Electrician-Water Plant

City of Great Falls; Great Falls (MT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Great Falls seeks an Electrician – Automation focused for the Water Treatment Plant to maintain, troubleshoot, and modernize electrical and automation systems, including PLCs, VFDs, instrumentation, SCADA, and legacy infrastructure. You will work with the Water Plant team to improve reliability and efficiency of distribution water.

Responsibilities include preventive maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and project support with a strong emphasis on safety, documentation, and collaboration

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent plus graduation from an approved apprenticeship program.
• Associate degree or coursework in automation, industrial controls, instrumentation, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Inspects electrical systems, motor control centers, VFDs, pumps, control panels, and backup power systems.
• Tests and verifies operation of sensors, level/flow transmitters, and SCADA-connected components using appropriate diagnostic and predictive maintenance tools.
• Inspects, cleans, and maintains rotating equipment, including synchronous motors, induction motors, and generators.
• Evaluates aging electrical equipment and recommends lifecycle replacements, modernization, and risk mitigation measures.
• Documents inspection findings, maintenance activities, and corrective actions.
• Develops cost estimates for routine maintenance in coordination with supervisors.
• Diagnoses and repairs electrical problems involving motors, pumps, VFDs, panels, communication lines, and related equipment using manufacturer software and diagnostic tools.
• Troubleshoots PLC I/O, communication, network, and control system issues.
• Diagnoses and repairs defective electrical components, including breakers, contactors, relays, and control wiring.
• Works with operators and mechanics to resolve electrical problems affecting treatment processes and distribution systems.
• Responds to electrical emergencies and equipment failures to restore plant operations.
• Recommends corrective actions to address recurring electrical and equipment problems.
• Installs, repairs, and maintains security and video surveillance systems at City facilities.
• Installs electrical systems, equipment, panels, conduit, and wiring for in-house projects and plant upgrades.
• Assists with programming and modifying PLC logic for equipment maintenance and upgrades.
• Assists with instrumentation, automation, and SCADA integration for new and upgraded equipment.
• Assists with the removal, installation, and alignment of rotating equipment.
• Supports contractors and other professionals in the design and implementation of electrical and plant projects.
• Ensures electrical installations comply with NEC, NFPA, and applicable local codes.

Skills

Electrical experience

Advanced technical skills

Attention to detail

Technical troubleshooting

Analytical problem solving

Context based decision making

Instrumentation & controls

Collaboration & communication

Documentation

System reliability minded

Safety oriented & risk aware

Education

High School diploma + apprenticeship program

Associate degree or automation coursework

Tools

Ignition Automation

Job description

Skilled crafts position with a focus on maintaining, troubleshooting, and modernizing the Water Treatment Plant’s electrical and automation systems, including PLCs, VFDs, instrumentation, SCADA components, and Legacy electrical infrastructure. This role contributes to electrical system upgrades, process optimization, and integration of new technologies to improve reliability and efficiency of distribution water. Work is performed under the general direction of the Water Treatment Branch Manager, Water Plant Superintendent, or other Division Managers depending on the location of daily assigned duties.

Preventive Maintenance and Inspection – 40%

• Performs routine inspections of electrical systems, motor control centers, VFDs, pumps, control panels, and backup power systems.
• Performs preventive maintenance on wiring, switchgear, protective devices, and backup power systems.
• Tests and verifies operation of sensors, level/flow transmitters, and SCADA-connected components using appropriate diagnostic and predictive maintenance tools.
• Inspects, cleans, and maintains rotating equipment, including synchronous motors, induction motors, and generators.
• Evaluates aging electrical equipment and recommends lifecycle replacements, modernization, and risk mitigation measures.
• Documents inspection findings, maintenance activities, and corrective actions.
• Develops cost estimates for routine maintenance in coordination with supervisors.

Repairs, Troubleshooting, and Corrective Work – 40%

• Diagnoses and repairs electrical problems involving motors, pumps, VFDs, panels, communication lines, and related equipment using manufacturer software and diagnostic tools.
• Troubleshoots PLC I/O, communication, network, and control system issues.
• Diagnoses and repairs defective electrical components, including breakers, contactors, relays, and control wiring.
• Works with operators and mechanics to resolve electrical problems affecting treatment processes and distribution systems.
• Responds to electrical emergencies and equipment failures to restore plant operations.
• Recommends corrective actions to address recurring electrical and equipment problems.
• Installs, repairs, and maintains security and video surveillance systems at City facilities.

Installations, Upgrades, and Project Support – 20%

• Installs electrical systems, equipment, panels, conduit, and wiring for in-house projects and plant upgrades.
• Assists with programming and modifying PLC logic for equipment maintenance and upgrades.
• Assists with instrumentation, automation, and SCADA integration for new and upgraded equipment.
• Assists with the removal, installation, and alignment of rotating equipment.
• Supports contractors and other professionals in the design and implementation of electrical and plant projects.
• Ensures electrical installations comply with NEC, NFPA, and applicable local codes.

• High School diploma or equivalent plus graduation from an approved apprenticeship program.
• Four years of practical experience as an electrician.
• Associate degree or coursework in automation, industrial controls, instrumentation, or related field preferred.
• Experience working within water/wastewater facilities or other process-control environments preferred.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA software-(Ignition Automation)preferred.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity practices for industrial control systems preferred.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• State of Montana Master Electrician license preferred.
• Candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain valid Montana driver’s license.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Advanced Technical Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Technical Troubleshooting
• Analytical Problem Solving
• Context Based Decision Making
• Instrumentation & Controls
• Collaboration & Communication
• Documentation
• System Reliability Minded
• Safety Oriented & Risk Aware

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not supervise staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily at the Water Plant or throughout the water distribution network. Employee is exposed to loud noise, inclement weather, electricity and chemical odors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, ride, climb and perform similar body movements. Must have the ability to perform moderate to heavy physical work and to frequently lift and carry up to 75 pounds at a time; the possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to use hand and power tools and a motor vehicle; the ability to talkand hear in person or by telephone; and the ability to see and read instructions, blueprints and manuals.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

The work schedule is a 40-hour work week, Sunday through Saturday. Work is typically performed Monday through Friday. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime. Any overtime must be authorized prior to working.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.