Electrical/Instrumentation Technician I/II

The Operations & Maintenance Department
The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Department is responsible for operating the Water Authority's aqueduct delivery system; ensuring facility security and emergency preparedness; and maintaining and managing the fleet and various other assets. Specifically, the department controls water deliveries to meet member agency demands; manages dam and reservoir operations; ensures water quality; oversees water treatment plant and power generation operations; maintains all vehicles and heavy equipment; provides electro-mechanical support; implements the Asset Management Program (AMP); complies with all applicable environmental regulations; and develops and manages computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and system maintenance programs.

The Operations Technology Division
The Operations Technology division maintains the electrical, electronic, instrumentation, SCADA and communication systems, associated with the Water Authority aqueduct delivery system. Routine work consists of maintenance and repair of instrumentation and controls associated with the SCADA system; radio, fiber optic, and frame relay data communication systems; 600 Volt electrical equipment; system integration, and networked communications equipment. All meters used for revenue and process control are calibrated at least two times a year to verify accuracy. The section also provides design and construction support for Capital Improvement Projects and technical assistance to the Aqueduct Protection Program.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have expertise in the practices, methods, and techniques for maintaining and repairing electrical and electronic operational controls, data recording instruments, and pump control equipment. They should be familiar with industrial control systems such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and SCADA systems, with demonstrated experience working with networked communications equipment and devices typical of a large waterworks system.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong manual dexterity and the ability to interpret technical manuals or drawings to complete repairs accurately.
• Proficiency in independently performing basic instrumentation and electrical repairs, troubleshooting issues, and conducting preventive maintenance.
• A systematic, analytical approach to problem-solving, capable of identifying root causes of malfunctions.
• A strong commitment to adhering to safety protocols.
• Effective communication skills for conveying technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical staff.
• Strong documentation skills for recording repairs and maintenance activities thoroughly.

The Electrical/Instrumentation Technician I/II carries out skilled journey-level tasks involving the design, construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of diverse electrical and electronic control systems, supervisory control systems, plant control systems, fiber optic telecommunication systems, field networked communication systems, and associated equipment and devices used in the Water Authority's aqueduct pipeline system and facilities.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Electrical/Instrumentation Technician I is the entry-level class in the Electrical/Instrumentation Technician series. Initially under direct supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of skilled, journey-level duties in the design, construction, installation, testing, calibration, maintenance and repair of electronic systems and industrial electrical equipment such as metering, display, and data recording instrumentation; process controllers; programmable logic controllers; radio, telephone and fiber optic voice and data communication systems; medium and low voltage electrical and electronic circuits, motors, generators and transformers; electrical metering equipment; valve and pump motor controls; supervisory control systems, water quality instrumentation equipment; and other equipment, devices, systems and machinery used in a large, state-of-the-art aqueduct pipeline system. Incumbents are expected to work independently, performing journey-level duties in one of the classification's primary duty categories (industrial electrical construction, maintenance and repair; instrumentation; communications; electronic systems installation, maintenance and repair), and learn and perform the remaining class duty categories under the direction of the supervisor and other technicians.

Electrical/Instrumentation Technician II is the journey-level class in the Electrical/Instrumentation Technician series. Under general supervision, incumbents perform the full range of assigned duties in all of the primary duty categories. This class differs from the lower-level class in the skill level required and the complexity of assigned projects based on knowledge of the Water Authority's equipment, systems, standards and procedures. This class is distinguished from the Senior Electrical/Instrumentation Technician in that the latter is the advanced journey-level class in the series responsible for performing the more difficult and complex assignments in the section's primary duty categories as well as responsibility for training other section personnel. Assignments vary, encompass a variety of tasks, seldom require detailed instructions, and require sound judgment and initiative.

For further details regarding the duties, responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for each class specification, please click on the following links:

Electrical/Instrumentation Technician I
Electrical/Instrumentation Technician II

Working Hours and Schedule: Employees assigned to work at the Escondido office work a 4/10 schedule, Monday – Thursday, during normal business hours. Normal business hours are 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. A typical example of qualifying education and experience would be:

Electrical/Instrumentation Technician I: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by two years of journey-level experience in the design, installation, maintenance and repair of complex electrical and electronic equipment and devices common to a large water works.
 
Electrical/Instrumentation Technician II:  Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by one year of experience equivalent to the Electrical/Instrumentation Technician I position.

Licenses and Other Requirements

• A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• A valid State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate D-1 is required for the Electrical/Instrumentation Technician II position.
• A valid State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate D-2 is highly desirable.

The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.  The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. 

Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.  

Salary : $82,060 - $110,361