Lighting Technician

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 05-19-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital and space planning, space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department oversees operating budgets of over $60 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $990 million, and employs over 400 full-time staff to carry out the duties necessary for campus development and operation.

More information can be found at: https://ppdo.ucsc.edu/physical-plant/building-utilities-and-fleet-services/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision and direction of the Electric Shop Supervisor, the Lighting Technician diagnoses, troubleshoots, and repairs office, building interiors and exteriors, accent, street and path lighting. The incumbent works on 120/208 and 277/480 volt interior and exterior lighting circuits and lighting controllers utilizing various test instruments (i.e. amp meter, continuity tester, multimeter, etc.). The Lighting Technician also performs preventative maintenance and repairs on interior and exterior lighting systems and lighting controllers, and completes other related duties as assigned.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $28.36/hour - $30.72/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: SX Union

Job Code Classification: 008212 (BLDG MAINT WORKER SR)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

55% - Electrical Technician Work

• Replaces lamps, ballasts, LEDs, and drivers.
• Adjusts lighting controllers.
• Performs preventative maintenance work on interior and exterior lighting and lighting PM routes throughout campus.
• Responds to light out complaints.
• Adjusts lighting time clocks and controls.
• Tags devices needing repair by journeyman electricians.
• Cleans lighting fixtures and diffusers.
• Carries out assigned preventative maintenance programs and recommends necessary changes or modifications to procedures.
• Maintains records of work performed, accurately documenting time and material charges on work repair orders.
• Assists with the periodic lamp recycling program by organizing, packaging, counting, labeling, and readying for pick-up campus lamps.

25% - Diagnosis

• Diagnoses, troubleshoots, and repairs 120/208 and 277/480 building interior and exterior lighting systems and lighting controls.
• Diagnoses source of problems.
• Acquires parts and make repairs.
• Diagnoses and repairs tripped breakers, switches, open or shorted ballast windings, faulty wire connections, lamp holders ('tombstones'), open or shorted lamps, LEDs, and drivers.

5% - Maintenance

• Maintains cleanliness of building machine and electrical rooms.
• Degreases equipment, preps, and paints equipment and piping as directed.

5% - Electrician Assistance

• Assists the campus electricians in the installation of electrical circuits, conduit and related apparatus.
• Assists the campus electricians in the cleaning of high voltage gear during routine PM's as directed.

5% - Student Supervision

• Supervises student staff who change building lights and advises them on safety procedures and equipment.

5% - Safety

• Performs safety inspections and routine maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Attends safety and training classes and performs tasks with adherence to safety protocols.
• Follows all product and University-specific safety procedures when using tools and equipment.
• Writes and maintains a daily timesheet.
• Employs interpersonal skills when interacting with members of the campus community.
• Helps Physical Plant maintain an inventory of shop materials, supplies, and tools by informing supervisor of specific needs.
• Responds to campus electrical outage callouts after normal hours, weekends, and holidays.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One year experience as a Building Maintenance Worker, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in preventative maintenance and repair of interior and exterior lighting systems including fluorescent, incandescent and LED.
• Experience in preventative maintenance and repair of lighting controls and lighting time clocks.
• Knowledge of the basic electrical theory, AC and DC, OHMS law, series and parallel circuits, inductance, capacitance, magnetism, transformers, relays, and other electrical lighting devices.
• Experience using basic electrical testing equipment such as multimeters.
• Knowledge of lamp recycling requirements/processes and safe working methods.
• Ability to work from a schedule for organized preventative maintenance programs and work orders.
• Record keeping skills and attention to detail sufficient to document and report repairs needed, locations, preventative maintenance needs, and stock requirements.
• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions and perform mathematical computations required in the electrical lighting trade.
• Oral communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to effectively interact with campus staff, students, and faculty.
• Ability to follow procedures, instruction manuals, and operation/maintenance manuals.
• Knowledge of ASME state and local codes / safety standards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• California Dept of Industrial Relations Non-residential lighting technician certification.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to do occasional work in confined spaces such as attics and trenches while bending, stooping and/or kneeling with the possibility of being exposed to live electrical circuits and machinery.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.