Apprentice Electrical Meter & Relay Technician

Salary : $43.59 - $51.69 Hourly

Location : Tacoma, WA

Job Type : Classified

Job Number : 5242-25

Department : Power

Division : Power - T&D

Opening Date : 01 / 13 / 2025

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

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

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 :

Applications are screened to ensure minimum qualifications are met.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the written examination which will be an online Basic Electricity & Math assessment.

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.

Applications will be reviewed by Tacoma Power to determine which candidates are moving on to the next step in the process.

Select candidates will be invited to participate in this step of the process.

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

TEXTBOOK REFERENCES

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 age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage : For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 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.

INSTRUCTIONS : Answer the following questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses may be assessed in subsequent examinations, and any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from the examination process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with the City of Tacoma.

Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read these instructions.

Are you a high school graduate or equivalent?

If you answered "Yes" to question #2, please indicate name of school / educational institution.

Have you completed a high school level algebra course?

Please list all high school and college level math classes you have taken. Provide the course number / title, school attended and dates attended.

Do you have basic knowledge of electricity (knowledge covering Ohm's Law, AC / DC theory and series / parallel circuits)?

If you answered "Yes" to question #6, provide the name of the school / educational institution. If no, please state "n / a".

Do you have six months or more 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.)

If you answered "Yes" to question #8, provide the name of the company and / or vocational training program and applicable dates. If no, please type N / A.

Do you have a valid driver's license?

If you answered "Yes" to question #10, provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date. If no, please state "n / a".

Have you completed or will you complete a formalized vocational training program in a related field by June 30, 2025?

If you answered "Yes" to question #12, provide the name of the training institution and date of completion. Attach a copy of your certificate of completion to your application. If no, please state "n / a".

Please describe any other work, training or additional experience that you believe sets you apart from other candidates for this position?

In a few sentences, please let us know why you're interested in being a Meter & Relay Apprentice.

Please indicate all apprenticeship positions you will be applying for.NOTE : If applying for more than one apprenticeship position, you will need to submit a separate application for each craft & posting. Selecting more than one job as an answer to this question is not considered as an application for more than one job.

One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe an experience you have working with diverse groups of people.

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

Where did you learn about this opportunity?

Required Question

Salary : $44 - $52