The City of Poway currently has an opening for an Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Technician and/or a Sr. Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Technician (SCADA). We are looking for experienced Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Technicians, however, journeyman level electricians with an aptitude for controls will be considered as candidates for this position. If you want to be part of the extraordinary team that provides quality drinking water and wastewater collections services to the Poway community, we encourage you to apply.
Future across the board salary increases approved by the City Council and included in the current Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Poway and Non-Safety/Teamsters employees:
7/1/2025 - 5% wage increase
7/1/2026 - 5% wage increase
Electrical, Instrumentation, & Controls Technician: $42.5874 - $51.7652 per hour
Senior Electrical, Instrumentation, & Controls Technician: $51.8885 - $63.0708 per hour
Under direct or general supervision, performs skilled and complex electrical, electronic, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) work in the design, repair, calibration, , construction, installation, and maintenance of electrical and electronic control systems, water treatment plant control systems, telecommunication and field telemetry systems, radio network/communication systems, and related equipment and devices used in the treatment, storage, pumping, and distribution of potable water, reclaimed water and wastewater at multiple City facilities. Performs related work as assigned.
Receives direct or general supervision from the SCADA, Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Supervisor or assigned supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. May provide technical and functional direction to lower-level staff.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Performs a wide variety of duties and activities involved in the inspection, maintenance, repair and replacement of structures, machinery and equipment at the City’s water treatment plant, water storage reservoirs, potable and reclaimed water pumping stations, wastewater lift stations, pumping systems, transmission and distribution systems, pressure reducing stations, and related facilities and appurtenances.
- Designs, inspects, repairs, installs, tests, services, calibrates, and maintains electrical, electronic, and SCADA systems including related software, conduit and duct systems, light and power circuits, generators, control equipment, switches, telecommunication and instrumentation systems, and switchboards.
- Designs and installs interior and exterior wiring for equipment, time clocks, circuitry for SCADA equipment, remote data sensing and transmitting equipment, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), radio software and network, computer systems and networks, power supplies, recorders, controllers, filters, valves, and pump control equipment.
- Wires new and altered equipment, chemical feeders, chemical mixers, chlorination controls, pumps, and emergency generators; installs raceways and panels; pulls electrical wire; fabricates brackets, holders, boxes, and supports
- Installs conduit, conductor wires, pull boxes, switchboard controllers and switches, required in making additions, extensions, or alterations in electrical systems, installs motors controls.
- Tests, troubleshoots, calibrates, repairs, and programs a variety of complex electrical and electronic instruments and devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLC), including motor controls and variable frequency drives. Rebuilds equipment to manufacturers specifications.
- Installs, maintains, and calibrates a variety of electronic recording and indicating instruments such as differential pressure flow meters, sonic flow meters, pressure and temperature recorders, signal conversion modules, level-sensing devices, and valve actuator controllers.
- Modifies, installs, and supports software-based control and instrumentation logic.
- Modifies, installs, and supports systems and networks used for the transportation of electronic signals across a wide geographic area utilized by the SCADA system.
- Isolates, troubleshoots, and resolves electronic and telemetry equipment and system failures in the field at the water treatment plant; performs bench repairs at the component level.
- Repairs and replaces defective electrical and electronic parts in motors, motor control systems, storage batteries, controllers, conductors, switches, and other industrial devices; makes additions, extensions and modifications in electrical systems, installs maintains and repairs electromechanical, electronic, and electrical components of equipment and machinery.
- Inspects and troubleshoots 120/240/480 volt motor control centers and electrical systems
- Plans and lays out assigned tasks; operates tools and instruments, including meggers, ammeters, voltmeters, conduit benders, multi-meters, oscilloscope, protocol analyzer, calibrators, metal detectors, cathodic analyzers, signal generators, arc welders, and computer based diagnostic programs.
- Disassembles, replaces, and repairs valves; inspects pump and lift stations; performs preventive maintenance and diagnoses equipment failures; disassembles, repairs, and assembles pumps used in water treatment and distribution and in wastewater and reclaimed water pumping.
