What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Electrician position at Upchurch?
Company Overview
Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.
Position Summary
The Lead Electrician oversees day-to-day field installation, service, and commissioning of electrical systems on commercial/industrial projects. This role plans work, assigns crews, ensures code-compliant installations, and partners with Project Management, Safety, and other trades to deliver on schedule, on budget, and with zero safety incidents. The Lead Electrician is a working leader—hands-on in the field while coaching apprentices and journeymen.
Key Responsibilities
Required
Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.
Position Summary
The Lead Electrician oversees day-to-day field installation, service, and commissioning of electrical systems on commercial/industrial projects. This role plans work, assigns crews, ensures code-compliant installations, and partners with Project Management, Safety, and other trades to deliver on schedule, on budget, and with zero safety incidents. The Lead Electrician is a working leader—hands-on in the field while coaching apprentices and journeymen.
Key Responsibilities
- Crew leadership & planning: Build daily/weekly plans, assign tasks, supervise 2–10 electricians/apprentices, and run productive toolbox talks.
- Installations: Layout and install raceways (EMT/RMC/PVC), panels, switchgear, transformers, lighting, grounding/bonding, and terminations per NEC and drawings.
- Controls & power: Install and troubleshoot motor controls, VFDs, starters, contactors, control circuits; support equipment start-ups.
- Medium/low voltage: Support MV/LV distribution, gear setting, cable pulls, terminations, and torque/megger testing per specs.
- QA/QC & documentation: Interpret plans/specs, RFIs, and submittals; perform redlines/as-builts; complete daily reports and time/quantity tracking.
- Safety & compliance: Enforce LOTO, arc-flash boundaries, PPE, and OSHA/NEC compliance; lead JSAs and near-miss reporting.
- Coordination: Interface with GCs, owners, inspectors, and other trades; attend coordination meetings; sequence work to avoid conflicts.
- Materials & tools: Forecast material/equipment needs, manage deliveries, maintain tools/test instruments, and control waste/rework.
- Troubleshooting & service: Diagnose faults using multimeters, meggers, and other test gear; resolve issues to minimize downtime.
- Training & mentorship: Coach apprentices on code, workmanship, and safety; provide performance feedback and skill development.
- Closeout: Support functional testing, punch lists, commissioning, and turnover packages.
Required
- 5 years of commercial/industrial electrical experience, including crew lead, foreman, or equivalent leadership.
- Strong knowledge of NEC, local codes, and construction best practices.
- Proficiency with conduit bending (hand/hickey/shoebox), panelboard/gear terminations, and device/lighting install.
- Ability to read and interpret one-lines, wiring diagrams, and plan sets; competent with take-offs and layout.
- Skilled in testing and diagnostics (multimeter, megger, continuity/insulation resistance, torque verification).
- Proven record of jobsite safety leadership (PPE, LOTO, arc-flash awareness) and quality workmanship.
- Effective communication, crew scheduling, and coordination with PMs/GCs/inspectors.
- Valid driver’s license; ability to lift 50 lbs, climb ladders, and work in field conditions.
- State Journeyman or Master Electrician license.
- OSHA 10/30; NFPA 70E/arc-flash training.
- Experience with MV distribution, switchgear setting/commissioning, VFDs, generators/ATS, and basic PLC I/O.
- Familiarity with Bluebeam/PlanGrid/Procore or similar; basic BIM/VDC coordination exposure.
- Experience in data centers, healthcare, manufacturing, or mission-critical environments.
- CPR/First Aid; lift/forklift certifications.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid time off and holiday pay.
- Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.
Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
