Instrument Technician - Water Bureau
Position Summary
The City of Portland is seeking an Instrument Technician to join our dynamic team of highly qualified and innovative technicians that work on complex and varied instruments and control systems. Instrument Technicians install, maintain, repair and document electrical, electronic instrument systems. These systems are used to meter, record, analyze, control and monitor water treatment plants, pump stations, reservoirs, and metering sites. Instrument Technicians inspect and test instruments and systems, determine the cause of malfunctions, service and repair the instruments and then calibrate the system. Work responsibilities can include developing Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems and maintaining and improving existing systems; and maintaining, developing and troubleshooting networked communications and SCADA systems.
Work Schedule & Location
- Job Appointment: Full time
- Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 6AM - 2:30 PM Training Schedule; then 10-hour shifts 4 days a week
- Work Location: Water Interstate Facility, 664 N. Interstate Avenue, Portland, OR 97227
About the Water Bureau
The Portland Water Bureau (PWB) serves almost a million people in the Portland area, about a quarter of Oregon's population. PWB employs over 600 people providing responsive service to build and maintain a water system that enhances public health and safety and contributes to the economic vitality and livability of the Portland metropolitan region.
As a Person, You Are
- Highly collaborative: You take direction well, offer thoughtful guidance, and work toward shared goals. You enjoy partnering with colleagues from diverse personal and professional backgrounds and adapt your approach to support effective teamwork.
- Detail-oriented: You bring strong attention to detail and follow best practices to ensure accuracy, consistency, and high-quality work.
- Equity-focused: You understand how equity connects to the work we do and consider its impact in your decisions, interactions, and problem-solving.
- A problem-solver: You apply your technical understanding to real-world situations, developing practical solutions and improvements that strengthen the Bureau's instrumentation and controls program.
- Adaptable: You evaluate real-world situations using your understanding of instrumentation and controls to established processes with a critical eye and identify opportunities for improvement, whether through training, technology, or workflow changes.
- An effective communicator: You communicate clearly, build productive working relationships, and contribute successfully both independently and as part of a team.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must describe in their résumé how their education, training, work experience and/or lived experience meets each of the following minimum qualifications:
- Knowledge of tools, materials, processes and techniques of precision instruments, process control equipment and electronics including troubleshooting techniques.
- Skill in repairing, troubleshooting, maintaining, modifying and installing precision instruments and process control equipment; maintaining, developing and troubleshooting networking as well as other electronic equipment, electronics and communications devices.
- Skill in mechanical and process control troubleshooting techniques; methods and techniques editing and creating PLC program logic; database principles and concepts; office suite software; application of the National Electrical Code (NEC), and Instrument Society of America (ISA) standards; safe work practices.
- Ability to perform layout and sketch designs for process control installations, modifications and repairs.
Required Licenses & Certifications
- State of Oregon limited Energy Class A or B Electrical license (A higher level/broader electrical license may be substituted for the limited Energy Class A or B license.)
- Possess a valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record
- Possess ability to pass background check
- Ability to pass a Prehire Evaluation that may require a medical exam, screenings and physical capacities test (PCT), after an offer of employment has been made and accepted.
Physical Requirements
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Wear protective gear
- Work with hand and power tools
- Be prepared for exposure to electric currents
- Climb to heights of 150 feet and work in confined spaces (underground vaults)
Preferred Qualifications
Although not required, you may have one or more of the following:
- Experience with SCADA systems
Pay & Union Representation
- Starting Salary: $49.34 hourly
- Union Representation: District Council Trade Union (DCTU)
- Language Pay Premium: This position may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees.
Application Process
Apply online between August 17, 2026 to Sept 14, 2026 via the City of Portland's online portal.
Required Application Materials:
- Résumé (Do not include your age, date of birth, or the dates you attended or graduated from school.)
- Answers to Supplemental Questions
Optional Application Materials:
- Attach Licensure (if you currently have the Oregon limited Energy Class A or B electrical license or higher level/broader electrical license).
- Veteran's Preference documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) must be submitted by the closing date.
Application Tips:
- Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained, which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section.
- Your résumé should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.
- Do not attach any additional documents. Do not attach a cover letter, it will not be reviewed.
- All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process by the closing date and time. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
- You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage using AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills.
Recruitment Timeline
- Step 1: Apply online — August 17, 2026 to Sept 14, 2026
- Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation — Week of September 14, 2026. An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their résumé and supplemental questions, weighted 100%.
- Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List — Week of September 21, 2026. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.
- Step 4: Selection (Interview) — October 2026. Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview.
- Step 5: Offer of Employment — October 2026. This position will require those offered employment to complete and sign a criminal background statement before being considered for employment.
- Step 6: Pre-Employment Exam — To Be Determined. As part of the conditional job offer, candidates must complete a Prehire Evaluation during the hiring process/probationary period.
- Step 7: Start Date — November 2026. A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.
Contact Information
Tami Larison, Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
Tamara.larison@portlandoregon.gov