Electrical Controls Technician (New Embassy Compound)

Job description

About

Announcement Number:

LUSAKA-2026-019

Hiring Agency:

Embassy Lusaka

Position Title:

Electrical Controls Technician (New Embassy Compound) (All Interested Applicants/All Sources)

Open Period:

09/02/2026 – 09/18/2026Format MM/DD/YYYY

Vacancy Time Zone:

GMT+2

Series/Grade:

LE – 1210 7

Salary:

ZMW ZK242,848.78 – ZMW ZK242,848.78 /Per Year

Work Schedule:

Full-time – Full time, 40 hours per week

Promotion Potential:

LE-7

Duty Location(s):

1 Vacancy in Lusaka, ZA

Telework Eligible:

No

For More Info:

 Jane Lialabi
260-211-357000
HRLusaka@state.gov

Overview

Hiring Path:

• Open to the public

Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:

This position is open to:
•  All Interested Applicants / All Sources

For USEFM – FP grade is FP-08.  Actual FP salary authorized by Washington D.C.

Security Clearance Required:

Public Trust – Background Investigation

Appointment Type

Permanent

Appointment Type Details:

Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary period

Marketing Statement:

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):  The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Summary:

The U.S. Mission in Zambia is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the Electrical Controls Technician  in the Facilities Management Section.

Supervisory Position:

No

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed:

No

Travel Required:

Not Required

Duties

The incumbent is employed as an Electrical Controls Technician to carry out skilled maintenance and repair work throughout the New Embassy Compound (NEC) on critical and non-critical electrical components within the functional/office buildings, on-compound ancillary support and residential buildings, above and below ground infrastructures, recreational facilities, and other owned/leased properties.
1. Operations & Maintenance Support 
A. Maintains and operates the Electrical Power Control System and other building electrical systems. Included, but not limited to, emergency generator controls, fire alarm control, automatic transfer switches, relay controls, programmable control systems for switchgear, medium voltage transformers and motor control centers.
B. Assists the Building Automation System Engineering Technician (BASET) in the production of computer-generated reports from the Building Automation System.
C. Performs preventive maintenance on the Electrical Power Control System and related components to maintain system operation and reliability to ensure uninterrupted power to critical and non-critical facilities, equipment, and systems. Responds to scheduled, unscheduled and preventive maintenance work orders; completes work orders within the pre-determined service standards time frame; documents materials and labor used to complete each work order and returns completed work orders to the Work Order Clerk for data-entry and closeout.
D. Inspects, tests, evaluates, calibrates, and updates Electrical Power Control Systems and wiring to improve reliability and to assure dependability, safety, and compliance. Inspects facilities; equipment; systems; and work of local/regional vendors and Building Maintenance Expense (BME) service contractors to determine the condition of facilities, safe operation of equipment, quality and safety of work, and scheduled maintenance. Provides routine and emergency condition inspections, as required by the manufacturers operations and maintenance plan, on all systems and advises the Supervisory Building Engineer and Senior Facility Manager in writing of existing and developing problems and makes recommendations for the course of action required to bring equipment and components back to the designed operating parameters.
E. Ensures proper use of time, tools, specialty diagnostic devices, materials, and parts; provides data on all completed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance task including spares utilized and those remaining in the inventory, and other consumables. Orders replacement materials and parts to maintain an adequate supply for future servicing and repairs.
F. Respond to emergency calls during off-duty hours, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week (24/7), when critical systems have stopped functioning, or there is an imminent threat to the life safety of personnel, or structure integrity.
2. Maintenance and Project Support 
A. Assists in analyzing the performance of the Electrical Power Generation and Distribution Systems, obtaining, and documenting critical performance data which will include, but not be limited to, comparing current and historical data on power, fuel, and water consumption, temperature and pressure measurements, and systems performance verses design requirements using the host of key performance indicators. The incumbent will review reports and logs generated by other tradesman to help formulate the systems performance analysis.
B. Assists in the preparation of Statements of Work (SOW) and other construction documents for repairs, new construction, and renovation work.  Monitors contractors work to ensure they are providing products and services per the terms and conditions of the contract. Assists in developing punch lists, testing, and inspections as required to ensure acceptable quality in both services and construction work and assists Facility Management Locally Employed (LE) Staff in the performance of in-house projects.
C. Assists in providing guidance and training in the correct operation of equipment, proper use of diagnostic devices and materials used to complete required maintenance activities, general operations, and future expansion projects.
D. Assists in the development and implementation of a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for electrical generation and distribution systems, equipment, branch circuit wiring, and associated electrical components and control devices when new structures or equipment are brought online or re-commissioned after a being overhauled.
3. Logistic Support
A. Contributes to the safety program managed by the Post Occupational Safety Health Officer.
B. Remains current on job specific expertise through various sources to keep abreast of the latest technological developments and products to improve system and equipment reliability.
C. Collateral duty assignments will be at the discretion of the Supervisory Building Engineer or the Senior Facility Manager.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a:

• • security certificate; or

• • Public Trust security clearance.

All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam.
Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time 6 weeks upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Education Requirements:

Completion of secondary school is required and/or successful completion of specialized vocational training program from an accredited institute recognized as producing journeyman level electricians and mechanical system specialist trained in the maintenance of commercial or industrial buildings/facilities is required. A portion of the training must be in Electrical Controls and Automated Systems Technology.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Education.

