Apprentice Wire Electrician

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is creating a new civil service list for Apprentice Wire Electrician. Apprentice Wire Electricians perform apprentice-level work assisting journey-level Wire Electricians in the construction, maintenance and repair of electrical substations and underground electrical systems. Apprentices will be formally enrolled in the City of Tacoma's Wire Electrician Apprenticeship program. This apprenticeship program is recognized by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, requiring a minimum of three and one-half years to complete. Continued enrollment and employment is subject to attending off-hour training without compensation and maintaining the progress standards set by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. This position requires lifting, pulling, pushing, kneeling, squatting, climbing, working from heights, climbing stairs and ladders and working in confined spaces. Employees in this position are exposed to electrical hazards.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent

AND

Valid Drivers license

AND

Completion of high school-level algebra and knowledge of basic electricity (knowledge covering Ohms Law, AC/DC theory and series/parallel circuits)

AND

6 months of experience in the electrical or construction trades OR completion of a formalized vocational training program in a related field.

Work experience includes the use of basic tools (hammer, wrench, various equipment). Individuals may have experience in construction trades (Examples: plumbing, iron work, carpentry, etc.)

Licenses, Certificates And Other Requirements

• Valid WA State Driver’s License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter
• Obtain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit within 6 months of hire date
• Obtain a valid Washington Commercial Driver's License (Class A) by completion of probationary period with maintenance thereafter
• Traffic Control Flagging required prior to completion of the probationary period with maintenance thereafter
• First Aid Card with CPR certification required prior to completion of the probationary period with maintenance thereafter
• Forklift training and certificates will be required prior to completion of the probationary period with maintenance thereafter
• Obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) clearance prior to completion of probation and maintenance thereafter
  
  

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Elise Drennen if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!

Apply

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates. The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend an hour or more entering the required information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement. Interested individuals should apply online. These positions are highly sought after and competitive, highlighting the rigorous training and rewarding career opportunities they offer. As such, the selection process is thorough and includes multiple stages and assessments spanning across up to 6 months. The timeline may vary due to factors such as budget considerations, applicant volume, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. pacific time.

Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form)at time of application, to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to take the in-person written examination scheduled for February 3rd, 2026. There will be no alternative test dates. Please be sure to add HR email to your contacts/safe list to avoid missing the test invitation. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders to ensure you receive communication. Applicants must pass the written examination in order to be placed on the eligible list for further hiring consideration.

Estimated Timeline

• January/February – Job Posting & Application Screening:
• Applications are screened to ensure minimum qualifications are met.
• February 3, 2026 – Basic Electricity & Math Exam in person in Tacoma, WA.

• March – Application Review:
• Applications will be reviewed by Tacoma Power to determine which candidates are moving on to the next step in the process.
• April -Physical Ability testing (Line & Wire only), Panel Interview and Practical Assessments:
• Select candidates will be invited to participate in this step of the process.
• Physical Ability Testing for Line & Wire Craft only.
• Four-Person Panel Interview to evaluate qualifications, skills, and overall fit for the role.
• Hands on Multi-Station Practical and Physical Assessment to test skills and ability.
• May- Candidates are notified of their status after completing the interview process.
• May/June- Conditional Offer Letter & Pre-Employment Physical: Upon receiving a conditional offer letter, candidates will complete a final pre-employment physical and background check.
• July 13th- Apprentice’s First day at Tacoma Power
  

Appointment is subject to passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical examination and drug screen. In addition, new employees must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period to obtain permanent status in this classification. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and IBEW Local 483.

REFERENCE MATERIAL INFORMATION

The following reference listings are intended to provide you suggested study materials only. This list is not intended to be the sole source of information but to act as a guide as to what can be studied in preparation for taking the Electrical Apprenticeship written test.

WEBSITE REFERENCES

• http://www.alexanderpublications.com/
• http://www.electricityforum.com/basic-electricity.html
• http://www.the12volt.com/ohm/ohmslaw.asp#pie
• http://www.angelfire.com/pa/baconbacon/page2.html
• http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/electricity_ohms_law.htm
• http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/ohmlaw.html
• http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/basics/ohms-law.htm
• http://www.thelearningpit.com/
• http://www.opamp-electronics.com/tutorials/ac_theory.htm
• http://www.play-hookey.com/ac_theory/
• http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/index.html
• http://www.awesomelibrary.org/Classroom/Mathematics/Middle-High_School_Math/Trigonometry.html
• http://www.syvum.com/math/trigonometry.html
  
  

TEXTBOOK REFERENCES

• Electricity (available from Alexander Publications), excellent reference guide!
• Ugly's Quick Electrical Reference Guide (available at the Home Depot)
• Delmars Standard Textbook on Electricity (available from delmarlearning.com)
• Basic Electricity (authors, Van Valkenburgh, Nooger & Neville, INC.)
• Basic Electricity (Schaum's, published by McGraw Hill)
• Basic Electricity (U.S Navy)
• Electricity Demystified (Gibilisco, published by McGraw Hill)
• An Introduction to Electric Power Distribution (Wayne Beaty, available from Alexander publications)
• Painless Algebra (Lynette Long, published by Barron's)
• Algebra success in 20 minutes a day (Learning Express)
• Algebra Demystified (Gibilisco, published by McGraw Hill)
• Algebrahelp.com
• Trigonometry Demystified (Gibilisco, published by McGraw Hill)
• Trigonometry for dummies (Sterling)
• Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
• Safety Standards for Electrical workers
• Chapter 296-45 WAC
  
  

Physical Ability Test

Aerobic Bicycle Test- used to determine an individual's aerobic power. Subject pedals at 50 RPM for 3 stages of 2-3 minutes. Each stage will be progressively more difficult with an increase of 50-75 watts of resistance per stage.

Bent Over Row (60 lbs.) Standing, knees bent, bend over at the hips, arms straight in front, shoulder width apart. Pull the bar upward to the base of the breastbone.

Squats (100 lbs.) Standing straight posture, pad rests comfortably on shoulders, with feet shoulder width apart. Bending at the knees until the thighs are parallel to the ground, then standing once again.

Upright Row (45 lbs.) Standing, straight posture, with feet shoulder width apart, arms straight and holding bar. Lifting the bar to breastbone level with elbows higher than the wrists, and back to a straight-arm position.

Tacoma Power

Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $54.84- $64.43

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma