Electrical Foreman

Competition 2488

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of two years and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person with onsite work at multiple UofA site locations at North Campus, Edmonton; Campus Saint-Jean, Edmonton; South Campus, Edmonton; and the Botanic Garden.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Trades Infrastructure & Maintenance

Trades Infrastructure & Maintenance (“TIM”, within University Services, Operations & Finance) is responsible for the maintenance of building infrastructure assets across the University’s main and other campuses. The University’s building portfolio consists of a diverse collection of commercial buildings that are supported by a wide range of electrical and mechanical base building systems of all ages. Our purpose is to support the research, teaching mission and vision of the University through excellent maintenance planning, maintenance execution, and stewardship of resources.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Electrical Manager, the Electrical Foreman (Auxiliary) is responsible for overseeing daily operations, workforce coordination, and team leadership within the University's electrical maintenance and construction division. This role supervises 5-10 full-time journeymen, rotating Lead Hands, and up to 20 temporary staff as needed. The Foreman ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality electrical services by demonstrating strong leadership, advanced trade expertise, and strategic planning. Key responsibilities include championing safety initiatives, fostering team cohesion, managing resource allocation, and effectively utilizing enterprise software systems such as Microsoft, Google Suite, SupplyNet, and Assetworks AiM.

The position requires agility, adaptability, and a commitment to operational excellence in a dynamic campus environment.

Duties 

Leadership & Supervision

• Oversees the day-to-day work of a portion of the Electrical Shop team.
• Provides direction, training, coaching, and mentorship to ensure team success and professional growth.
• Ensures work adheres to Utilities and Operations' Safety Program, construction codes, and industry best practices.
• Collaborates with the Construction Superintendent and TIM trade leaders to implement and maintain safety protocols and recordkeeping.
• Leads safety inspections, training, and hazard identification, and models best practices.
• Communicates effectively with staff and contractors to meet performance, quality, and safety goals
• Fosters an inclusive, team-oriented environment and empowers staff through leadership.
• Manages workflow and resource allocation for new installations.
• Monitors performance, addresses concerns, and conducts annual performance reviews.
• Ensures team members are trained and operating in compliance with current safety and technical standards.
• Maintains high standards for quality control and code compliance.
• Oversees attendance management in consultation with Human Resources.
• Mentors Lead Hands in managing journeymen and apprentices on construction projects.
• Coordinates with regulatory authorities (AHJ) as needed.
• Identifies and recommends training opportunities for staff
• Leads monthly shop safety meetings and participates in incident investigations and reporting as required by law and university policy.
• Enforces University of Alberta safety standards, including lock-out/tag-out procedures, job hazard assessments, and safe work practices.

Planning & Coordination

• Coordinates with electricians to manage scheduling, priorities, resources, stakeholder needs, and budget constraints for construction activities.
• Develops and adjusts work schedules based on project urgency and available manpower
• Collaborates with other electrical foremen to allocate labour and equipment across teams for efficient workflow.
• Engages external contractors when needed to support new installation objectives.
• Prepares or oversees safety documentation, including hazard assessments, safe work plans, and isolation procedures.
• Procures necessary materials and supplies.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives within their area of responsibility.

Other

• Evaluates staffing requirements and recommends hiring of supplemental trades or contractors.
• Remains current with changing technology in the electrical industry.
• May be required to assume the duties of the Electrical Manager during periods of absence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Journeyperson Certificate as an Electrician.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the commercial (preferred) or industrial electrical trade as a Journeyperson Electrician.
• 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience as a Journeyperson in the related trade.
• Interprovincial Red Seal Certificate is mandatory for journeymen certified from outside of Alberta.
• Excellent competency with the Canadian Electrical Code, the Canadian and Alberta Building and Fire Codes, local regulations, and relevant CSA standards.
• Knowledge about when and which permits will be required and the ability to pull permits.
• Project management experience (e.g. budget accountability, scheduling, purchasing materials, assigning labour resources, handling multiple projects simultaneously, job close out, contract administration work).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards in safe work practices and precautions
• Thorough understanding of material selection, equipment selection, tool selection, and best installation practices.
• Proficiency with enterprise solutions employed by the University of Alberta, such as Asset Works,
• AiM (computerized maintenance management system), Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.)and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to build strong working relationships with all stakeholders, external consultants and contractors.
• Master Electrician Certificate.
• Successful completion of relevant courses and seminars that augment knowledge of the electrical Trade.
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s Licence.