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Apprentice Electrical Meter & Relay Technician
Salary
$52.67 - $62.45 Hourly
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
5242-26
Department
Power
Division
Power - T&D
Opening Date
01/07/2026
Closing Date
1/16/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
The City of Tacoma is creating a new civil service list for Apprentice Electrical Meter & Relay Technician. Apprentice Electrical Meter & Relay Technicians perform apprentice-level work assisting journey-level meter technicians in the testing, cleaning, repairing, calibrating, installing and programming of electro-mechanical and solid-state meters used in industrial, commercial and residential installations, including electrical and electronic support equipment. Apprentices will be formally enrolled in Tacoma Power's Electrical Meter & Relay Technician Apprenticeship program which is recognized by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and requires a minimum of three and one-half years to complete. Continued enrollment and employment is subject to attending off-hours training without compensation and maintaining progress standards set by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. This position requires lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, working from heights, climbing stairs and ladders and working in enclosed 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 Ohm's Law, AC/DC theory and series/parallel circuits)
AND
6 months of work experience in the electrical or electronic trades; OR completion of a formalized vocational training program in a related field.
Work experience is defined as 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
First Aid Card with CPR certification required prior to completion of the probationary period with maintenance thereafter
Forklift certificate will be required by the end of the probationary period and maintenance thereafter
Obtain Transportation Worker identification Credential (TWIC) clearance prior to completion of probation with 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.
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
New Candidates must be able to pass background screening for applicable security access and maintain security clearance. 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 study as 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://www.school-for-champions.com/science/elect\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.allaboutcircuits.com/vol\2/chpt_1/1.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
Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power (https://www.linkedin.com/company/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: $52.67 - $62.45
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment @type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses may be assessed in subsequent examinations, and any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from the examination process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with the City of Tacoma.
Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read these instructions.
Yes
No
02
Are you a high school graduate or equivalent?
Yes
No
03
If you answered "Yes" to question #2, please indicate name of school/educational institution.
04
Have you completed a high school level algebra course?
Yes
No
05
Please list all high school and college level math classes you have taken. Provide the course number/title, school attended and dates attended.
06
Do you have basic knowledge of electricity (knowledge covering Ohm's Law, AC/DC theory and series/parallel circuits)?
Yes
No
07
If you answered "Yes" to question #6, provide the name of the school/educational institution. If no, please state "n/a".
08
Do you have six months or more work experience in the electrical or electronic trades; or completion of a formalized vocational training program in a related field? Work experience is defined as the use of basic tools (hammer, wrench, various equipment). Individuals may have experience in construction trades (Examples: plumbing, iron work, carpentry, etc.)
Yes
No
09
If you answered "Yes" to question #8, provide the name of the company and/or vocational training program and applicable dates. If no, please @type N/A.
10
Do you have a valid driver's license?
Yes
No
11
If you answered "Yes" to question #10, provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date. If no, please state "n/a".
12
Have you completed or will you complete a formalized vocational training program in a related field by June 30, 2026?
Yes
No
13
If you answered "Yes" to question #12, provide the name of the training institution and date of completion. Attach a copy of your certificate of completion to your application. If no, please state "n/a".
14
Please describe any other work, training or additional experience that you believe sets you apart from other candidates for this position?
15
In a few sentences, please let us know why you're interested in being a Meter & Relay Apprentice.
16
Please indicate all apprenticeship positions you will be applying for. NOTE: If applying for more than one apprenticeship position, you will need to submit a separate application for each craft & posting. Selecting more than one job as an answer to this question is not considered as an application for more than one job.
Apprentice Line Electrician
Apprentice Wire Electrician
Apprentice Electrical Meter & Relay Technician
Apprentice Signal & Lighting Electrician
17
One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe an experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
18
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
Internet search
Professional organization
Community organization
Military organization
Union job posting
City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
Word of mouth
Other
TPU Apprenticeship Expo
Women in Trades Event
TTEP Program
Linkedin
TPU Social Media
ANEW
Palmer Pathways
19
Where did you learn about this opportunity?
Required Question
Employer
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
http://www.tacoma.gov
Apply
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