Utility Electrical Engineer at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 524501

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Utilities Electrical

Union: PSU

Categories: Facilities/Grounds, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Assistant Director for Utilities, the Utility Electrical Engineer is responsible for electrical engineering activities involved with the design, project management, maintenance, alteration, and repair of existing utility electrical distribution systems including, writing specifications and estimating material and labor costs. Responsible for implementing safe procedures involved with the operation and switching of the campus high voltage distribution systems.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for electrical engineering needed for the operation, maintenance, repair and alteration of high and medium voltage power distribution systems, exterior lighting and other electrical equipment including complete knowledge of applicable codes and standards. Defines maintenance and safety standards involved with high voltage electricity. Frequently works in the vicinity of high voltage electricity, both above ground and underground, and must be acutely aware of the dangers and safety practices involved with this type of work.


• Works with other University and outside consulting engineers on new construction projects to define electrical capacities and connection points. Reviews engineering submittals to assure that all designs meet with Physical Plant design needs for compatibility with existing systems, reliability, design standards, and maintenance.


• Responsible for the campus high voltage distribution system including feeders, switching, protective relay settings, transformers, and related safety and environmental regulations. Works with the Utility Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance Section Head to define electrical utility projects. Develops designs and specifications and when assigned acts as project manager for electric utility projects.


• Supervises all high voltage switching both with campus electricians and the local utility company; determines the switching necessary for proper load management within the campus distribution system. Maintains up to date information on the electrical distribution systems including one-line drawings, the status of high voltage switchgear, and the condition and capacities of the high voltage feeders.


• Coordinates work with the Utility Electrical and Mechanical Section Head and Planning and Facilities Development personnel on all aspects of renovation and alteration work in order to maximize effectiveness and enhance customer service while minimizing the disruptions to campus environment and surrounding neighborhoods.


• Provides consulting services to technicians in the Building Maintenance Department with respect to the operation, maintenance and repair of building electrical distribution systems and associated electrical equipment.


• Coordinates with the campus energy engineer to develop procedures for electrical energy conservation and peak shaving. Must be aware of the needs of the campus consumers and where electrical peaks may be shaved without adversely affecting the campus educational and research operation.


• Supervises the Electrical Utility Maintenance Section in the absence of the Utility Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance Section Head Serves as part of the call back personnel for electrical utility emergencies during off-hour shifts. Must be willing to work nights and weekends as needed during electrical utility emergencies.


• Understands, is committed to, and supports affirmative action and non-discrimination.


• Works independently within State, University and departmental policies, procedures and standards.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, power engineering, marine engineering, or equivalent education and training; three years of progressively responsible experience in the design and operation of high and medium voltage electrical distribution systems.


• Documented experience and training in power quality, medium voltage relay maintenance and metering.


• Excellent oral and written communication and computational skills.


• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet and drawing software.


• Ability to work extra/irregular hours, including nights and weekends during campus weather and facility related emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Possession of a Professional Engineering License.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Must be able to enter spaces and locations where personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.

Additional Details

• This position is designated as essential personnel.


• Occasional travel to offsite locations, including Mount Ida Campus in Newton MA.


• Position is a critical in-person position and therefore not eligible for full or partial remote work except for ad-hoc days for special projects.

Work Schedule

• Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.


• Position responds to emergencies and therefore some night and weekend work may be required as business needs dictate.

Salary Information

Level 30

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and contact information for three (3) professional references; cover letter optional. References will be checked at the finalist stage.

Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Sep 3 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Nov 8 2024 Eastern Standard Time

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