Electrical and Utilities Team Lead

Please note that references provided at the time of application for staff positions will not be contacted until the applicant has been offered the position.

Description:

The Electrical Team Leader oversees a crew of three electricians and coordinates daily electrical maintenance and repair work across campus. This position is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of electrical and low-voltage systems, including fire alarms, elevators, and lighting controls. The team leader plans and assigns work, troubleshoots system issues, and ensures all tasks meet safety and code requirements.

The role requires excellent communication skills to coordinate with other departments, contractors, and campus partners, ensuring work is completed efficiently and with minimal disruption. The Electrical Team Leader also monitors material use and labor costs, assists with budgeting and project planning, and helps ensure that resources are used effectively to support campus operations.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of up to three electricians, ensuring quality and safety of work.
• Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, lighting, and power distribution across campus facilities.
• Oversee the operation, testing, inspection, and documentation of fire alarm systems to ensure code compliance and reliability.
• Manage coordination and scheduling for elevator maintenance and repair, including work performed by external service contractors.
• Manage coordination and scheduling for fire suppression systems maintenance and repair, including work performed by external service contractors.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical malfunctions, control systems, and low-voltage circuits.
• Prepare estimates, material requisitions, and schedules for electrical maintenance and small projects.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and update equipment databases through CMMS systems.
• Train and mentor staff on safety procedures, code compliance, and equipment maintenance best practices.
• Collaborate with Facilities Management leadership, vendors, and other trades to plan electrical improvements and minimize downtime.
• Ensure all work meets institutional quality, safety, and code compliance standards.

What You'll Bring:

Education required to ensure success in this position:

• High school diploma or GED, two years of college or technical training
• Completion of a state-recognized apprenticeship program in electrical work or an equivalent technical training program.
• Associate degree or vocational certificate in Electrical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field preferred.
• Coursework in fire alarm systems, building automation, or electrical controls highly desirable.

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• Minimum of 10 years of professional electrical experience, including installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of electrical distribution systems.
• At least 5 years of supervisory or lead experience directing a team of electricians or maintenance staff.
• Demonstrated experience working with fire alarm systems, low-voltage systems, elevator controls, and fire suppression systems in an institutional or commercial setting.
• Experience working within institutional, commercial, or higher education facilities preferred.
• 3 years of experience efficiently scheduling multiple work orders and projects concurrently utilizing a CMMS system.

• Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

  • In-depth knowledge of electrical codes (NEC), standards, and safe work practices.
  • Strong understanding of fire alarm systems, including control panels, detection devices, and testing procedures.
  • Strong understanding of elevator electrical systems, basic controls, and coordination of third-party service providers for maintenance and repairs.
  • Strong understanding of various fire suppression system types, controls, and coordination of third-party service providers for maintenance and repairs.
  • Demonstrated experience diagnosing and repair of generators and manual or automatic transfer switches
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
  • Skilled in diagnosing complex electrical issues and implementing cost-effective solutions.
  • Competence with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and work order tracking.
  • Commitment to campus safety, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and timelines simultaneously.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to train, motivate, and direct small teams.
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities under time constraints.
  • Basic proficiency with digital tools such as spreadsheets, scheduling software, and design documents.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with staff, contractors, and stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of the types and uses of safety equipment, PPE and safety procedures to perform required duties.

• 
  License, certification, or registration necessary:

  • KY Master Electrician License
  • NICET Certification in Fire Alarm Systems (Level II or higher) preferred.
  • Elevator Maintenance Certification or relevant training or experience desirable.
  • Valid driver’s license

• 
  Physical requirements:

  • Ability to navigate campus/public buildings and grounds
  • Ability to routinely carry 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to climb ladders and stairs, walking, squatting, bending, kneeling to perform job responsibilities
  • Ability to traverse uneven ground
  • Visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision
    • Possess mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.

• 
  Environmental conditions:

  • May be exposed to noise and noxious fumes with required personal protective equipment;
  • May be exposed to the hazards of sharp tools and running machinery;
  • May operate fixed and hand-held power equipment.
  • May work outdoors in extreme weather conditions.

• 
  Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:

  • Ability to operate car, truck, fork lift, power tools and other equipment for maintenance work.
  • Computer and tablet

Founded in 1855, Berea College is nationally recognized as the first coeducational and interracial college in the South. Berea has a longstanding commitment to interracial education and is one of the most racially diverse private liberal arts colleges in the United States. With an emphasis on service to Appalachia and beyond, Berea enrolls more than 1,500 students from 46 states and U.S. territories and more than 70 countries. Berea College admits students who are unable to afford tuition and provides all of them with a no-tuition promise. Berea’s students excel in the College’s supportive yet demanding academic environment, and most are the first in their families to attend college. As one of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges, all Berea students are expected to work 10-12 hours weekly in various positions across campus. Berea College is also the only institution in Kentucky to receive the 5-Star Rating from Money Magazine, 2025. Washington Monthly has named Berea College the #1 Best College in the nation in its 2025 College Guide. Berea College appears in their rankings as #1 College (overall): Best College for your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars, #1 Best-in Class College, #1 Liberal Arts College and #1 Best Bang for the Buck Southern College.

Located where the Bluegrass Region meets the Cumberland Mountains, the town of Berea (pop. 16,000) lies forty miles south of Lexington and is approximately two hours from Cincinnati, Louisville, and Knoxville. More information about Berea College is available at www.berea.edu.

Berea College, in light of its mission in the tradition of impartial love and social equality, welcomes all people of the earth to learn and work here.

Berea College is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team.


Berea College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Our Benefits:
Berea College offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their families including health care, dental, vision, retirement, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability and an Employee Assistance Program. The benefit package also includes access to the Child Development Laboratory for children of College Staff, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, Seabury Center Membership, Staff Development Funds and Tuition Reimbursement.

Eligible staff employees also receive paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time employees who work an average of 24 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.