Electrician Job Description

Summary

An electrician installs, repairs and maintains the wiring, panels, lighting and controls that power homes and businesses. The work can be new construction, remodels, service calls or a mix, and it happens at customer sites.

Say which kind of electrical work you do. A service electrician who diagnoses problems all day has a different job from one who runs wire on a new build.

Duties and responsibilities

• Read plans, drawings and work orders, and plan the job before starting.
• Install and connect wiring, outlets, switches, fixtures, panels and breakers to code.
• Find and repair faults using testing tools, and explain the problem to the customer.
• Follow lockout and safety steps every time, and use protective equipment.
• Keep tools, materials and the work vehicle stocked and organized.
• Leave each site clean, and record the work done and the materials used.
• Work with helpers, apprentices and other trades on the job.

Skills and qualities

• Strong safety habits and respect for live equipment.
• Good troubleshooting and reading of plans and diagrams.
• Comfortable climbing, crawling and working in tight spaces.
• Clear, polite communication with customers.
• Careful math for measurements and loads.
• Able to work alone or lead a small crew.

Typical requirements

• A state or local electrician license, or the experience level that lets someone work under a licensed electrician. Rules vary a great deal by state and city.
• A valid driver’s license if the job uses a company vehicle.
• Ability to climb ladders, lift the weight you name and work in attics, crawl spaces and weather.
• Experience that matches the work you offer, or willingness to train as an apprentice.

Requirements differ by state, city and employer. Check the licensing, age, safety and pay rules that apply to your business before you post. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.

Schedule and conditions

Many electrical jobs run on regular weekday hours, with some on-call or emergency work. State the usual hours and whether on-call duty is part of the job.

Say how travel works: whether the day starts at the shop or at the first customer, and whether drive time is paid.

Nice to have

• Experience with residential, commercial or industrial work, matched to your jobs.
• Training in newer systems such as lighting controls or charging equipment.
• Experience leading a helper.
• A clean driving record.

Tips for posting this job

• Name the kind of work: service, remodel, new construction or commercial.
• State the license or experience level you need, and whether you train apprentices.
• Say whether you provide the truck, tools, uniform and training.
• Describe how on-call work is shared and paid.
• Give the service area or job sites.

Put your real pay, schedule and location in the posting. Candidates skip posts that leave them out.