Controls Technician I/Ii (Reclamation Plant Maintenance)

CLOSING DATE & TIME:  Open until filled with first review of resumes on January 17, 2024.

SALARY:  

• Controls Technician I:  Range 214 - $39.93 - $49.72 Hourly; $6,921.16 - $8,618.59 Monthly*
• Controls Technician II: Range 217 - $46.22 - $57.56 Hourly; $8,010.80 - $9,976.54 Monthly*

*Salary indicated is effective 12/31/23 and is dependent upon years of experience.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under immediate  (Technician I) to general (Technician II) supervision, the Controls Technician for Eastern Municipal Water District performs a wide variety of skilled duties in the design, development, installation, modification, maintenance and repair of industrial electrical and electronic control systems, plant control systems, RF and fiber optic-based telecommunication systems used in water and wastewater systems and facilities; tests and calibrates a diverse range of electronic control system equipment, devices, and components; and performs related duties, as assigned.

Employees in this classification are subject to on-call, which may include rotating-duty schedule, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:  

• Controls Technician I:  This is the entry-level classification in the Controls Technician series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine a variety of skilled duties in maintaining and repairing electronic systems control equipment, devices and components.  As experience is gained assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently.  Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Controls Technician II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. 

• Controls Technician II:  This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Controls Technician series responsible for performing the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.  The Controls Technician II class is distinguished from the Senior Controls Technician level in that the latter class performs the more complex work assigned to the series, such providing technical and functional direction over lower-level staff.

EMWD Benefits Summary

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EMWD’s mission is to deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable services. 

EMWD is a leader in sustainability efforts that provide long-term benefits to the environment and establishes EMWD as an industry front-runner in adapting to climate change. We have invested in solar energy programs that provide significant environmental benefits, are modernizing our fleet vehicles to be further reliant on clean energy, and have a long-term strategic priority to further reduce our carbon footprint while reducing financial impacts to customers.

KNOWLEDGE OF: 

• A diverse range of communications protocols used in the industry.
• Methods and techniques of configuring communication between devices such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Remote Telemetry Units (RTU), and field devices.
• Principles, techniques and theory of radio telecommunication, radio wave propagation, test equipment, and tools used in installing, servicing, and repairing various electronic equipment.
• Practices, methods, techniques, tools and equipment used in the design, installation, testing, calibration, maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic equipment devices, and components, including those utilized in process control.
• Basic construction knowledge and experience with industrial power design, including medium and low voltage electrical power distribution, motor control, VFDs, lighting systems, equipment layout, and related activities.
• Operating characteristics of electronic components, including programmable logic controllers, feedback devices, variable frequency drives and operator interface programs, microprocessor controls.
• Electrical and electronic shop procedures and practices.
• Scientific mathematics associated with process controls.
• Codes, ordinances and regulations pertaining to the work.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

ABILITY TO: 

• Test, diagnose, program, modify, calibrate and repair a wide variety of electrical and electronic instrumentation devices, motors, machinery and equipment.
• Use modern, state-of-the-art precision and diagnostic instruments to test, calibrate, and repair complex electrical and electronic devices and equipment.
• Work on or around hazardous chemical containment areas on dosing and metering equipment, leak detection equipment, and analyzers.
• Acquire, interpret, and apply Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to identify hazards and select appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Apply electronic theory, principles of electrical circuits, electrical testing procedures, engineering mathematics, physics, and related knowledge to layout, build, test, troubleshoot, and repair production equipment.
• Identify and implement effective courses of action to complete assigned work.
• Read and interpret plans, specifications and manuals.
• Coordinate work assignments with other divisions or departments.
• Operate and maintain scrubber and chlorine leak detector equipment, radio-based and fiber-optic telemetry and associated hardware and software equipment.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EXPERIENCE: 

• Controls Technician I: Two (2) years of experience in the design, installation, maintenance and repair of complex electrical and electronic equipment and devices common to a large waterworks system and wastewater treatment plant. 

• Controls Technician II: Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the design, installation, maintenance and repair of complex electrical and electronic equipment and devices common to a large waterworks system and wastewater treatment plant, or two (2) years as a Controls Technician I with the District.

EDUCATION: 

• Controls Technician I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Specialized technical training in electronics and/or electrical technologies is desirable.   Completion of a recognized electrical apprenticeship program such as those offered by IBEW-NECA, ABC, WECA or the United States Armed Forces is desirable. 

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: 

• A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• CWEA Electrical/Instrumentation certification is desired.