Apprentice Electrical Meter & Relay Technician

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is creating a new civil service list for Apprentice Electrical Meter & Relay Technician. Apprentice Electrical Meter & Relay Technicians perform apprentice-level work assisting journey-level meter technicians in the testing, cleaning, repairing, calibrating, installing and programming of electro-mechanical and solid-state meters used in industrial, commercial and residential installations, including electrical and electronic support equipment. Apprentices will be formally enrolled in Tacoma Power's Electrical Meter & Relay Technician Apprenticeship program which is recognized by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and requires a minimum of three and one-half years to complete. Continued enrollment and employment is subject to attending off-hours training without compensation and maintaining progress standards set by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. This position requires lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, working from heights, climbing stairs and ladders and working in enclosed spaces. Employees in this position are exposed to electrical hazards.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent
AND
Valid Drivers license
AND
Completion of high school-level algebra and knowledge of basic electricity (knowledge covering Ohm’s Law, AC/DC theory and series/parallel circuits)
AND
6 months of work experience in the electrical or electronic trades; OR completion of a formalized vocational training program in a related field.

Work experience is defined as the use of basic tools (hammer, wrench, various equipment). Individuals may have experience in construction trades (Examples: plumbing, iron work, carpentry, etc.)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid WA State Driver's License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter
• First Aid Card with CPR certification required prior to completion of the probationary period with maintenance thereafter
• Forklift certificate will be required by the end of the probationary period and maintenance thereafter
• Obtain Transportation Worker identification Credential (TWIC) clearance prior to completion of probation with maintenance thereafter.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Elise Drennen if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!

Apply

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates. The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend an hour or more entering the required information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement. Interested individuals should apply online.

These positions are highly sought after and competitive, highlighting the rigorous training and rewarding career opportunities they offer. As such, the selection process is thorough and includes multiple stages and assessments spanning across up to 6 months. The timeline may vary due to factors such as budget considerations, applicant volume, or other unforeseen circumstances:

• January/February - Job Posting & Application Screening:
  • Applications are screened to ensure minimum qualifications are met.
• February/March - Basic Electricity & Math Exam:
  • Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the written examination which will be an online Basic Electricity & Math assessment.
  • In order to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration, applicants must pass all portions of the written examination.

Please be sure to add HR email to your contacts/safe list to avoid missing the test invitation. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders to ensure you receive communication.

• March - Application Review:
  • Applications will be reviewed by Tacoma Power to determine which candidates are moving on to the next step in the process.
• April - Panel Interview and Practical Assessments:
  • Select candidates will be invited to participate in this step of the process.
  • Four-Person Panel Interview to evaluate qualifications, skills, and overall fit for the role.
  • Hands on Multi-Station Practical and Physical Assessment to test skills and ability.
• May- Candidates are notified of their status after completing the interview process.
• May/June- Conditional Offer Letter & Pre-Employment Physical: Upon receiving a conditional offer letter, candidates will complete a final pre-employment physical and background check.
• July 14 th - Apprentice’s First day at Tacoma Power

New Candidates must be able to pass background screening for applicable security access and maintain security clearance. In addition, new employees must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period to obtain permanent status in this classification. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and IBEW Local 483.

REFERENCE MATERIAL INFORMATION

The following reference listings are intended to provide you suggested study materials only. This list is not intended to be the sole source of information but to act as a guide as to what can be study as preparation for taking the Electrical Apprenticeship written test.
WEBSITE REFERENCES

• http://www.alexanderpublications.com/
• http://www.electricityforum.com/basic-electricity.html
• http://www.the12volt.com/ohm/ohmslaw.asp#pie
• http://www.angelfire.com/pa/baconbacon/page2.html
• http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/electricity_ohms_law.htm
• http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/ohmlaw.html
• http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/basics/ohms-law.htm
• http://www.thelearningpit.com/
• http://www.opamp-electronics.com/tutorials/ac_theory.htm
• http://www.play-hookey.com/ac_theory/
• http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/index.html
• http://www.awesomelibrary.org/Classroom/Mathematics/Middle-High_School_Math/Trigonometry.html
• http://www.syvum.com/math/trigonometry.html

TEXTBOOK REFERENCES

• Electricity (available from Alexander publications), excellent reference guide!
• Ugly's Quick Electrical Reference Guide (available at the Home Depot)
• Delmars Standard Textbook on Electricity (available from delmarlearning.com)
• Basic electricity (authors, Van Valkenburgh, Nooger & Neville, INC.)
• Basic Electricity (Schaum's, published by McGraw Hill)
• Basic Electricity (U.S Navy)
• Electricity Demystified (Gibilisco, published by McGraw Hill)
• An Introduction to Electric Power Distribution (Wayne Beaty, available from Alexander publications)
• Painless Algebra (Lynette Long, published by Barron's)
• Algebra success in 20 minutes a day (Learning Express)
• Algebra Demystified (Gibilisco, published by McGraw Hill)
• Algebrahelp.com
• Trigonometry Demystified (Gibilisco, published by McGraw Hill)
• Trigonometry for dummies (Sterling)
• Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Safety Standards for Electrical workers
• Chapter 296-45 WAC

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Communication from the City of Tacoma: We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at 253-591-5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow time to assist you before the job announcement closes. (For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time.)

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 1/27/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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