Job Description

Department

OPS Facilities Electric Shop

About the Department

Facilities Services supports the mission of the University of Chicago through efforts to maintain and enhance the University campus and environment and provide superior client service to our community including faculty, students, staff, neighbors and visitors.

Job Information

The Electrical Foreman is responsible for the installation and repair of all types of electrical systems, devices, and equipment. Performs duties throughout the University buildings, property and facilities, in accordance with University Facilities Services standards and procedures. During the routine absence of the Supervisor (vacation, sick, personal holiday), the Foreman will act in place of the Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and replace electrical systems or equipment that operates in all campus voltages, both AC and DC.
• Plan jobs as necessary, including task analysis, material and tool lists, prepare sketches and single line drawings, and job coordination.
• Work from blueprints, manufacturers’ specification sheets, wiring diagrams, or other relevant documentation, as required.
• Introduction of new employees to shop protocol, procedures and campus environment, and electrical equipment.
• Requisition of materials and supplies for completing on campus work assignments. Keeps a safe and clean work area.
• Use computers to enter and access job related information.
• Wears and properly utilize appropriate safety equipment.
• Undertakes training to perform necessary job-related duties as deemed necessary by University, as well as participates in the training of other University employees.
• Responsible for the timely performance of the employees reporting to him/her, and for assuring the work is completed in accordance with industry and University standards.
• Schedules and oversees planning of assigned workload(s).
• Documents test results; “as-builts” prints and prepares daily reports.
• Orders and inventories needed materials.
• Capable of performing all duties of the Journeyman Electrician in accordance with shop practices.
• Performs job-related duties as may be assigned.

Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to access computer programs and use or learn basic computer operations related to position requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents.
• Demonstrated ability to write routine reports.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical functions relevant to the position.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to read blueprints, plans, drawings and schematics

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) from an accredited institution, required.
• Completion of a job related to Associate’s degree (AA), preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of five working years in the trade as a journeyman, required.
• Completion of a U.S. Department of Labor approved apprenticeship (minimum of 8000 hours), preferred.

Certifications:

• Current valid driver's license and ability to successfully pass the University of Chicago’s Motor Vehicle Record check process.
• Other licenses or certificates needed for this position as required by law, changes in the law or other regulatory agency requirements.

Technical Knowledge:

• Must be familiar with Chicago Electrical Code; the pertinent electrical provisions of the Chicago Municipal code; relevant industry standards and trade practices, required.
• Preferred: Advanced job-related training in fire alarms, generator sets and transfer switches, motor controls, variable frequency drives, and control wiring.
• Preferred: Ability to plan and perform electrical construction from concept to completion.
• Preferred: Ability to direct other team members.
• Preferred: City of Chicago Supervising Electrical License.
• Preferred: Previous lead or foreman experience.
• Preferred: Working knowledge of electrical control systems, including variable frequency drives and building automation systems.
• Preferred: Working knowledge of fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, generators, and life-safety systems.
• Preferred: Familiarity with the National Fire Protection (NFPA) code requirements

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must demonstrate mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity and be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift to 50 pounds and move loads appropriate to job requirements and be able to bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time.
• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders, be capable of working at heights as required, be able to enter and work within tight spaces, and be able to withstand hot and cold temperatures. This position requires periods of overtime.

Pay Range:

• $57.20

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Benefit Eligibility​

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$48.62 - $57.20

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Union

041 - Local 134, I.B.E.W. Maintenance and Network Electricians

Job is Exempt

No

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Yes

Posting Date

2026-04-02

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.