Electrical and Instrumentation Technician

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***

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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.  

Salary : $91,125 - $110,763