Instrumentation Technician

Description

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DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs skilled, technical work related to installing, troubleshooting, preventative and corrective maintenance, and repairing of metering, recording, and data logging, and control instrumentation, including electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electro-mechanical systems as found in the water and wastewater treatment plants, water wells, pump stations, water reservoirs and other Utilities related facilities; and performs related duties, as assigned.

Essential and Marginal Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Inspects, installs, repairs, maintains, calibrates, tests, and troubleshoots electrical, mechanical, and other process instrumentation, such as indicators, recorders, flow meters, transmitters, transducers, electric motors, switches, panels, lines, controls, regulators, instrumentation equipment, valve actuators, and other equipment related to the City's water and wastewater operations.
• Performs preventative maintenance, services and tests equipment, including communications and telemetry systems, SCADA, and PLC software and hardware, according to an established schedule; performs minor software adjustments.
• Inspects facilities and equipment to determine the need for major maintenance or repair; develops and maintains a schedule for preventative maintenance of instrumentation equipment.
• Installs, troubleshoots, and repairs automated telemetry equipment including calibration of input sensors such as flow meters, level transducers, pressure transducers, and other monitoring equipment.
• Calibrates equipment and instruments on a routine schedule and after repairs; makes unscheduled or emergency repairs as required.
• Reads and interprets electrical and electronic schematics, mechanical and instrumentation drawings, instrument loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and construction drawings necessary to install, service, and repair equipment in accordance with related regulations and vendor specifications.
• Uses and performs maintenance on a variety of tools, electrical, and electronic test equipment; calibrates equipment as required; assists in reading and calibrating gauges and meters used for process control.
• Assists in maintaining an inventory of materials, tools and supplies; requisitions materials as required.
• Maintains and calibrates critical equipment for facility safety, including fixed and portable as detectors, safety alarms, and the Chemical Scrubber system equipment.
• Confers with operations staff to determine equipment problems; suggests methods of minimizing such problems in an operational setting.
• Attends training and safety sessions as assigned; observes appropriate safety procedures and works to applicable codes and guidelines; makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and methods related to the electrical maintenance and repair of motors, switches, panels, lines, regulators, and related equipment and facilities used in the water and wastewater treatment facilities and the laboratory.
• Principles, practices, and methods related to the maintenance and repair of various data acquisition and control instrumentation.
• Telephone, telemetry, and SCADA equipment.
• Regulations pertaining to electrical and electronic installation, maintenance, and repairs.
• Electrical and electronic schematic diagrams.
• Principles of operation of water, wastewater, and laboratory systems.
• Principles of variable frequency drives motors, and control systems.
• The use and care of test equipment and hand and power tools common to the trade.
• Safety practices, procedures, and equipment pertaining to work in the industry, including working underground, in confined spaces, around high voltage, and around hazardous chemicals.
• Safe work methods and safety practices pertaining to the work.
• Applicable federal and state laws; City, department, and division regulations, codes, policies, and procedures.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Business arithmetic techniques.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City 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.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

• Inspect, operate, diagnose problems, and perform preventive maintenance and repair work on electronic meters and recording instruments and SCADA systems; take appropriate action when failures occur.
• Analyze work problems and make corrections that will facilitate the completion of assignments.
• Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices and interpret the information as it relates to repair and maintenance activities.
• Read and understand sketches, equipment manuals, schematic diagrams, construction drawings, and blueprints.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
• Perform a variety of support for engineering, fabricating, and design duties related to water and wastewater instrumentation systems construction, maintenance, and repair; interpret sketches and diagrams.
• Maintain manual and automated logs, records, parts inventory, reports, and charts.
• Perform work in confined spaces, following required confined space entry procedures.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, 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.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.
• Possession of a Grade I Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board is highly desirable.
• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites.
Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All City of Tracy employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the City may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a “Local Emergency” is declared during the employee’s shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a “Local Emergency” is declared outside of the employee’s shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.

The City of Tracy provides a generous benefit package to employees in the Teamsters Unit. A summary of key benefits is listed below. More information can be found in the Benefit Summary (Download PDF reader) and in the Memorandum of Understanding (Download PDF reader)between the City of Tracy and General Teamsters Local No. 439, IBT.
Health Benefits - Choice administered through Teamsters Benefit Trust - Kaiser or United Healthcare health insurance plans available after a 3 month waiting period with generous City contribution.
Dental and Vision Plans - Choice of United Healthcare, Liberty Dental, or Delta Dental plans available (Delta Dental is available after completion of 12 months of eligibility in the Trust Fund in addition to a 3 month waiting period). VSP is available for Vision coverage.
Life Insurance - Individual coverage of $30,000. Premium is fully paid by the City.
Retirement Program - CalPERS (formula dependent on hire date and member status in CalPERS). Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation programs available (MissionSquare & AIG/VALIC). The City participates in Social Security.
Paid Leave and Holidays - General vacation accrues at the rate of 96 hours per year the first year and progresses up to 192 hours per year at 16 years of service. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year with unlimited accrual. There are 14 paid holidays per year ( includes 2 floating holidays).
Dependent Care and Medical Spending Accounts - (IRS Section 125): Available to eligible employees on a voluntary basis.
Uniform Allowance - Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works Department: Provided and maintained by the City. Fire Inspector: Shirt provided, jacket provided as needed. Crime Scene Technician, Animal Services Officer, Crime Prevention Specialist, Community Service Officer, and Property/Evidence Technicians shall be paid an annual uniform allowance in the amount of $800 per year. Safety Boot Allowance: Limited reimbursement up to $190 per fiscal year.
Additional Benefits- Employee Assistance Program, AFLAC, Tool Replacement, Employee Credit Union, Direct Deposit, Scholarshare529 and Tuition Reimbursement.