Instrumentation Technician

Open Until Filled
Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis, and qualified candidates may be invited to interview as applications are received. One position is available.

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, performs installation, maintenance and/or repair of instrumentation and electrical systems and equipment; provides electrical or instrumentation troubleshooting in emergency situations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Instrumentation Technician is a journey level technical class responsible for performing the full range of activities associated with installing, maintaining and/or repairing electrical systems and instrumentation equipment. This classification is distinguished from the next higher class of Electrical & Instrumentation Control Supervisor by the latter’s responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of all assigned electrical and technical service activities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The position receives general direction from W/WW Operations Superintendent or a designated supervisor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Instrumentation Technician may exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following examples.

• Installs, inspects, maintains, repairs, calibrates and/or tests electrical, pneumatic, electronic instrumentation systems and components utilized in water and wastewater facilities; troubleshoots equipment malfunctions in order to determine necessary repair; modifies existing equipment to increase efficiency and effectiveness or to decrease equipment failure.
• Performs installation, maintenance and repair for programmable logic controllers, remote terminal units, control data acquisition systems, electronic control instruments.
• Designs, programs, installs and maintains the SCADA supervisory and sensory control system and water quality testing equipment.
• Installs conduit and pulls wires for telemetry equipment, recorders, alarm systems, lighting fixtures and other such purposes; performs excavation work (e.g., shovels dirt and/or moves concrete to reach buried line), plumbing associated with the installation/repair of electrical/electronic systems and equipment.
• Maintains and repairs tools and equipment used in work; purchases and maintains inventory of supplies needed in specific work assignments.
• Computes load balancing computations on a variety of electrical circuits; makes preliminary and post-construction drawings of equipment modifications and new installations.
• Assists mechanical maintenance staff in learning basic electrical/instrumentation system maintenance and repair.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Any equivalent combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience as a journey level instrumentation technician.

Technical training in basic electrical, electronic and pneumatic instrumentation.

Education:

Equivalent to a high school diploma.

License/Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license and a driving record acceptable for insurability.

CWEA Electrical/Instrumentation certification is desired.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The following are a representative sample of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, techniques and safety considerations of instrumentation and electrical system installation, maintenance, operation, testing and repair.
• National Electrical Code.
• Use and operation of electrical/electronic measuring and testing devices as well as tools and equipment used in electrical installation, maintenance and repair.
• Load calculation practices.
• Electrical system and instrumentation troubleshooting techniques.
• Techniques and practices of construction/equipment modification drawing.
• Methods of preventive maintenance applicable to electrical systems.
• Electrical systems.
• Preventive maintenance requirements of electrical and instrumentation systems, power system survey and practices.
• Method of determining electrical capacity/efficiency.
• Inventory practices.
• Time and material cost methods.
• Operational design review practices.
• Electrical system design and modification practices and methods.
• Safe work practices associated with water/wastewater operations.
• DOS operating systems and water/wastewater unit treatment processes.

Ability to:

• Inspect, test and maintain electrical/electronic and pneumatic instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions.
• Prepare cost estimates and routine work reports.
• Comply with safety practices.
• Perform mathematical calculations.
• Prepare circuit drawings.
• Read, interpret and work from blueprints, maps, drawings, plans, specifications, technical illustrations and wiring diagrams.
• Understand computer language, DOS operating systems and water/wastewater unit treatment processes.
• Assist others in mechanical maintenance and painting trades work.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Follow safe work practices.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Maintain accurate records and document actions taken.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties.  The position also requires near, far and color vision when inspecting and working with electrical wiring and/or operating equipment.  The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds is also required.  Additionally, the incumbent in this position may work in outside weather conditions including wet, hot and cold.  The incumbent may use cleaning and lubricating chemicals which may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants.  The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with constant interruptions. Incumbents may be exposed to and work in/around sewer influent and wastewater effluent and may be required to enter confined spaces which may involve wearing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.