INDUSTRIAL CONTROL AND INSTRUMENT ELECTRICIAN

Western Virginia Water Authority; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Virginia Water Authority is seeking an Industrial Control and Instrument Electrician in Roanoke, Virginia. The ideal candidate will perform skilled technical work in installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and programming automation systems critical for water and wastewater treatment. Responsibilities include overseeing staff, managing electrical systems, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Candidates must possess a Master Electrician's license and a minimum of five years of relevant experience, ensuring the safe operation of vital systems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years related experience in electrical systems maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Master Electrician’s license required.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and wiring diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor maintenance staff in electrical systems.
• Install and maintain electrical systems in wastewater facilities.
• Troubleshoot and repair instrumentation issues to minimize downtime.

Skills

Electrical and electronic theory

Control circuits

PLCs

Motors

Problem-solving

Education

Associate's degree or certification in Industrial Electronics

Three years of experience in industrial control

Tools

PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modicon)

SCADA systems (VTScada, Ignition, Wonderware)

Job description

JOB POSITION: INDUSTRIAL CONTROL AND INSTRUMENT ELECTRICIAN

Division: Wastewater Operations
Status: Non‑Exempt
Grade: 108
Job Code: 720
Reports to: Industrial Electrician Superintendent
Date: 11-04-25
Revised Date: 02-06-26
Last Reviewed Date: 02-06-26

SUMMARY OF JOB

Performs highly skilled technical work installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and programming industrial automation, process control, and instrumentation systems that support water and wastewater treatment operations. Work is performed according to National Electrical Code/State/County/City/Water/Wastewater regulations. Ensures continuous, safe, and efficient functioning of electrical and control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, telemetry, and field instrumentation. Graduation from high school/GED equivalent supplemented by coursework in electricity/electronics plus five (5) or more years related experience. Master Electrician’s license required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, train, and mentor Industrial Electricians and maintenance staff, serving as a technical expert in electrical and control systems.
• Perform installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, equipment, and controls used in water and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human‑machine interfaces (HMI), and SCADA systems.
• Diagnose and repair electrical, control, and instrumentation issues to minimize downtime and maintain safe, efficient operations.
• Calibrate and maintain process instrumentation such as flow meters, transmitters, analyzers, and sensors.
• Design, modify, and install electrical circuits, wiring, and components according to NEC and NFPA 70E standards.
• Working knowledge of medium voltage systems.
• Coordinate with engineering, IT, and operations teams on control system design, integration, and equipment upgrades.
• Read and interpret blueprints, electrical diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Requisition tools, materials, and parts as needed, maintaining accurate work and material records.
• Participate in on‑call rotation and respond to after‑hours electrical or control system emergencies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees the work of assigned employees. Assists responsible supervisor in interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong knowledge of electrical and electronic theory, control circuits, PLCs, motors, pumps, and valves used in industrial or water utility environments.
• Skilled in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining complex electrical and control systems safely and efficiently.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to oversee, train, and support other personnel.
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities with logical thinking and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills – able to document work clearly and interact professionally with team members and other departments.
• Committed to working safely, maintaining good attendance, and completing assignments with minimal supervision.
• Works well independently or as part of a team, with a proactive attitude and strong work ethic.

EDUCATION and/OR EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree or certification in Industrial Electronics, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, or Automation Technology; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three (3) years of experience in industrial control, automation, or instrumentation maintenance.
• Proficiency with PLC programming (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or Modicon) and SCADA systems (VTScada, Ignition, Wonderware, etc.).
• Ability to interpret ladder logic, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and schematics.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment. No more than six (6) demerit points on driving record if required to drive Water Authority vehicles.
• Master Electrician’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

• Regularly walk, stand, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required include ability to adjust focus; if corrective lenses are noted on driver’s license, the lenses must be worn when operating Authority vehicles.
• Repetitive movement using equipment is involved.
• Regularly stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb (ladders/stairs), balance or crawl.
• Must be able to stand for an extended amount of time at the jobsite.
• Must be physically able to walk several miles during the day.
• Must be physically able to regularly reach overhead.
• Must regularly push/pull up to 30 pounds.
• Must regularly lift, carry, and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds; assistance required on weight amounts above those listed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT ENCOUNTERED IN THIS JOB

• Exposure to moderate or high noise level, extreme outside weather conditions, uneven, steep, slippery terrain conditions, dusty conditions and wet and/or humid conditions.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment operation.
• Subject to roadway hazards, i.e. traffic.
• Subject to outside hazards, i.e. poison ivy, bees, spiders, dirt, animals.