Electronics Specialist

City of Sioux City WWTP; Sioux City (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Sioux City WWTP is seeking an Electronics Specialist to join our team. The role focuses on maintaining plant instrumentation, SCADA equipment, and electrical systems to ensure reliable operation.

The position requires calibration, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance across controls and VFD/PLC systems, with strong emphasis on safety and documentation.

Qualifications

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must obtain Iowa Grade I Wastewater System Certificate within 24 months of appointment.
• Trade school diploma in electrical, electromechanical, or instrumentation.
• Experience with electrical, electromechanical, instrumentation equipment, preferably including SCADA, PLCs and VFDs.

Responsibilities

• Calibrates instrumentation per manufacturer specifications.
• Coordinates preventive maintenance with plant staff and vendors.
• Instructs plant personnel in operation and maintenance of control system instrumentation.
• Analyzes and evaluates instrumentation and control systems efficiency.
• Directs and assists in cleaning and preventive maintenance of instrumentation.
• Operates laptops to troubleshoot equipment and input data.

Skills

SCADA systems

PLCs

VFDs

Electrical troubleshooting

Instrumentation calibration

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Trade school diploma in electrical/electromechanical/instrumentation

One year of related experience

Tools

SCADA software

PLC programming

VFDs

Electrical test equipment

Job description

The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is seeking an Electronics Specialist to join our team.

Under general direction of Management, performs responsible and skilled technical duties and coordinates duties related to the operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, plant instrumentation, and control systems.

The Electronics Specialist plays an important role in maintaining the reliable operation of plant instrumentation, controls, SCADA equipment, variable frequency drives, programmable logic controllers, and associated electronic and electrical systems.

Primary Duties

• Directs and assists in the calibration of instrumentation in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
• Coordinates computer preventive maintenance schedules with other plant personnel and vendors.
• Instructs and trains plant personnel in the operation and maintenance of plant control system instrumentation.
• Analyzes and evaluates the overall effectiveness and efficiency of instrumentation and control systems.
• Directs and assists assigned personnel in cleaning and preventive maintenance of instrumentation, including analytical, level, pressure, sensing, and related equipment.
• Operates laptop computers to troubleshoot equipment and input data.
• Develops and directs preventive maintenance programs.
• Maintains accurate records detailing tests, repairs, and maintenance activities performed.
• Inspects, tests, adjusts, cleans, and replaces low-voltage switchgear.
• Adjusts and maintains valves.
• Assists plant maintenance employees as needed.
• Maintains good public relations through courteous and prompt attention to citizen requests for service.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance and working hours.
• May be expected to temporarily perform duties outside of the normal classification in the event of a declared emergency.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate should possess a working knowledge of instrumentation, controls, and procedures used in wastewater treatment facilities, including an understanding of plant system design and basic wastewater treatment principles.

The position requires the ability to:

• Think analytically and develop solutions to complex technical problems.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, electronic, electrical, and control systems.
• Operate computers and related peripheral equipment.
• Work with plant SCADA systems and associated control equipment.
• Assist with diagnosing SCADA and motor control system issues.
• Understand and work with variable frequency drives (VFDs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Read and interpret electrical and instrumentation schematics.
• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and inspect technical work.
• Communicate effectively with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, vendors, and other City personnel.
• Apply appropriate safety procedures when working around electrical equipment, chemicals, machinery, confined spaces, and wastewater treatment processes.

Work Schedule

The Electronics Specialist generally follows a regular Monday through Friday work schedule. Because the Wastewater Treatment Plant operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, the position may be required to work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, emergency response situations, and callouts as operational needs dictate.

Residency Requirement

Employees are required to reside within 30 miles of the Sioux City limits, including adjoining areas in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

Required Qualifications / Experience / Training

Special Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• Must obtain an Iowa Grade I Wastewater System Certificate within twenty-four (24) months of appointment OR alternatively, an equivalent level or higher of certification issued by another state may be accepted with written proof from the state of Iowa that such certification is transferable to the State of Iowa.

Education and Experience

Graduation from a trade school with an electrical, electromechanical, or instrumentation diploma;

OR

One year of job experience working with electrical, electromechanical, or instrumentation equipment, preferably including variable frequency drives, SCADA systems and programmable logic controllers.

OR

Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Possession of a current State of Iowa Class A Journeyman Electrician’s License or State of Iowa Class A Master Electrician’s License is preferred.

Experience with the following is also highly desirable:

• Wastewater treatment plant instrumentation and control systems.
• SCADA systems.
• Programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Motor control systems.
• Electronic troubleshooting and repair.
• Instrument calibration and preventive maintenance.