Instrumentation, Controls, and Electrical Technician

City of Spokane; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Spokane is looking for a skilled instrumentation technician to oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of electronic systems at water and wastewater facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in electrical systems and safety protocols, ensuring efficient operations and compliance with industry standards. This role requires attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with other technical staff.

Qualifications

• Two years of journey-level work experience as an instrumentation technician or electrician is required.
• Completion of advanced coursework in relevant fields is essential.
• Valid driver’s license is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain instrumentation and control systems.
• Respond to SCADA systems alarms and troubleshoot related issues.
• Maintain records including equipment and calibration history logs.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Installation

Maintenance

Electronics

Safety protocols

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Advanced course work in electrical theory

Tools

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

SCADA systems

Data communication equipment

Job description

Performs journey-level skilled installation, repair, maintenance, and upgrade of electronic instrumentation, controls, and safety systems for water and wastewater industrial plant facilities and equipment, and related remote monitoring technology.This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Inspects instrumentation and electronics on industrial plant equipment. Installs, calibrates, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains a variety of electrical, electronic, and mechanical instrumentation, and monitoring and control systems and devices.
• Designs, upgrades, connects, and tests new and repaired control and monitoring systems; develops and modifies process instrumentation and control systems.
• Programs, configures, adjusts, and troubleshoots issues with sensors, transmitters, Ethernet IP and switches, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control panels, motor control centers, motor control drives, etc.
• Responds to SCADA systems alarms, issues, and failures.
• Coordinates installations of new hardware and data communications equipment; maintains web server and plant and system alarming. Collects and processes data from measuring equipment and recorders.
• Troubleshoots and repairs malfunctions resulting in data problems. Maintains records including equipment and calibration history logs, test results, and work orders.
• Downloads data at remote locations and uploads data to the server. Updates equipment firmware as needed. Maintains, installs, and configures wireless and wired communication networks. Troubleshoots and repairs cellular modem connection problems. Conducts functional testing after repairs and updates.
• Diagnoses, repairs, or replaces electronic components. Troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs electrical control circuits, reads, analyzes, and draws schematics. Performs a variety of diagnostic and analytical tests, including those involving programmable logic controls, infrared, and power monitoring.
• Recommends or purchases tools, supplies, and replacement items from outside vendors, suppliers and specialists within assigned duties and permitted limits.
• Consults with and advises operators or other staff members on systems software and functions of various systems. Provides education and training as needed on the use of new equipment, programs, and processes.
• Interprets and works from plans, and develops sketches or designs for work. Assists with technical writing and review of specifications for new parts and equipment.
• Surveys new sites for flow monitoring feasibility and installs related electronic equipment.
• Evaluates safety and operability of systems. Executes foundational elements of safety programs specific to respective job disciplines.
• Works collaboratively with other craft personnel and operations staff in performing multi-craft preventive maintenance.
• Performs related work as required.

All requirements must be met at the time of application.

• Education:Graduation from high school or equivalent supplemented with two years of advanced course work in electrical theory, electronics, control systems, or closely related fields.
• Experience:Two years of journey-level work experience as an instrumentation technician or electrician in an industrial or manufacturing plant work environment.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.

Licenses and Certifications:(pertains to all applicants and to employees in this position)

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Note:Individuals in this classification in the Water Department possessing a Washington State Department of Health Water Distribution Manager 1 or higher certificate are eligible for a two-range pay adjustment. The pay adjustment is contingent on the budget process and Civil Service verification of the certification.

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

The examination will consist of a multiple-choice test, with weights assigned as follows:

• Multiple-Choice Test 100%
  

EXAMINATION DETAILS:
This is an online examination and will require a computer.If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided.Computer reservations can also be made through your local, public library.

Multiple-choice examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane ([e-mail]).

• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, June 9, 2025, and Monday, June 23, 2025, will test Thursday, June 26, 2025, through Monday, June 30, 2025.
  

NOTE: You may begin the exam at any time during the test period; however, once you begin, you will have 1 hour 15 minutes to complete the examination. You may take the exam only onceduring the open recruitment period.

The examination may include such subjects as:

• Electricity/Electronics
• Electronic Symbols & Circuits
• Instrumentation
• Safety & Occupational Hazards

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status. As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.