- Makes estimates of labor and material costs for jobs; research catalogues to locate materials and parts required for jobs; requisitions, receives, and stores parts and materials; purchases parts and materials on open purchase orders; maintains records of time and materials.
- Updates and documents changes made to systems upon completion of any modification; modifies software applications in PLC logic and computer applications for the SCADA system; works with specialized software for computerized valve actuators, spread spectrum radio communications, and SCADA systems.
- Designs, installs, maintains, and troubleshoots radio systems network.
- Designs, programs, updates, and maintains computer software for SCADA, radio systems, and control of maintenance schedules.
- Reviews specifications and plans for reservoirs, pump stations, lift stations, pressure reducing stations, software, and a variety of other equipment.
- Works from engineering drawings, specifications, schematics, and rough sketches as-needed.
- Cares for and stores tools and provides for security of tools, materials, and equipment; makes recommendations to superiors regarding appropriate types of equipment to be purchased.
- Monitors contractors working with and around utility systems to ensure the work is appropriately performed to code; addresses discrepancies as necessary.
- Schedules and coordinates activities with other city staff, sections, divisions, departments, consultants, or agencies.
- Ensures the timely and accurate completion of preventative maintenance activities, performs project management duties on special projects assigned and communicates with assigned staff.
- Maintains public facilities, shop and garage areas, storage sites, and other work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
- Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
- Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
- Responds to after-hours emergencies.
- Maintains attendance and punctuality that is observant of scheduled hours on a regular basis.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Any combination of the following education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification.
Experience:
Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Technician: Two years of experience in the design, installation, maintenance, and/or repair of complex electrical and/or electronic equipment and devices common to a large waterworks/waste-waterworks system.
Senior Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Technician: Five years of journey-level experience in the design, installation, maintenance, and/or repair of complex electrical and/or electronic equipment and devices common to a large waterworks/waste-waterworks system.
Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade supplemented by specialized training in electrical/electronics and/or instrumentation/industrial controls OR successful completion of an accredited electrical/electronic/instrumentation/industrial controls/SCADA technician apprenticeship program.
Licenses and Certifications:
- A valid class C driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Technician:
- Must possess or ability to obtain a valid CWEA Grade 1 Electrical & Instrumentation Technologist Certification within twelve (12) months of appointment to the position.
Senior Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Technician:
- Must possess or ability to obtain a valid CWEA Grade 2 Electrical & Instrumentation Technologist Certification within eighteen (18) months of appointment to the position.
- Must possess or ability to obtain a Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate (D2) or valid Grade 2 Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T2) issued by the State of California (CA) State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within twenty-four (24) months of appointment to the position.
- Ability to pass SCBA/Fitness Testing and the certification process.
- Ability to possess and maintain Confined Space Certificates.
- Ability to obtain, possess and maintain CPR and First Aid Certificates.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in and around water treatment plants and water and wastewater pump/lift stations and related utility systems and facilities; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights with assistance and/or with the use of proper equipment.
Environmental Elements Employees work in and around water, wastewater, and reclaimed water utilities and in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays. In case of a Citywide emergency or natural disaster, employees in this class may be required to serve as an Emergency Response Technician.
A completed NeoGov application, including supplemental questions, must be submitted through NeoGov for consideration by the application deadline. Application materials will not be accepted separate from NeoGov or after the deadline.
A FULLY COMPLETED APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS ARE REQUIRED AND PART OF THE REVIEW AND QUALIFYING PROCESS. QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED COMPLETELY.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of relevant training, education and experience as presented in the application and supplemental questions. The process may include interviews and/or performance tests. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list established, which will be in effect for a period of up to six months. A background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting and a verification of a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles may be required. All appointments are also subject to the successful completion of a pre-placement physical examination that includes a drug screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The City of Poway participates in E-Verify. All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California Constitution at time of hire.
