It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

February 21, 2025

Compensation Details:

Hiring Range

33.84 - 49.07

This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

BMEA (20 Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Plant Instrumentation and Controls Technician (Wastewater)
Under general supervision, to install, maintain, revise, and repair electrical, controls, and instrumentation equipment related to the Boulder Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) and Boulder Lift Station (LS) and perform related duties as required.

Job Description:

Plant Instrumentation and Controls Technician (Wastewater)       

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs maintenance, repair, and calibration tasks on treatment plant electronic and electrical operating systems, instrumentation, switch gear, and related equipment. This includes the following:

• Uses logical troubleshooting techniques to identify and locate problems.
• Repairs and/or replaces instrumentation equipment as needed. May revise existing equipment and update associated documentation.
• Assists in monitoring process control systems using diagnostic software.
• Tests new and repaired equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Develops and maintains a thorough calibration/maintenance schedule of process/system instrumentation, and then performs the required instrumentation calibration and maintenance to ensure accuracy of the instrumentation.
• Maintains and revises control panels, programmable controllers, and related input and output equipment.
• Installs, maintains, repairs, and calibrates various detectors, alarms, analyzers, and sensors for flow, level, pressure, and other process elements such as temperature, pH, and nutrients.
• Inspects, maintains, and repairs electrical, electronic, and telemetry equipment associated with remote facilities.
• Remains generally alert to conditions and events occurring at the WRRF and LS indicating anticipated or needed repairs and makes related recommendations.

Responsible for record keeping related to instrumentation and controls equipment and tasks

• Maintains records of problems encountered, work performed, and parts and materials used. Maintains inventory of parts and accessories, utilizing the Computerized Maintenance Management System software.
• Assists in the preparation of labor and materials estimates, reviews bids, and assists in overseeing contracted services.

Assists in training the operations and maintenance staff in proper use and care of electrical and electronic equipment, instrumentation, and awareness of associated safety concerns.

Other:

• Occasionally works irregular hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays to respond to time critical instrumentation and controls issues.
• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.
• Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Required to wear protective safety gear and use safety equipment. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
• Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies; participating in professional trainings and development; and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.
• Conducts job duties with a continuing awareness of the environmental implications of decisions and a focus on providing municipal services in a sustainable manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional Competencies:
  • As a member of the Water Treatment Maintenance team, supports the efforts of a several work groups within the larger customer service-oriented Utilities group and provides technical and mechanical support in a collaborative manner to foster teamwork and coordination within and across the Water Treatment, Water Resources, and Water Quality teams. 
  • Organized – Proactively and effectively plans and executes work in a timely fashion and follows-through to meet deadlines associated with the City’s water-related electrical, I&C, and mechanical needs.
  • Technically proficient – Highly-skilled and proficient at troubleshooting, performing system analyses, and generating reports using a variety of computational tools, diagnostic equipment, and unique enterprise software. 
  • Strong communicator – Distills highly technical information to provide written and verbal updates and presentations in both technical and lay terms, and consistently communicates system status & updates with all staff.
  • Supportive teammate – Is kind, supportive, and professional in working with others. Recognizes the importance of collaboration and strives to build lasting relationships with other city employees and community members. Is socially perceptive, modeling consideration and tact while maintaining focus on tasks at hand. Comfortable with managing through conflict and differences of opinion. Willingly partners with and supports all Water Treatment, Water Resources, Water Quality, and other staff to evaluate system needs and provide innovative solutions with a positive attitude. Invested in ensuring wider Utilities team success.
  • Flexible, innovative, and engaged – Quickly adapts to changing circumstances and priorities to identify and suggest creative resolutions to unique problems.  Driven to perpetually improve all facets of system performance.
  • Strongly aligns with City’s Vision and Values – Customer service, Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Innovation.

• Knowledge of industrial electrical equipment up to 480 VAC. Knowledge of industrial networking standards and practices, including proper cabling techniques.
• Computer skills including knowledge of current Microsoft operating systems and domain networking fundamentals, and Microsoft desktop applications. Ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Experience demonstrating verbal and written communications skills.
• Experience demonstrating organizational, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work in and around equipment, in areas of limited access, elevated structures, and confined spaces requiring standing, walking, lifting, bending, and kneeling. Knowledge of industry safety standards, regulations, and equipment.
• Ability to complete and update First Aid and CPR Training and certification on an annual basis.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working at a water/wastewater treatment facility.
• Experience working with ladder logic diagrams. ISA Certified Control Systems Technician Certification.
• Knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Colorado Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXERIENCE

• Related education (examples include: Associate's degree in Electronics, Instrumentation, Process Control), or related licenses/certificates (examples include: Journeyman Electrician’s license, or certificates in a related field)
• Five (5) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of industrial process control instrumentation, or similar automation/communication systems, or an equivalent combination of education or experience.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Plant Process Automation Manager

Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

• Physical and Mental Effort: Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an indoor and outdoor environment. Ability to work in odorous, dirty conditions associated with a Wastewater Treatment Facility. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to work in an industrial setting. Work will include periods of time viewing a computer monitor and operating a keyboard. Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, and changing priorities and conditions.
• Work Environment: Works primarily in an industrial environment. Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. May work in permit required confined spaces that require ventilation and other measures to protect against dangerous gases and fumes.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Precision and non-precision hand and power tools, computers, electronic test devices, measuring devices, telephone, photocopy machine, facsimile machine, calculator, and City vehicle.

Additional Job Description:

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.