How to Be Electrical Maintenance Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 14, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Electrical maintenance supervisors play a vital role in the operation of any business or organization that relies on electrical components for its core operations. Without their expertise and attention, the entire operation could be at risk of costly equipment failure, power outages, and other major disruptions. The electrical maintenance supervisor is responsible for ensuring that all electrical systems are running properly and that any necessary repairs or replacements are completed in a timely manner.

This can involve overseeing a team of technicians to ensure that they are performing tasks efficiently, maintaining a budget to ensure that costs are kept low, and ensuring that all safety protocols are being followed. The result of this attention to detail is that businesses can remain operational and reduce the potential for costly downtime and repairs.

Steps How to Become

Earn an Associate Degree. To become an electrical maintenance supervisor, you must first earn an associate degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering technology, or a related field. This two-year degree program provides a comprehensive overview of electrical systems, theory, and design.
Gain Relevant Work Experience. Once you have earned your associate degree, you should then seek out relevant work experience in the field. This could include a paid internship or apprenticeship with an electrical engineering firm, or working as an electrical technician. Working in this capacity will give you the hands-on experience you need to become an electrical maintenance supervisor.
Earn Certification. You may also consider earning certification in the field. There are a variety of certifications available for electrical maintenance supervisors, such as the Certified Electrical Maintenance Supervisor (CEMS) certification offered by the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED).
Take a Supervisory Course. To become a successful electrical maintenance supervisor, you should also take a supervisory course. These courses are designed to teach you the skills you need to become an effective leader and manager.
Pursue Additional Education. If you want to advance your career further, then you should pursue additional education. Earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or electronics engineering technology can help you qualify for higher-level positions.
Network. Finally, make sure to network with other professionals in the field. Joining professional organizations and attending conferences and workshops can help you stay up to date on new technologies and trends and make valuable connections that can help further your career.

The lack of skilled and qualified Electrical Maintenance Supervisors can have profound affects on the success of a business. Without the expertise and knowledge required to safely and efficiently maintain electrical systems, businesses may experience costly delays in production, unplanned downtime, and even safety concerns. Additionally, inadequate training of personnel can lead to improper maintenance, resulting in costly repairs, or even liability risks due to accidents or fire from faulty wiring or equipment. To prevent these issues, businesses should invest in hiring and training qualified Electrical Maintenance Supervisors who are knowledgeable in the latest regulations and safety standards, and can ensure their staff is properly trained and equipped to perform the necessary tasks.

You may want to check Electrical Line Worker, Chief Electrical Engineer, and Electrical Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Lead and manage the electrical maintenance team, including setting performance objectives and conducting performance reviews.
Develop and implement electrical maintenance plans and procedures that meet safety and quality standards.
Develop and maintain electrical maintenance budget and ensure cost efficiency.
Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain all electrical equipment and systems.
Monitor electrical equipment performance and identify potential improvements.
Maintain accurate records of all electrical maintenance activities.
Provide technical guidance to the electrical maintenance team.
Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers for parts, materials, and services.
Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for electrical equipment and systems.
Perform periodic inspections of all electrical equipment, systems, and components to ensure safe operation.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of safety procedures and electrical regulations
Understanding of electrical blueprints and diagrams
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical problems
Familiarity with electrical tools, testing equipment, and components
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Knowledge of electrical code and standards
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to read and interpret technical documents
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
Ability to provide technical guidance to subordinates

Electrical maintenance supervisors must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge in order to effectively manage their assigned work and supervise their team. Chief among these skills is the ability to troubleshoot electrical systems. This involves being able to identify the root cause of any electrical issue and take the necessary steps to resolve it.

Furthermore, electrical maintenance supervisors must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills in order to effectively assess and explain problems to team members. they must be knowledgeable in the use of digital diagnostic tools and be able to interpret the diagnostic results in order to determine the cause of the issue. Lastly, they should also possess a good understanding of building codes and safety guidelines, so that they can ensure that all work is done to the highest standards and meets applicable regulations.

All of these skills are essential for an electrical maintenance supervisor, who must be proficient in each in order to be successful in the role.

Electrical Equipment Technician, Electrical Foreman, and Electrical Inspector are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor?
Describe a successful project you have completed in a previous role.
How do you keep up to date with advancements in electrical engineering?
What challenges have you faced when managing a team of electricians?
How do you prioritize tasks and ensure all projects are completed on time?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex problem with limited resources.
How do you ensure safety protocols are followed in the workplace?
What strategies do you use to effectively communicate with other departments within the organization?
How would you motivate your team to stay on track and work well together?
How would you handle a situation where a team member was not following safety protocols?

Common Tools in Industry

Multimeter. A device used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. (e. g. Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter)
Volt-Ohm Meter. A device used to measure voltage, current, and resistance. (e. g. Fluke 28 II Digital Multimeter)
Electrical Test Leads. Wires used to connect electrical test equipment to an electrical circuit. (e. g. Fluke TL71 Test Lead Set)
Insulation Tester. A device used to measure the insulation resistance of an electrical system. (e. g. Megger MIT1020 Insulation Tester)
Circuit Breaker Tester. A device used to test the operation of circuit breakers. (e. g. Fluke CBT350 Circuit Breaker Tester)
Non-Contact Voltage Detector. A device used to detect presence of voltage without making physical contact with the circuit. (e. g. Klein NCVT-1 Non-Contact Voltage Detector)
Screwdrivers. A device used to tighten or loosen screws in an electrical system. (e. g. Wiha 78950 Insulated Screwdriver Set)
Wrenches. A device used to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts in an electrical system. (e. g. Craftsman 9-46045 Adjustable Wrench Set)
Cable Cutters. A device used to cut cables in an electrical system. (e. g. Greenlee EK6TL Cable Cutter)
Wire Strippers. A device used to strip insulation from wires in an electrical system. (e. g. Klein 11058 Wire Stripper/Cutter)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)
National Safety Council (NSC)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)

We also have Electrical Technician, Electrical Designer, and Electrical Installer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Electrical Engineering. The application of science and mathematics to the design, analysis, and control of electrical systems.
Power Systems. Electrical systems used to generate, transmit and distribute electrical power.
Circuit Design. The process of designing electrical circuits to meet specific requirements.
Wiring. The installation of electrical components and equipment.
Troubleshooting. The process of diagnosing and resolving problems in an electrical system.
Maintenance. The regular servicing of an electrical system to ensure its continued functionality.
Electrical Safety. The practice of protecting people from hazards associated with electricity.
Electrical Codes. Regulations and standards governing the safe design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main responsibilities of an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor?

The main responsibilities of an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor include overseeing electrical maintenance personnel, ensuring safe and efficient operation of electrical equipment and systems, managing preventative maintenance programs, and troubleshooting electrical issues.

What qualifications are needed to be an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor?

To be an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor, one must have a minimum of 5 years of electrical maintenance experience, a high school diploma or GED, and knowledge of safety practices, electrical codes, and best practices.

What certifications are recommended for an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor?

It is recommended that an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor have certifications in Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.

What type of equipment does an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor work with?

An Electrical Maintenance Supervisor typically works with a wide variety of electrical equipment and systems such as motors, generators, transformers, power distribution systems, and lighting systems.

What type of environment does an Electrical Maintenance Supervisor work in?

An Electrical Maintenance Supervisor typically works in industrial settings such as factories, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. They may also work in hazardous areas that require additional safety precautions.