What are the responsibilities and job description for the Electrical and Instrumentation Technician position at City of Santa Maria, CA?

Salary : $91,125.32 - $110,763.12 Annually

Location : Santa Maria, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : FY 25-00058

Department : Utilities

Division : Utilities - Water Resources

Opening Date : 02 / 13 / 2025

Closing Date : 3 / 9 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Pacific

OPPORTUNITY

Application Closing Date :

Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 5 : 00 p.m.

Under general supervision, the Electrical and Instrumentation Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and optimizing electrical and mechanical instrumentation systems across the Utilities Department Water Resources Division including sewer and drainage collections, wastewater treatment, water distribution, water production, and water treatment. This position ensures that all electrical and control systems function effectively to deliver reliable and safe water and wastewater services to the community. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification but may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees, or projects. May be required to work an irregular work schedule, including nights and weekends.

PLEASE NOTE : THIS POSITION MAY BE SUBJECT TO STANDBY / ON-CALL SHIFTS FOR ISSUES THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE OF NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working with electrical and mechanical systems, including installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of water and wastewater equipment. Expertise in diagnosing complex issues with instrumentation, motor control systems, and SCADA / PLC / HMI systems is essential. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety will set the successful candidate apart.

REQUIRED APPLICATION SUBMITTALS

1. Online application

2. Cover letter that explains how your background and experience align with the Ideal Candidate Statement

Full Job Description :

DUTIES

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.

Identify, install, repair, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain mechanical instrumentation and electrical equipment for water, wastewater, and stormwater processes, including process measurement devices (level, flow, pH, temperature, pressure, chemical dosing); high and low voltage electrical equipment Motor Control Centers (MCCs), AC / DC motors, transformers, power panels); and motor control devices (Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), adjustable speed drives, relays, and timers.

Diagnose and resolve issues with electrical and electronic systems, including panel wiring and communication equipment (radio, cellular, ethernet), ensuring accurate readings and systems performance.

Configure, program, and maintain Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and Human Machine Interface (HMI) devices, including interface design and the integration of new devices and resolution of communication issues.

Perform and document scheduled preventive maintenance and calibrations on all relevant equipment.

Lead the development and implementation of a Preventive Maintenance Program for electrical and instrumentation systems.

Troubleshoot and configure Internet Protocol (IP) networks, ensuring reliable data transmission and system integration.

Provide technical assistance to City staff and collaborate with the Information Technology and Engineering Divisions on system design, implementation, and troubleshooting.

Maintain accurate system documentation, including as-built drawings and P&IDs,

while adhering to safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Oversee training for City staff on new systems and supervise contract employees performing installations and repairs.

Respond to night and weekend emergency calls as assigned.

Individual Contributor

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance ( See the full definition of ) :

Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.

Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.

Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.

Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange and the competitive advantage it brings. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information, even across great distances. They take responsibility for ensuring that their people have the current and accurate information needed for success.

Initiative - Effective performers are proactive and take action without being prompted. They do not wait to be told what to do or when to do it. They see a need, take responsibility, and act on it. They make things happen.

Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.

Functional / Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.

Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.

Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.

Drive / Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ideally, two years of experience troubleshooting, designing, installing, calibrating, operating, and maintaining electrical and mechanical instrumentation control systems, preferably within a water or wastewater facility; and

Graduation from an accredited college or university in industrial technology, instrumentation, computer science, or a related field; or

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and an equivalent combination of experience and training sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Current technical / professional knowledge of principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession including :

Knowledge of electrical systems, mechanical instrumentation, control systems, and automation, including PLCs and SCADA.

Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).

Effective use of computers and other office equipment.

Required licenses and / or certifications associated with the assignment :

Valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical & Instrumentation Technologist Grade 1 certificate is required within 12 months of hire date and is a condition of passing probation.

Desired licenses and / or certifications associated with the assignment :

Current certification in mechanical instrumentation, such as the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) issued by the International Society of Automation (ISA); or National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET); or similar credentials.

Current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification or other relevant safety certification.

SELECTION PROCESS

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Possession of a valid and appropriate Driver License. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driving record and meet City liability requirements to drive for City business.

Completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.

The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the job class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

May require completion of a pre-employment physical to the satisfaction of the City.

Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

APPLICATION RANKING

The application packet will consist of the online application and cover letter. If a cover letter is not submitted, your application will be considered incomplete.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications of the recruitment will be placed on an eligibility list. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their complete application packet. The Hiring Department will schedule interviews with certain candidates once the eligibility list has been finalized.

If you are experiencing any technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, call the NEOGOV helpline for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.

The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at

Retirement

The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.

Health Insurance

Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2 / 3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Employee Assistance Program

The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.

Wellness Program

Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work. Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.

Mentorship Program

This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants' leadership skills and promote professional growth.

Succession Planning

The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.

Deferred Compensation

Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.

The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).

Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)

Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.

Holidays

The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employee's discretion.

Vacation

The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.

Sick Leave

Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.

Management Leave

Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.

Educational Incentive Program

In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.

Tuition Reimbursement

Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.

Auto Allowance

Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.

Telephone / PDA Stipend

Management level employees may receive a telephone and / or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.

Bilingual Pay

Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his / her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

How many years of experience do you have working with electrical and instrumentation systems, particularly in water or wastewater facilities?

I do not have any experience

Less than 12 months

1-2 years

3-5 years

6-9 years

10 or more years

Do you currently hold a valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical & Instrumentation Technologist Grade I certificate?

I am currently enrolled in a course to obtain this certificate.

Did you graduate from an accredited college or university with a degree in industrial technology, instrumentation, computer science, or a related field? If No, please describe your relevant experience and training that qualifies you for this position.

This position requires being available for standby / on-call shifts for issues that occur outside of normal business hours. Are you able to meet this requirement?

Required Question

Salary : $91,125 - $110,763

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