An ideal electrician job description should contain the duties and responsibilities to expect, as well as the skills an electrician should have.
This job description has much more; therefore, if you want to know more about electricians, read this guide.
Examples of the duties and responsibilities of an electrician include electrical wiring, Installing electrical equipment, and repairing damaged circuits and units.
Also, they are responsible for inspecting electrical equipment to troubleshoot electrical hazards.
Performing the duties and responsibilities of an electrician requires you to possess certain skills.
These skills are essential because they enable electricians to perform their tasks without accidents or mistakes.
Ideal candidates should have the physical strength and a clear vision.
You should also possess good troubleshooting and communication skills.
The minimum academic requirement for becoming an electrician is a high school diploma.
Most people go into this career path through apprenticeship.
Now we have a summary of what an ideal electrician job description contains; let’s see what electricians do.
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What does an Electrician do?
Practically all buildings, whether an apartment, an office, or a store, have electrical connections that power them.
Electricians are responsible for setting up electrical wiring and connection in a new building which is usually still under construction while an electrician works.
To work in line with the building plan, electricians must read blueprints to know where connections, equipment, and circuits should go.
You will also be responsible for maintaining electrical connections and equipment after the building has been constructed and is now in use.
Usually, creating electrical connections for a building under construction is much easier than maintenance.
This is because, during constriction, most of the wires are still visible.
But after construction is complete, the wires and connection become hidden.
Typically, maintenance involves inspecting and detecting electrical problems with connections or equipment and repairing them.
Sometimes, it may require buying new parts to replace old and worn-out parts.
While performing your duties as an electrician, here are some of the tools you will make use of:
- Screwdrivers
- Voltmeters
- Wire stripers
- Cable testers
- Ammeters
- Drills
- Thermal scanners
- Saws
Performing the duties of an electrician requires a lot of physical strength.
You must use your hands and legs to climb, lift, balance, and hold tools.
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What are the Duties and Responsibilities of an Electrician?
The job description of an electrician usually features the following duties and responsibilities:
I have already informed you that electricians install electrical connections for new buildings so I won’t go into that again.
1. Business Management
In the course of carrying out your duties, it is important that you keep a record of supplies and equipment used.
This is important because most companies will require that you prepare a report.
And, this report should contain information about the number of supplies, equipment and amount spent.
2. Detecting Errors or Faults
Electricians use testing equipment and several other tools to detect the cause and location of faults.
After identifying the faculty, an electrician also must fix it.
Also, you must periodically Inspect electrical connections and the system to prevent possible breakdowns.
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3. Testing Electrical Systems
Electricians use testing devices such as ammeters, voltmeters, and ohmmeters to test electrical systems.
This is done to check for compatibility and ensure the system is safe.
4. Training Apprentice
As I already said, most people enter this career path through apprenticeship.
Therefore, an experienced electrician must train apprentices who work under them.
5. Reading Blueprints
Electricians study blueprints; in the case of none, they sketch blueprints themselves.
This is done to identify the best location for electrical connections and wiring to ensure safety.
6. Regular Update Electrician License
In most countries, electricians are required by the government to have a license before practicing.
Therefore, an electrician must keep his or her up to date as stated by the government.
Other duties and responsibilities of an electrician include the following:
- Working as a team with engineers and architects.
- Deciding the ideal tools and equipment for a particular job.
- Operating mechanized equipment such as a forklift.
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What Qualifications do I need to become an Electrician?
A high school diploma is the minimum academic requirement for becoming an electrician.
You will also have to undergo an apprenticeship of four to five years.
Apprenticeship involves receiving training on-the-job. Usually, some apprentice is paid.
During training, the apprentice learns the following:
- How to read blueprints
- Mathematics
- First aid
- Electrical code requirements
- Safety measures
- How to use electrical tools and equipment
After successfully completing training or apprenticeship, you can obtain a license.
License requirements may vary from state to state.
You will be allowed to practice immediately if you have a license, but you must not perform duties you are not licensed to perform.
Maintaining your license usually requires taking more courses.
In some states, an electrician must have a valid driver’s license.
Clients always prefer working with experienced electricians.
What skills should an Electrician have?
Sometimes or rather most times, the job of an electrician can be dangerous.
Not just to electricians but to the public at large.
On that note, it is essential for an electrician to possess certain skills.
These skills will enable you to perform your duties without errors.
An electrician’s job description also features these skills.
This is because employers look out for candidates who possess them.
Here are some of the essential skills an electrician should have:
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1. Problem-Solving Skills
A good electrician should be able to use logical reasoning and strategies to identify impending and existing problems.
After problems have been identified, an electrician determines the best way to solve them.
2. Communication Skills
Successful candidates are capable of relating information.
You should be able to communicate your job’s technical and non-technical aspects.
Also, you should be able to pay attention to what people are saying and try to make meaning out of it.
3. Time Management Skills
Sometimes, electricians also have to work with deadlines.
As such, you will have to know how to manage time.
You should be able to carry out your duties as fast as possible.
4. Organisational Skills
The need to be very careful and organized cannot be overemphasized when working.
This is important to avoid errors and accidents.
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5. Interpersonal Skills
A good electrician should be able to develop good working relationships with clients and workers.
Electricians must be physically fit and have good judgment and decision-making skills.
Self-employed electricians should also have good business acumen and negotiation skills.
This is because they must determine and negotiate their pay with clients.
Employers or clients look out for electricians with good customer service orientation and will not get offended when asked questions.
Although experienced electricians may work alone, most times, electricians work with co-workers and apprentices.
Therefore, a high team spirit also benefits an electrician who works with others.
How much do Electricians make?
Electricians working in the United States earn up to $56,180 annually.
Their salaries range from $33,410 per year to $96,580 per year, according to Truity.com.
Employers, location, experience, and qualifications influence the salary of an electrician.
More experienced and qualified electricians are more likely to receive better pay.
Also, those who live in locations where the economy is buoyant usually receive a better salary or pay.
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Where do Electricians work?
Every apartment, office, or company needs the services of an electrician.
Here are some of the typical employers of an electrician:
- Apartment owners
- Government organizations
- Manufacturing companies
- Schools
An electrician may also be self-employed. As such, they work for clients only.
Vacancies for electricians are usually advertised online and in newspaper publications.
Self-employed electricians may get clients by recommendations.
Electrician work Environment and Outlook
Electricians work on construction sites; they do not necessarily require sitting in offices.
Typically an electrician works full-time or part-time for companies.
Depending on the work situation, you may have to work overtime and during weekends.
Electrician Job Outlook
Job opportunities for electricians are expected to increase by 10% from 2018 through 2028.
This is more than the average 7% increase estimated for other occupations.
This increase will be driven by increased demand for electrical supply and power.
Also, new electricians will be required to replace retired ones.
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Conclusion: Electrician Job Description Guide
I believe this job description Contains all you need to know about becoming an electrician.
If you have further questions, please leave them in the comment section.
You are also free to use this guide when creating an electrician resume.
Also, employers can use this as a template for creating a unique job description that suits their needs.
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