Job Description

Posting number: 26-01355

Department: DPWES Wastewater Management

Job classification: INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Trades

Summary

$2,500 Signing Bonus*

Keep Fairfax County’s wastewater system running 24/7. Put your industrial electrical skills to work supporting critical infrastructure that protects public health and the environment. Join the Wastewater Collection Division as an Industrial Electrician I and help maintain the electrical systems, equipment, and pumping stations that keep essential wastewater services operating safely and reliably.

Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) is a nationally recognized Utility of the Future, responsible for more than 3,000 miles of sanitary sewer, over 60 pump stations, and a NACWA Platinum Award-winning wastewater treatment plant.

As an Industrial Electrician I, you will join a collaborative team supporting the electrical systems and equipment at wastewater pumping stations throughout Fairfax County. This is an excellent opportunity for a safety-minded and dependable individual who is eager to learn, develop industrial electrical skills, and grow their troubleshooting and maintenance expertise.

Key responsibilities of an Industrial Electrician I are:

• Under general supervision of the industrial electrician supervisor responsible for designing, installing, maintaining and repairing complex industrial electrical equipment and systems
• Works in the field, diagnosing and resolving complex electrical problems on a wide variety of rotating, moving and heavy equipment including high voltage distribution centers, motor controllers, pump, generators, presses, lighting systems and underground cable.
• Troubleshoots, repairs and installs variable frequency drives (VFD’s) Performs diagnostic work up to the programmable logic controllers (PLC) and the digital control systems (DCS) lode.
• Maintains and does monthly inspections as well as a monthly exercising of back-up emergency generators located throughout the county at out pump stations.
• Performs predictive and preventive maintenance in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations on electrical equipment.
• Creates work orders, requisitions equipment and parts.
• Performs work in safe manner according to all regulations; participates in safety training and reports unsafe conditions.
• Subject to 24-hour call back and must, therefore, be able to work emergency overtime.

Ideal Candidate must have:

• Accountability - Consistently takes ownership of assigned tasks, decisions, and outcomes. Shows reliability by completing work safely, accurately, and in alignment with established standards and procedures.
• Teamwork - Collaborates effectively with Pump Stations staff and other departments. Provides solid support to Electrician IIs, Electrician IIIs, and maintenance personnel to ensure daily operational and maintenance goals are met.
• Effective Communicatio n- Clearly and accurately communicates daily activities, maintenance updates, and technical findings. Shares equipment conditions, troubleshooting results, and field observations with team members and supervisors in a timely manner.
• Problem Solving - Identifies basic equipment or electrical issues and applies developing troubleshooting skills to assist with repairs. Demonstrates a willingness to learn and apply appropriate methods under guidance and training.
• Diversity Awareness - Respects individual differences and values diverse perspectives. Encourages input from coworkers and contributes to maintaining a respectful, inclusive workplace.
• Continual Learning - Shows initiative in learning new processes, procedures, and technical skills. Actively applies newly gained knowledge and training to improve daily work performance.

Wastewater Management is part of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), please visit us here to learn more about us.

DPWES is a diverse, nationally accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia. Join our team to help us protect the environment and serve the people of Fairfax County by creating and preserving a sustainable community that is an ideal place to live, work, and play for everyone.

Benefits

Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Through our LiveWell Program and the County Benefits Division, we endeavor to cultivate a culture of wellbeing that empowers, educates, and engages employees and retirees to make life-long choices that promote a holistic approach to their physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial wellness. Please review our awesome benefits:

• Benefits
• Retirement

Note: The appointee to this position will be required to be available twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week (24/7) as emergency essential personnel staff and are required to report to work during extreme inclement weather and during emergency situations to fulfil emergency services.

Location: This position works in the Pumping Stations Branch of the Wastewater Collection Division located at 6000 Freds Oak Road, Burke, VA 22015. In 2026, all Wastewater assignments will be permanently located at the new Water Resources and Infrastructure building, located at 6000 Freds Oak Road, Burke, VA 22015. Position may require traveling to multiple Fairfax County sites.

*A $2,500 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Industrial Electrician I position.

Supplemental information

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school, or a GED issued by a state department of education or equivalent; successful completion of an approved electrician's apprentice program and two years of experience as an industrial electrician.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

A valid driver's license.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a driver's license check, and a pre-employment physical examination to the satisfaction of the employer.
• Subject to 24-hour call back and must, therefore, be able to work emergency overtime. Subject to working in adverse weather conditions and may be exposed to raw waste or environments generating methane gas. Ability to distinguish different color wiring.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 4 years of experience interacting with the public and other customers in a professional manner.
• 4 years of experience demonstrating knowledge of electrical safety procedures and safe work practices.
• 4 years of experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and other technical drawings.
• 4 years of experience using electrical tools, testing equipment, and meters to perform inspections, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• 5 years of experience performing inspections, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on electrical, mechanical, or other operating equipment to identify and address maintenance and operational needs.
• 4 years of experience working with or assisting in the maintenance and repair of industrial electrical equipment, such as generators, motors, motor control centers (MCCs), panel boards, variable frequency drives (VFDs), soft starters, switchgear, HVAC systems, and pump control systems.
• 4 years of experience using Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• Possession of any of the following certifications:
• Commonwealth of Virginia Journeyman Electrician license
• Confined Space Entry certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to climb ladders and stairs; walk on wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces; and work in awkward positions (kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, stooping) for extended periods. Ability to distinguish colors of electrical conductors and to read and interpret labels, meters, schematics, and computer screens, with sufficient hearing (with or without aids) to detect alarms, equipment sounds, and verbal instructions in noisy environments. Ability to drive County vehicles (½ ton, ¾ ton, and 1 ton utility trucks) to and from job sites and pumping stations throughout the County, and to enter and exit vehicles and equipment multiple times per day. Ability to maintain balance and work safely at heights on ladders, elevated platforms, and uneven surfaces, using appropriate fall protection as required. Ability to perform physical tasks (pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, stooping, walking, and climbing) to enter and work in permitted confined spaces (e.g., catch basins and manholes), including working in cramped or awkward positions for extended periods while wearing required respiratory protection (e.g., supplied air or SCBA). Per safety requirements, confined spaces may not be entered by people who weigh 310 lbs. or more. Ability to push, pull, lift, carry, and maneuver tools and materials up to 50 lbs., and to perform fine, repetitive hand and finger motions while using hand and power tools. Ability to work in a variety of environments, including hot and cold weather and noisy conditions, with frequent exposure to loud noises and occasional exposure to airborne substances, raw wastewater, odors, chemicals, fumes, and biological hazards (with appropriate PPE), and to work safely on and around energized industrial electrical components and other mechanical equipment. Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergency callouts as required, including working extended shifts and in low-light or adverse weather conditions. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and many others.) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.

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