado, Arizona. The individual is responsible for installing, modifying, repairing, maintaining, troubleshooting, testing, and loading new and existing electrical lines, circuits, systems and associated fixtures, controls, and equipment.
Major Duties:
- Installs, modifies, maintains, repairs, troubleshoots, and tests circuits, systems, associated fixtures, controls, and equipment of secondary power distribution lines and circuits used to supply a wide range of voltage, amperage, phase, and frequency requirements to distribution panels, switchgear, power and control circuits, fire detection and suppression systems, security alarms, lightning protection systems, and electronic monitoring systems. Works from building plans, blueprints, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings, and electrical maintenance and repair manuals. Plans and lays out the routing, placement type, size, gauge, balance, load, continuity, and safe operation of electrical lines, circuits, systems, equipment and controls that support industrial operations, computer complexes, or similar complex electrical loads. Traces hard-to-locate defects or problems associated with the completion of repairs and installations. Determines and places distribution panels, boxes, fittings, and connections and install wiring, couplings, conduit, relays, fixtures, transformers, and other electrical devices including electrical service entrances. Diagnoses faults in circuits, controls, fixtures, motors, and distribution systems using testing instruments such as multimeters, meggers, and ammeters. Repairs or replaces defective wiring, breakers, relays, switches, lighting components, and control devices. Performs preventive maintenance on electrical panels, emergency lighting, generators, motor control centers, and building electrical systems. Identifies root causes of failures and recommends corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Conduct training for other employees in the preventive maintenance, electrical safety, and servicing of all electrical systems and equipment. Identifies and communicates opportunities for improvement, cost savings, productivity/efficiency improvements and safety improvements. Collaborates with architects and engineers to identify discrepancies between blueprints and on-site conditions, ensuring accurate project execution. Works with projects teams to ensure projects were completed on schedule and within budget. Designs and development of various electrical systems and controllers. Performs site audits and inspections. Engages in all phases of new product introduction, including concept. Incumbent troubleshoots, repairs, and conducts preventive maintenance on motor control centers. Performs preventive maintenance as scheduled or required on electrical equipment as recommended by the manufacturer and on site safety programs. Ensures all work meets prescribed standards of quality and ensures compliance with all laws, safety procedures, policies and codes. Inspects electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for adjustment or repair. Monitors performance of equipment and informs management of any potential problems. Interprets and applies the National Electrical Code, local codes, etc., and uses trade formulas to calculate common properties.
Qualifications: Your overall experience and training must indicate that you have the minimum knowledge, skills, abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Additional information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations can be found on OPM's web site at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/
How to Apply: Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process; OR You may manually fax required documents. Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Application Deadline: 2026-05-14