Electrical Instrumentation Technician
Santa Margarita Water District
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Santa Margarita Water District is seeking an experienced Electrical Instrumentation Technician to perform maintenance, calibration, and repair of motors, telemetry, SCADA systems and PLCs across water, recycled water, and wastewater facilities.
The role requires journey-level electrical expertise, ability to work safely from 24 VDC to 4,160 VAC, and strong problem-solving skills in critical public infrastructure environments in Southern Orange County.
Qualifications
- Completion of a State or Federal-sponsored Electrical Apprenticeship Program.
- One year of journey level experience in electrical/electronic equipment.
- Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license.
- Possession of a Grade I Electrical/Instrumentation Certificate from CW EA or ability to obtain within one year.
Responsibilities
- Diagnose and repair electrical and telemetry equipment and related systems.
- Calibrate and repair motors, motor controls, flow meters, RTUs and SCADA components.
- Read maps, schematics, plans, blueprints and specifications.
- Maintain detailed records of repairs and material usage.
- Respond to emergency situations as required.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Santa Margarita Water District is seeking a skilled, safety-focused, and technically proficient Electrical Instrumentation Technician to support the reliable operation of the District's water, recycled water, and wastewater systems. This journey-level role performs electrical and instrumentation maintenance, installation, troubleshooting, repair, and calibration on motors, motor controls, telemetry and SCADA systems, programmable logic controls, and other essential equipment throughout District facilities.
If you enjoy diagnosing complex electrical and control-system issues, working hands‑on with equipment ranging from 24 VDC to 4,160 VAC, and collaborating with a team that maintains critical public infrastructure, this is an exciting opportunity to expand your technical expertise and make a meaningful impact in Southern Orange County.
Under general supervision, the Electrical Instrumentation Technician performs skilled journey-level electrical and instrumentation work supporting the District's water, recycled water, wastewater collection, and treatment systems. The position installs, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, and calibrates motors, motor controls, electrical equipment, telemetry and SCADA systems, programmable logic controls, flow meters, pressure devices, RTUs, and related equipment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex technical problems, working safely in both routine and emergency conditions, maintaining accurate records, and contributing to the reliable operation of essential public infrastructure.
This recruitment will be open until filled. For first round consideration, apply by September 17, 2026.
SMWD is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.
Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD’s goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies.
- Exemplary service excellence
- Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive
- Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency
- Environmental and resource stewardship
- Employee development and leadership training
- Building relationships that strengthen communities
- Recognizes abnormally operating equipment and uses troubleshooting methods and skills to diagnose, analyze and make the required repairs with electrical and telemetry equipment, leased phone lines, pump control and light systems, electrical motors and controls; reads and interprets maps, schematics, plans, blueprints and specifications.
- Performs daily electrical/electronic preventative maintenance of the District's water and wastewater systems.
- Installs a variety of new and replacement electrical/electronic equipment at District facilities.
- Work safely with a variety of voltages from 24VDC to 4,160VAC.
- Calibrates and repairs motors, motor control equipment, flow meters, level recorders, pressure devices, RTU's monitoring, sensing and telemetry equipment; performs electrical/electronic maintenance, repair and calibration to a variety of safety equipment.
- Observes safe work methods and safety practices related to the work; cones and flags work sites to secure from traffic; uses appropriate safety equipment.
- Maintains detailed records on equipment repaired, time spent and material usage.
- Inspects vehicles and performs minor maintenance; reports the need for major repairs and service; fuels and lubricates vehicles and related equipment; operates assigned vehicles skillfully and safely; observes safe driving practices; operates and maintains a wide variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignments.
- Maintains detailed records and may be required to write reports on equipment repaired, time spent and material usage; formulates new standard operating procedures in compliance with laws and regulations.
- Maintains and is accountable for assigned District tools. Keeps tools in good condition and has tools repaired as necessary.
- Responds to emergency situations during off hours as required.
- Familiar with and utilizes specialized test equipment including, but not limited to, digital and analog Volt-Ohm meters, Megohm-meters, Oscilloscopes, Rotation meters, Power Quality Monitors, Ammeters, Pressure Calibrators, Milliamp simulators, motor winding testers, power tool fault analyzers, and cable/conduit locators.
- Perform a variety of skilled, complex and technical electrical repair and maintenance of equipment related to the operation of the water and sewer distribution system and wastewater treatment plant.
- Work under routine and emergency conditions, sometimes in severe weather.
- Work efficiently and safely with others.
- Understand and follow instructions and directions.
- Perform a wide variety of physically strenuous tasks.
- Perform mathematical computations.
- Diagnose problems, recognize worn or damaged parts and rebuild equipment in field situations.
- Troubleshoot, operate and properly repair electrical, SCADA and telemetry systems.
- Read, interpret and understand blueprints, construction drawings and schematics.
- Assist in training and supervising personnel.
- Maintain records.
- Communicate and maintain effective relationships with others including District personnel, contractors and vendors.
- Operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools and equipment.
- Properly place cones, barricades and warning devices and direct traffic flow at job sites.
- Exercise independent judgment and initiative without close supervision.
- Meet the physical requirements established by the District.
- Read, interpret and understand electrical drawings and PLC ladderlogic.
- Understand and enforce the Uniform Building Code, the National Electric Code, and District specifications.
- Example combinations include completion of a State or Federal-sponsored Electrical Apprenticeship Program, Certificate of Completion of a Trade School Electrical Program, Proof of completion of a military service electrical program.
- One year of journey level experience in the installation, repair, maintenance or alteration of electrical and electronic equipment.
- Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program.
- Possession of a Grade I Electrical/Instrumentation Certificate from California Water Environment Association or ability to obtain one within one year of employment.
Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status.
As a public agency, the Santa Margarita Water District has enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.
The District contracts with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums for plans in an amount up to or equal to the highest HMO are paid for by the District for all full-time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
The District provides dental insurance for all full-time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the District's rates. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
The District provides each full-time employee and their eligible dependents with vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
The District provides term-life insurance for all full-time employees through VOYA with Employee benefits equaling 2 1/2 times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employee's salary. Coverage is effective on the first of the month following employment with full-time status.
The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that provides confidential, professional assistance with a variety of services such as legal/financial concerns, ID recovery, mental health, and more.
- First year through five-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 11.67 hours per calendar month (140 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 304 hours.
- Sixth through ten-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 16 hours per calendar month (192 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
- Eleventh through fifteen-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 19.33 hours per calendar month (232 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
- Sixteenth year and beyond of continuous employment: 22.67 hours per calendar month (272 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 380 hours.
While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employee's six-month probationary period.
Regular full and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the District's deferred compensation program. The District shall match an employee's contribution into the deferred compensation plan up to a maximum of $2,400 per employee per year, or $100 per pay-period. The contributions occur each pay period except the third pay period in those months with three pay dates.
The District provides 11½ holidays (92 hours) per year for full-time employees.
Through the District's Flexible Spending Account (FSA), employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible "out-of-pocket" (unreimbursed) medical expenses, child or dependent care.
A benefit in which your employer sets money aside for you to use on eligible expenses related to physical, financial and emotional well-being.
All full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement for educational training or certification training taken from any college, university, or accredited institution, up to the IRS annual limit with Department Head approval.
The aforementioned information is only a summary of the District's benefits. Detailed information may be found in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or the Memorandum of Understanding between the SMWDEA and the Santa Margarita Water District.
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