Electrical Contractor Job Duties
Electrical contractors have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Installing electrical components, such as switches, outlets, light fixtures, and wiring for alarm systems
- Performing electrical work such as installing electrical wiring and fixtures or installing AC systems in buildings
- Providing cost estimates for electrical projects, including equipment and labor costs
- Providing electrical maintenance services such as repairing electrical equipment, replacing light bulbs, and adjusting electrical devices
- Repairing or replacing faulty electrical wiring and equipment
- Installing electrical wiring in new construction projects such as commercial buildings or residential homes
- Inspecting electrical work done by others to ensure that it meets industry standards
- Installing electrical equipment in industrial plants or other commercial facilities
- Estimating project costs based on designs provided by architects or engineers
Electrical Contractor Job Requirements
Electrical contractors typically need to have the following background:
Education: Most electrical contractors are required to have a high school diploma or GED. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
Training & Experience: Most electrical contractors receive on-the-job training from their employers. This training can last from a few months to a year, depending on the complexity of the electrical systems the contractor will be working with.
Certifications & Licenses: Certifications are typically required for electrical contractors. Some states also require licenses, especially for electrical contractors who plan to work on electrical systems in public places, such as in a hospital or a public building.
Electrical Contractor Skills
Electrical contractors need the following skills in order to be successful:
Electrical knowledge: Electrical knowledge is the ability to understand the inner workings of electrical systems. This can include knowledge of how to read electrical schematics, how to troubleshoot electrical issues and how to design electrical systems. Electrical knowledge can help you understand the electrical systems you’re working on and help you complete your work more efficiently.
Communication skills: Electrical contractors communicate with many people throughout the duration of a project. They may communicate with clients, other contractors and their own team members. Effective communication skills can help you convey information clearly and make sure everyone involved in a project understands what’s happening.
Problem-solving skills: Electrical contractors often encounter challenges when completing a project. Having strong problem-solving skills can help you find solutions to unexpected issues. For example, if a project requires a certain type of wire that isn’t available, you can use your problem-solving skills to find an alternative.
Time management skills: Electrical contractors often have to meet deadlines for completing projects. Having good time management skills can help you meet your project deadlines and ensure you complete the project to the client’s satisfaction. You can also use time management skills to ensure you complete all the necessary steps to complete a project, such as ordering materials and making sure you have the right number of workers on the job.
Project management skills: Electrical contractors often work with other contractors and construction managers to complete a project. Having strong project management skills can help you be a successful electrical contractor by ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Aligned Employment Resources, LLC dba Aligned Government Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran/military spouse
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.
