Wastewater Maintenance Specialist - Instrumentation

Pierce-County-Washington; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County Planning and Public Works is seeking a skilled instrument technician to operate and maintain SCADA networks, HMI programs, and PLCs in wastewater facilities and pump stations across Pierce County.

The role emphasizes repairing electronic measurement devices, calibrating instrumentation, and maintaining plant computer systems, with opportunities for career growth within PPW.

Qualifications

• A combination of education and experience which clearly demonstrates ability to perform the duties of the class may be substituted for education and formal training.
• Four years experience in the maintenance and repair of electronic measurement devices and systems AND
• High School diploma plus graduation from a two (2) year vocational/technical school with electronic emphasis.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve instrumentation systems and modify equipment for optimum operation.
• Perform necessary adjustments and calibrations of instrumentation by using prepared chemical standards, portable electronic meters and related calibration equipment.
• Install new equipment and wire the units according to electrical codes, schematics and diagrams provided.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment; develop and implement preventative maintenance programs.
• Use test equipment such as multi meters, digital voltmeters, digital calibrators, oscilloscopes, frequency measuring meters, potentiometers, Wheatstone bridges and other electrical and electronic measuring devices.
• Maintain and repair plant computer systems.
• Lead, train, provide direction and instruct other employees as required.
• Maintain, modify, and repair radio and telephone telemetry systems.

Skills

Industrial instrumentation

SCADA systems

PLCs

Electrical troubleshooting

Troubleshooting electronic devices

Education

High School Diploma

Two-year vocational/technical school (electronic emphasis)

Job description

Why it's a great opportunity:

In this role covering all areas of Pierce County, you will operate and maintain operational technologies such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Networks, Human Machine Interface (HMI) programs, and Programable Logic Controllers (PLCs) within the wastewater treatment plants and collection system. This highly skilled work supports the Chambers Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (CCRWWTP), the Cascadia Wastewater Treatment Plant, over 100 pump stations and the instrumentation/electrical systems throughout the Pierce County Sewer Service Area. You will also assist and collaborate on plans, design, and implementation of our control system infrastructure for Pierce County’s wastewater systems.

Why it's a great department:

PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few! Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be successful in the role:

Your success will come from your industrial instrumentation knowledge, critical thinking, statistical analysis, system evaluation, communication skills, teamwork, and commitment. Your working knowledge around PLC’s and your experience with repairing/replacing equipment, troubleshooting electronic devices, industrial networks, and SCADA systems will ensure your success.

Your future in this role:

You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Develop and improve instrumentation systems and modify equipment for optimum operation.
• Perform necessary adjustments and calibrations of instrumentation by using prepared chemical standards, portable electronic meters and related calibration equipment.
• Install new equipment and wire the units according to electrical codes, schematics and diagrams provided.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment; develop and implement preventative maintenance programs.
• Use test equipment such as multi meters, digital voltmeters, digital calibrators, oscilloscopes, frequency measuring meters, potentiometers, Wheatstone bridges and other electrical and electronic measuring devices.
• Maintain and repair plant computer systems.
• Lead, train, provide direction and instruct other employees as required.
• Maintain, modify, and repair radio and telephone telemetry systems.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• A combination of education and experience which clearly demonstrates ability to perform the duties of the class may be substituted for education and formal training.
• Four years experience in the maintenance and repair of electronic measurement devices and systems AND
• High School diploma plus graduation from a two (2) year vocational/technical school with electronic emphasis.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Our Recruitment Practices:

This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.