Instrumentation Technician I

Responsibilities

• Assist in preventive maintenance and repairs of instrumentation and electronic equipment such as flow, level, and analytical measuring devices, including doppler and transit‑time flow meters, magnetic flow meters, differential pressure flow meters, ultrasonic level meters, pressure level meters, pH analyzers, dissolved‑oxygen analyzers, ORP analyzers, turbidity analyzers, oxygen analyzers, and total hydrocarbon analyzers.
• Read simple technical manuals or drawings and complete repairs based on them.
• Work independently on less‑technical instrumentation in the I&E field, covering repairs, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
• Document work completed in a computer‑based work order system.
• Order spare parts and perform other duties as required.
• Assist in maintaining the continuous emission monitoring system on the incinerator stacks.
• Assist in calibration and repair of sensor and alarm systems for oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, explosive gas (methane), and fire detection.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; completion of a vocational course in electronics.
• At least one year of work experience related to installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial instrumentation or electronic/electrical equipment in water or wastewater utilities.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Confined Space Certification within six months of hire.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check, pre‑employment physical examination, and driving‑record check.
• Subject to 24‑hour on‑call and emergency overtime; may be required to work during extreme weather, after‑hours, and weekends.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and exposure to raw waste or methane‑generating environments.
• Ability to distinguish different color wiring.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework in instrumentation, electrical, or electronic technology or a related field.
• Electrical Journeyman’s License or ISA certification.
• One year of experience working in an industrial wastewater environment.
• One year of experience troubleshooting and repairing electrical and instrumentation control systems.
• One year of experience in water‑treatment or pump‑station maintenance groups.
• One year of experience reading instrumentation data, interpreting schematics, circuit diagrams, and manuals related to instrumentation or electrical equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to distinguish colors.
• Ability to drive ½‑, ¾‑, and 1‑ton utility trucks and operate hoisting equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and handle items weighing up to 50 lb.
• Ability to operate keyboard‑driven equipment and use laptop or desktop computers for data entry and retrieval.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and temperatures.
• Frequent exposure to loud noises; rare exposure to airborne substances.
• Capability to climb, crouch, bend, and work in confined spaces; confined‑space entry restricted to individuals weighing less than 310 lb.
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

Benefits

Fairfax County Government offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined‑benefit retirement plan; medical, life, and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. The LiveWell Program promotes holistic wellness—physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial.

Pay

A $2,500 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Instrumentation Technician I position.

Schedule

This position is designated as emergency service and is subject to 24‑hour on‑call. Employees may be required to report to work during extreme inclement weather or other emergencies, including after‑hours and weekend work during emergency incidents.