Instrumentation Control and Electrical Technician

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to perform a variety of specialized skilled electrical and electronic work in the maintenance, operations, and repair of the City's electrical water, wastewater, main sewers and storm drain systems, including instrumentation, controllers and control panels, SCADA System (Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition) and electrical systems and equipment; and to perform related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a specialized skilled trade classification for performing electrical and electronics work at City water, wastewater, main sewers and storm drain facilities and systems. Employees in this classification may also be assigned to duties in one of several other divisions of the Public Works Department.

REPORTS TO

Assigned supervisory and/or management staff.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

Some work coordination and training may be provided for other staff assigned to electrical, electronic maintenance projects, instrumentation, programmable logic controllers (PLC), and human machine interface (HMI) operations.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

* Maintain, test, calibrate, repair, inspect, implement, modify, and operate electronic and computerized control systems, SCADA system, and electrical equipment and systems to verify proper operations and identify maintenance and repair requirements.
* Install and mount instrumentation systems including electronics, instrumentation control, telemetry, and a variety of other systems; inspect installed systems to assure proper operation.
* Perform specialized electronic PLC testing and diagnosis on computerized control systems and instrumentation.
* Perform a variety of maintenance, repair, and construction assignments.
* Operate a variety of hand and power tools, specialized electrical testing and calibration equipment, computerized testing equipment, and PLCs.
* Repair, replace, and maintain electrical systems, and electrical parts and components including pumps, lift stations, control panels, generators, circuit breakers, transformers, switches, control panels, alarms, motors, wires, PLCs, HMIs, high voltage electrical switchgear, lighting, receptacles, instruments, pumps, variable frequency drives (VFD), and touchscreens; lay conduit.
* Read and interpret drawings, blueprints, schematics, electrical diagrams and PLC ladder logic for a variety of wastewater or water systems; estimate time and materials for assigned projects.
* Order and maintain inventory of required parts and components, supplies, and materials for maintenance and repair projects.
* Carry out preventive maintenance programs; plan and initiate repair, modification, and upgrade projects.
* Record and verify accuracy of flow, temperature, pressure and other measuring, recording and transmitting devices.
* Modify and repair instrumentation systems, equipment and components, both in the field and in the shop.
* Diagnose, troubleshoot, update and repair malfunctioning systems and equipment, calibration problems and other measuring, recording and transmitting device failures.
* Maintain efficient records on operations and activities; maintain calibration, configuration control, preventative maintenance, and system integrity records required by internal and external directives; coordinate and prepare a variety of reports.
* Perform lockout/tagout duties in accordance with approved policies and procedures.
* Respond to emergency repair calls.
* Program, maintain, and operate radio and cellular telemetry SCADA communication systems.
* Provide guidance and direction to other staff assigned to assist with electrical and PLC electronic maintenance, repair, modification and update projects.
* Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Principles of electronics, computerized instrumentation, and a variety of water, wastewater, main sewers and storm drain facility control panels.

Principles, methods, and practices pertaining to electrical maintenance and repair work.

Electrical, electronic, and computerized testing and calibration equipment.

Pump motors and lift station electrical maintenance and repair.

Record keeping and reporting procedures.

Practices, tools, equipment, and materials used in the electrical and electronic trades.

Principles and methods of preventive maintenance programs.

Safe work practices and procedures.

PLC programming and ladder logic.

HMI programs and networking.

Fiber Optics installation and repair.

VPD programming, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair.

Installation, setup, and operation of telemetry systems, cellular communication systems, and SCADA systems.

Principles and practices of water distribution and water treatment.

Occupational hazards, standard safety practices and applicable electrical codes including Cal-OSHA safety regulations.

Technical operation and maintenance of modern electronic devices.

Operating characteristics of electronic components.

Principles and practices of instrumentation calibration, alignment, and configuration procedures.

Treatment plant requirements and permits.

Ability to:

Perform a wide scope of assignments in electrical, electronic, and computerized control PLC system problem identification, maintenance, and repairs.

Provide training and guidance for others assigned to electrical and electronic projects.

Inspect electrical and special water, wastewater, sewer and storm drain facility equipment and systems for proper and safe operating conditions.

Skillfully use a variety of hand and power tools and specialized testing equipment in the maintenance, testing, and repair of electrical equipment, electronic components, and computerized systems.

Read, interpret and understand technical manuals, electronic schematics, blueprints, drawings, and diagrams.

Plan and execute repair, maintenance, and installation of controls and equipment.

Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.

Maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports.

Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Specialized training in electronics and computerized control PLC, HMI, and fiber optic systems is desirable.

Experience:

Three years of experience in performing a variety of electrical and electronic trades testing, maintenance, and repair work, including experience in working with municipal water, wastewater, main sewers or storm drain facilities and associated equipment.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate California Driver License.

Possession of, or ability to obtain a Grade II or higher Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist certificate from the CWEA.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in a wastewater treatment plant, testing and repair shop, and outdoor environments; exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions; exposure to noise, hazardous materials, toxic chemicals, grease, smoke, gases, and fumes; exposure to hazards such as moving machine parts and electrical current; work in or around water; continuous contact with other staff.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a wastewater treatment plant, testing and repair shop, and outdoor environment; occasionally sit and frequently stand, walk, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movements; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to lift and move objects with assistance weighing up to 90 pounds; ability to climb a stationary ladder a minimum of 150 vertical feet; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use a variety of hand, power, and testing equipment used in the electrical trade, electronics, and computerized control systems; use a computer and telephone.