Lead Building Technician, Electrician

Lead Building Technician, Electrician

Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a dedicated individual to fill a full-time Lead Building Technician, Electrician position for the Reno campus.

Key Job Duties Include :

Perform advanced preventive maintenance, testing, and repairs on campus electrical systems.

Respond to electrical and general building maintenance work orders.

Respond to urgent and emergency electrical calls to troubleshoot and resolve issues efficiently.

Lead or support electrical system upgrades, remodels, and new equipment installations.

Interpret and update blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics.

Maintain up-to-date documentation on work performed, inspections, and service reports.

Monitor and ensure compliance with National Electrical Code, NFPA regulations, OSHA, and local building codes.

Mentor and assist maintenance staff; provide technical guidance as needed.

Participate in the rotating on-call schedule, responding to after-hours electrical emergencies.

Assist in the planning and execution of power shutdowns and commissioning of new systems.

Support periodic regulatory inspections and audits related to electrical infrastructure.

Monitor and operate the Building Automation System to diagnose issues.

Modify existing electrical systems and perform new installations.

Maintain department budgets, supervise spending, and manage vendor purchasing accounts.

Other duties as assigned. May include providing general assistance to department personnel, faculty and staff; provide for building safety and security as well as inspect and maintain emergency systems for the buildings and physical plant.

This position is required to participate in a rotating on-call and respond to after hour alarms and emergencies. As a Lead Building Technician, Electrician, the incumbent is expected to independently respond to and resolve emergency service calls and alarms, taking appropriate action to minimize downtime, ensure continuous operations, staff comfort, and safety.

In addition, the Lead Building Technician, Electrician will be working in a team environment and will participate on all aspects of maintaining the facility when needed. Examples include remodeling and renovation of office and laboratory spaces, installation of scientific equipment and / or experimental setups. Tasks may also include moving furniture, light carpentry, carpet, drywall installation, painting and plumbing, in addition to electrical systems, as well as other duties as assigned.

Required Education / Experience

High school diploma or equivalent

Completion of an accredited electrical apprenticeship program

Valid Journeyman Electrician License

Minimum 6 years of experience in the electrical maintenance and construction in a large hospital, laboratory, datacenter, educational or institutional facility.

Ability to read and interpret plans, schematics and maintenance manuals

Ability to follow oral and written instructions

Knowledge of construction safety standards and ability to strictly enforce all safety protocols

Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of personnel, including technical and academic staff

Proven experience working within a team environment

Preferred Education / Experience

Over 6 years of work experience in a large hospital, laboratory, educational or institutional facility

Hands-on experience in a variety of building trades, including plumbing, and electrical

Knowledge of controls, Building Automation Systems (BAS) and Direct Digital Controls (DDC), preferably with Tridium Niagara, Delta, or other.

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Ability to perform physical tasks, such as : lifting and moving objects in excess of 50 lbs.; digging, excavating, planting, and pulling wire; climbing ladders and working at heights up to 30 ft; frequently stooping, bending, kneeling; exposure to dust, fumes, pollutants, chemicals, and construction materials.

Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license

Regular work hours for this position are 6 : 00 am 2 : 30 pm, Monday through Friday, but hours may vary during the week. Long and irregular hours may be required on occasion.

This position is required to be on-call (on a rotating basis) to respond to after-hours emergencies.

Salary / Benefits

This is a DRI Technologist position Grade 38 with a salary range of $71,015 - $103,456 and is commensurate with education and experience.

DRI offers an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance (flexible spending and health savings account options available); PERS 19.25% retirement match, 10 hours of annual leave and 10 hours of sick leave accrued per month, 12 paid holidays, and educational benefits. Additionally, there is no state income tax or social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

Department Overview

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is an environmental sciences research organization within the Nevada System of Higher Education. DRI's Facilities Department is responsible for providing essential facilities operation, maintenance, and construction services for 22 buildings, totaling over 364,000 square feet, spread across 47 acres of land. These campuses house over 40 specialized labs, administrative, and educational spaces. The Facilities Department operates and maintains central utility systems (backup generators, UPS, boilers, chillers, air handlers, DI water, and building automation systems) and provides in-house laboratory modification, renovation, and construction services to the site. In addition, DRI operates and maintains several renewable energy systems including solar hot water and a 2.1 MW photovoltaic system.

Our Mission

To support the institute through stewardship of infrastructure and properties; to manage energy usage on campus; and to provide whatever services the institute and its faculty need to support their mission.

Our Vision

To be an innovative team that is recognized and respected for fostering a high-quality, lasting environment

Our Values

We exceed expectations

We do the right thing not the easy thing

We are committed to continuous improvement

We validate and incorporate new and effective technologies

We treat every member of the institute with courtesy, dignity, and respect