Evaluations:

You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement.
You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
You must complete the application form and provide the required documents.  Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed.  If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

Qualifications:

Experience:

A minimum of three (3) years’ experience working at the journey-level in the installation, repair, and maintenance of commercial building electrical systems including power generation and distribution systems, grounding, and digital building controls and automated systems. Work experience must show a progression of increased responsibility, and the ability to repair complex equipment, components, and systems.

The three (3) years’ experience should include a minimum of two (2) years’ work experience operating and maintaining 3 phase electrical equipment with ampere ratings of 1600 Amps or higher. Must have a career path that demonstrates increased levels of responsibility working on complex equipment, control circuits, and building automation systems.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.

Language

Good working knowledge of English (written/speaking/reading) is required.

Please address this language requirement in your ERA application. 

Job Knowledge

The incumbent is required to know electrical theory, ohms law, how to size electrical equipment including generators, transformers, motor starters, feeder and branch circuit wiring, circuit breakers and other electrical equipment/components, and how to use the various test instruments to analyze and repair electrical problems. Must know how to diagnose the root cause of an electrical problem and what materials and equipment will be needed to facilitate repairs. Must know how to work safely on electrical components including the use of lock-out / tag-out safety measure. The incumbent must have detailed technical knowledge of electrical control systems and how control systems interface with other operating systems. His/her knowledge base must be equipment specific with all makes and models of the installed electrical systems, power generation and distribution equipment, switchgear, and mechanical equipment. Must have a very good technical understanding of major building electrical/mechanical systems and equipment with a specialty in controls. Knowledge of International Building Code standards including electrical and mechanical requirements, and fire and life safety codes is required.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.

Skills And Abilities

The incumbent must be able to read and interpret electrical drawings, riser diagrams, wiring schematics, various equipment schedules, operations and maintenance manuals, and other construction documents. The incumbent shall have skills and abilities in the following areas: testing electrical components and taking equipment readings with various meters, hand tools, power tools, and specialty tools to determine the root cause of a problem, and the appropriate repairs. Must be able to use tools of the trade to install, troubleshoot, and repair building electrical controls, automated systems, and all associated components and devices. Additional skills include working with emergency standby generator systems; distinguishing frequencies and sounds, color codes and odors in the operation of equipment to troubleshoot for repairs. Must have substantial skill in comprehending engineering reports, specifications, and related materials in English. Additional abilities include responding to emergency situations in an efficient and timely manner to effect immediate repairs; work in various adverse conditions such as tight or enclosed spaces, working on ladders at various heights, and working in temperature extremes, indoors or outdoors, to complete work assignments; communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, contractors, and vendors to obtain and provide pertinent information. Must be computer literate, able to use the Microsoft Office Suite software including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point; able to draft reports and create spreadsheets, and able to write e-mails and research information on the Internet. A valid driver’s license is required. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to handle a large workload and multiple tasks. Must be organized.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.

Benefits and Other Info

Benefits:

Agency Benefits:

The U.S. Mission offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for local employees.

For Eligible Family Member (EFM) applicants, benefits should be discussed with the HR Office. The pay plan is assigned by the HR Office and confirmed by Washington, D.C.

Other Information:

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: 

A hiring preference is extended to eligible and qualified applicants in the order listed below.  It is essential you accurately describe your status in your application, failure to do so may result in a determination that you are not eligible for a hiring preference.

HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER

1. 1. Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM) / U.S. citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*

1. 1. AEFM / USEFM

1. 1. Foreign Service (FS) on Leave without Pay (LWOP) and Civil Service (CS) with reemployment rights **

* IMPORTANT:  US citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”) preferably Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs which indicates the present existence of a service-connected disability, equivalent documentation, or certification.  A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service.  Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.

** This level of preference applies to all FS employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.

For complete definitions of AEFM, USEFM, EFM, Member of Household, etc., please visit the 3 FAM 7210 Definitions.

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS

The following apply to EFMs, USEFMs, and AEFMs only

• • Current employees who used a hiring preference to gain employment who are within their first 90 calendar days of employment are not eligible. This does not apply when the hiring mechanism is TEMP or the work schedule is intermittent or irregular.

• • Candidates with a hiring preference who have already accepted a conditional offer of employment may NOT be extended a second conditional offer of employment unless and until they withdraw their candidacy for the first position in writing.

The following apply to Locally Employed (LE) staff only

• • Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible.

• • Current employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement, Unsatisfactory, or an MBC score of less than 100 points on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible.

How to Apply

How to Apply:

Click the “Apply to This Vacancy” button at the top of the page to begin your application.  For an instructional video on how to apply click here.

Please address all relevant experience, education, language skills (including English), and job related skills or requirements in your application.

You may edit your application any time before the vacancy closing date. If you fail to submit a complete application by the vacancy closing date of this vacancy, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

For a copy of the complete position description, please contact the HR Office.

To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the HR Office.

Required Documents:

Please upload all applicable documents to your application. If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

All Applicants

• • Residency Permit (if applicable)

• • Work Permit (if applicable)

• • University Degree (if applicable)

• • University Transcript (if applicable)

• • Language Scores (if applicable)

• • Driver’s License (if applicable)

• • Certificate (if applicable)

• • Professional License (if applicable)

In addition, Eligible Family Member (EFM) Applicants must submit

• • Copy of Sponsor’s Travel Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)

• • Passport copy

• • DD-214 – Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)

• SF-50 (if applicable)