Water Prod - Communication - Instrumentation Technician I

About the role

The Instrumentation I/II/III performs a variety of technical work involved in the installation, preventative maintenance, diagnostic evaluation, and repair of electronic systems, instrumentation, process controls, and associated systems to support water production and water distribution for the City of Abilene.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Instrumentation Technician vary by level, but may include:

• Investigating complaints related to water utility maintenance
• Installing, repairing, and servicing metering devices, receivers, transmitters, and process control systems
• Performing electrical troubleshooting and repairing damaged units
• Troubleshooting motor and control systems
• Performing routine maintenance on electrical wiring and systems
• Preparing and assembling conduits and connecting wires
• Establishing and maintaining parts inventory and requisitioning supplies
• Operating a City vehicle to travel to various work sites
• Troubleshooting, calibrating, and repairing flow, pressure, and other metering equipment
• Maintaining radio telemetry systems and reading and interpreting analog and digital input and output
• Assisting with training and evaluating staff, planning and assigning work
• Performing calibrations and measurements on telemetry equipment
• Troubleshooting Allen Bradley PLC Ladder Logic and maintaining Aveva (Wonderware) operations management software
• Evaluating proposed and existing instrumentation and control systems and making recommendations
• Assisting in the preparation of the division budget

Requirements

The requirements for the Instrumentation Technician vary by level, but may include:

• At least six months of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of instrumentation, process controls, electrical, and electronic systems
• A high school diploma or GED
• A Texas driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment
• Completion of OSHA-mandated electrical safety training for “Qualified Electrical Worker” within one year of employment
• Possession of a Class D Water License and Class D Wastewater License from the State of Texas within six months of employment
• Two years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of instrumentation, process controls, and electronic systems associated with water and/or wastewater
• Successful completion of the City of Abilene’s Instrumentation Technician II Proficiency Test with a minimum score of 70%
• A Class C Water License from the State of Texas within two years of employment or promotion
• Three years of experience in the water or wastewater field
• Two years of relevant instrumentation experience
• Successful completion of the City of Abilene’s Instrumentation Technician III Proficiency Test with a minimum score of 70%
• Possession of a Class B Water License or Class B Wastewater License from the State of Texas

Skills

The Instrumentation Technician must have the following skills:

• Knowledge of methods, materials, practices, and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of PLCs and motor controls
• Skill in using methods, equipment, tools, and materials used in installation, diagnostic evaluation, maintenance, and repair of radio telemetry systems, computerized process controls, and electronic instrumentation
• Ability to use Allen Bradley PLC Ladder Logic, Aveva (Wonderware) HMI, Studio 5000, and Studio 500 software
• Ability to perform needed work on equipment with voltages ranging from 12 volts D.C. to 4160 volts A.C.
• Ability to work with a variety of hand tools and technical calibration equipment
• Ability to locate general characteristics of assigned systems
• Ability to practice safe driving principles
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Ability to follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values

Working Conditions

The Instrumentation Technician may be exposed to:

• Cold, heat, noise, outdoors, vibration, and confined workspaces
• Chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards
• Travel to different sites
• On-call schedule work, including after hours, weekend, holiday, and night work
• Emergency response situations, requiring response within 30 minutes

The essential duties of the position require the following physical skills and work environment:

• Medium strength demand, with lifting of no more than 50 pounds and carrying up to 25 pounds
• Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, overhead work, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, and bending
• Vision, hearing, and talking are required