Master Electrician (part time)

Description

Position Title: Master Electrician (part time)

Classification: Non Exempt

Position Reports To: MAINTENANCE MANAGER

Positions Supervised: NONE

POSITION PURPOSE

The Master Electrician oversees, installs, maintains, and troubleshoots all high-voltage and low-voltage electrical systems, instrumentation, and automated machinery across the ethanol refinery. This role serves as the plant's Master of Record with the TDLR, ensuring 100% compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), specifically pertaining to Class I, Division 1 & 2 hazardous locations. The ideal candidate will combine elite technical electrical skills with a profound understanding of industrial continuous-flow chemical processing, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and safety protocols.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• Regulatory Leadership: Serve as the designated Master Electrician of Record for the facility. Obtain all required local and state permits for electrical modifications and ensure facility wide alignment with NEC Articles 500-504 (Hazardous Locations).
• System Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Diagnose, repair, and optimize plant electrical systems including 480V 3-phase power distribution networks, Motor Control Centers (MCCs), transformers, switchgears, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Automation & Instrumentation: Troubleshoot, calibrate, and program automated systems, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell) and distributed control systems (DCS) driving the fermentation, distillation, and dehydration loops.
• Explosion-Proof Compliance: Inspect and maintain explosion-proof enclosures, seals, rigid conduits, and intrinsically safe wiring configurations required for grain handling and alcohol processing environments.
• Preventative Maintenance (PM): Implement thermal imaging, power quality testing, and routine maintenance tracks for heavy industrial motors, conveyor systems, and process pumps.
• Team Leadership: Supervise, mentor, and sign off on hours for apprentice and journeyman electricians. Coordinate seamlessly with third-party automation engineers and electrical contractors.

· Safety Adherence: Strictly uphold OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E (Arc Flash Safety), and rigorous Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety measures.

· Communicate directly with departments to coordinate repair work.

· Work with external contractors to plan and implement installation of new equipment or systems.

· Participate in safety, health, and environmental programs.

· Work in a safe manner at all times.

· Be available for overtime work on a scheduled or call-in basis as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Licensure: Active and unblemished Master Electrician License issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
• Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of experience working as an industrial electrician, preferably inside an ethanol plant, chemical refinery, oil & gas facility, or heavily automated processing plant.
• Hazardous Environments: Documented expertise working with Class I, Div 1 & 2 classified hazardous locations.
• Technical Literacy: Proficient in reading complex electrical schematics, P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), and blue line blueprints.
• Automation Knowledge: Proficient troubleshooting industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus) and reading PLC ladder logic.

· Knowledgeable of P&IDs and Electrical Drawings

· Strong Troubleshooting Skills.

· Experience with a computerized Preventative Maintenance System preferred

· Knowledge of and strict attention to safety precautions and rules required

· Motor Control Center breaker/starter/VFD maintenance.

· Electrical power distribution maintenance.

· Calibration and maintenance of level, pressure, temperature and flow transmitters

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to interact professionally and effectively with internal and external customers

· Ability to maintain good relationships with internal and external customers, use tact and diplomacy, and possess a customer service focus

· Strong analytical abilities, problem solving skills, negotiation skills, dispute resolution and ability to overcome obstacles

· Manage multiple priorities with efficiency and accuracy

· Ability to anticipate needs and accomplish necessary tasks

· Strong motivational ability

· Act with honesty and integrity

• Dual certification as an Instrumentation Technician (CCST or similar).
• Formally trained in NFPA 70E and OSHA 30.
• Experience managing capital expenditure (CapEx) projects for plant electrical upgrades.

Education/Certification:

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· Degree, certificate or Texas State Electrical License required.

· Valid Class C driver’s license minimum.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION

The employee may be required to lift up to 50 lbs. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is required to sit, stand, walk, climb and bend. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Specific hearing abilities are required.

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Hardhat and protective eyewear required within and around processing facilities. Hearing protection required in areas where levels exceed 85 db. Uniform provided by White Energy. Steel toe leather boots. Additional PPE is required when handling hazardous chemicals and in certain areas of the facilities.

Must be able to speak and listen clearly. Fine visual acuity to read for accuracy. Travel required or as needed. For more detail please review the ADA questionnaire on file in Human Resources.

The majority of time will be spent in the plant. All types of chemical industry equipment are used in the plant to include, but not limited to fermentation vessels, jet cookers, agitators, mixing and milling equipment, distillation columns, centrifuges and distributive control systems. May be exposed to loud noises, wet and humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic chemicals, extreme hot and cold depending on weather conditions. Must be able to climb ladders and work at elevations of 175 feet. Must be able to speak and listen clearly. Fine visual acuity to read for accuracy. Travel required or as needed. For more detail please review the ADA questionnaire on file in Human Resources.

INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.

Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.