What is a typical workday really like for electrical construction workers? What do they enjoy about their roles, how did they land in this industry, and what challenges do they come up against? We’re sharing insight from our team members in a new “Day In The Life” series, focused on providing a behind-the-scenes view directly from the team members who make the great work we deliver possible. First up, we’re tagging along with Josh E., Ops Coordinator Level 2. Josh’s role as an operations coordinator is critical to the success of our field crews, efficiency of project workflow and job completion, and to providing a seamless client experience.
“My day starts at 6:30 in the morning at our warehouse, checking every request list for the tools and materials needed at jobsites. There are often 100 line items per request, ranging from small tools, fire extinguishers, and cable pulling grips to electrical boxes, refrigerators, first aid kits, and more,” Josh shared. “I communicate with vendors, check lead times, place orders, schedule deliveries, and ensure that our team has everything they need to get their jobs done safely and on time.”
Josh has been a dedicated I.B. Abel team member for 13 years; he started out as a truck driver and transitioned into his current operations role roughly 5 years ago. Having traveled to a variety of jobsites, he has seen firsthand just what field crews need for electrical construction projects of all sizes. His excellent communication skills, unwavering commitment to teamwork, and capacity to respond to all requests and adapt quickly when plans change has greatly impacted our team’s ability to stay on track and progress efficiently through service work over the years.
“Some things cannot be planned for on a jobsite, and there can be changes in the job scope or due to acts of nature. Things can change day to day, and sometimes requests come in for tooling items needed the same day or next day,” said Josh. “While it can be a challenge, I am always doing my best to support the team and, most times, we’re able to successfully meet those fast turnaround requests. If vendor lead times or deliveries may take a bit longer, I know it’s important to communicate that with the Project Manager and Foreman to ensure he or she can plan accordingly. We all know that teamwork is the key to providing high-quality results for our clients, and everyone on this team cares about the end result and how our clients feel about their partnerships with us.”
“It’s rewarding to see so many different projects come together. Ultimately, our guys in the field are making it possible for a lot of people to power their large facilities or turn the lights on when they get home from work and enjoy the AC in the heat of summer. The tools to get the jobs done have evolved over the years, and I enjoy seeing how impactful I.B. Abel is to making others’ lives more comfortable.”
– Josh E.
Josh’s Advice on Exploring a Trades Career in Electrical Construction
“There is a lot of opportunity in this field – a whole field of work and multiple trades that need good people with a great work ethic. It’s been a very rewarding career here at I.B. Abel. If you’re looking into career opportunities, reach out to a local union and learn about all the different doors that could be opened within our industry.”
Join the I.B. Abel Team
From working as a lineman or an electrical engineer to a project manager or department supervisor, every I.B. Abel team member is valued and contributes a high level of skill, talent, and expertise to our electrical construction projects. Interested in a career opportunity with a trusted electrical contractor in York, PA, and serving New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and more? See how we continue to invest in our people and stay committed to our culture of excellence and learn more about current available positions to join our team. Since 1913, our company has grown to include some of the most dedicated lineman, electrical engineers, operations coordinators, electrical project managers, and more who proudly provide I.B. Abel’s range of Electrical Services, Utility Service and Maintenance, Substation Services, Automation Services, Storm Restoration Services, Data Cabling Services, and Electrical Engineering Services. Reach out to our team today or visit our Careers page!
