Hydrographic Instrument Technician-26380308

County of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of San Diego is seeking a Hydrographic Instrument Technician to operate, calibrate, repair, fabricate, and service hydrological monitoring instruments across San Diego County. Field duties involve travel to remote stations and precise work with rainfall and streamflow equipment.

Candidates should meet the minimum experience or education requirements and adhere to safety protocols. The department emphasizes fair hiring practices and a structured timeline for interviews, medical screening,

Qualifications

• Two years of progressively responsible experience involving installation, service and repair of rainfall and streamflow measurement equipment.
• Or one year of college coursework in hydrology and one year of related field experience.
• Must demonstrate strong safety awareness for remote field operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, repair, fabricate and service rainfall, streamflow, and other hydrologic monitoring instruments.
• Drive to and service hydrological stations across San Diego County, including remote locations.
• Maintain and troubleshoot specialized equipment and components in the field.

Skills

Instrumentation service

Field calibration

Safety awareness

Education

Associate degree in hydrology or earth science

College coursework in hydrology/earth science

Tools

Calibration instruments

Repair tools

Job description

County of San Diego - Department of Public Works Announces an Excellent Career Opportunity!

Hydrographic Instrument Technician

Interviews will take place the week of October 19, 2026. Job offers will be made the week of October 26, 2026.

The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.

Future Salary Increase

** June 2027 - 4.40% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 1.40% Market Adjustment)

The Position

Hydrographic Instrument Technicians operate, calibrate, repair, fabricate, and service a variety of rainfall, streamflow, and other hydrological monitoring and sampling instruments, equipment, and component parts; they also perform related work as required. Working in the Department of Public Works, these Hydrographic Instrument Technicians frequently drive to maintain hydrological stations throughout San Diego County and handle specialized equipment in remote locations, requiring precision and strong safety awareness.

Please read the Hydrographic Instrument Technician job description for more information.

Hiring Process and Timeline:

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience involving the installation, service and repair of equipment and instruments which utilize electronic, radio, and mechanical principles similar to those employed in rainfall and streamflow, monitoring, sampling and measuring; OR,
2. One (1) year of college level course work in the field of hydrology, meteorology, or a related earth science, AND one (1) year of experience involving the installation, service and repair of equipment and instruments which utilize electronic, radio, and mechanical principles similar to those employed in rainfall and streamflow, monitoring, sampling and measuring.

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Conditions of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation

The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran's Preference Policy

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.

Military Skills Translator

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please go to the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

Strategic Plan

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please see the Strategic Plan for more information.

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Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

Diversity & Inclusion

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.