Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are: 

The Swarthmore College Maintenance Department is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving the college’s physical infrastructure, including campus buildings, classrooms, residence halls, offices, and common areas. Their work ensures that Swarthmore College remains a safe, functional, comfortable, and optimal learning community for students, faculty, and staff.

The Opportunity:

Swarthmore College is seeking a skilled and experienced Electrician to join our Facilities team. The Electrician will be responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical and fire alarm systems across campus. This role requires a strong understanding of electrical codes, safety standards, and best practices to ensure the reliability and efficiency of campus electrical infrastructure. This position requires working on equipment where 4160v and 480v three phase power is commonplace. An Electrician II is expected to have formal education and licensing. 

Essential Responsibilities 

• Perform installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, including lighting, power distribution, fire alarms, and control systems.
• Troubleshoot electrical issues and ensure timely and effective repairs.
• Inspect and test electrical systems to ensure compliance with safety and building codes.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Work collaboratively with other Facilities team members and departments to support campus operations.
• Maintain an inventory of electrical supplies and equipment and ensure proper storage and organization.
•  Adhere to all OSHA and NFPA safety guidelines, as well as Swarthmore College policies and procedures.
• Must be able to operate and interpret results of test and measurement equipment including, but not limited to, multimeters, temperature sensing devices, amp meters and other testing devices.
• Respond to emergency electrical issues as needed, including participation in an on-call rotation.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or the Equivalent. Trade school certification is a plus.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Minimum of  7 years experience installing and troubleshooting electrical equipment and systems, both high and low voltage.  
• Must have tools and accessories necessary to perform duties.
• Ability to prioritize workload and adhere to an established work schedule.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a supportive and collaborative fashion. 
• Ability to work within a technical environment that requires additional training as technologies develop.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers to define problems.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and operational problems in equipment and machines.
• Ability to learn and use software used to maintain operations and records.
• Must be familiar with safe workplace practices regarding securing equipment that has the potential to move, electrical lock-out tag out, and securing valves and lines with pressurized fluids and gases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Apprenticeship or trade school training is desirable.
• Master Electrician’s License.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift weights up to seventy pounds unassisted.
• Must be able to identify and use electrical and pneumatic power tools, including but not limited to drills, circular and reciprocating saws, chop saws, sandblasters, heat guns, and pneumatic drive tools.
• Must be able to climb and work from ladders, scaffolding, powered lifts, and other platforms at heights up to fifty feet.

Working Conditions

• Must be available to respond to weather events and other emergencies
• Must be able to work in confined spaces such as air handler bodies and manholes.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors for extended periods of time.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with an uploaded resume by April 1, 2025. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled.

PA Criminal Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

MVR Required by Position

Due to operating a College owned motor vehicle while performing essential job responsibilities for this position, a motor vehicle report (MVR) clearance is required prior to the start of employment.

Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

2025 Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.