Instrument Technician

The purpose of the position is to perform highly skilled technical and mechanical work involving installation, maintenance, repair and calibration of electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical and electronic equipment of the city’s lift stations, raw water, stormwater and treatment facilities. Employees in this classification provide training, instruction and direction to other maintenance personnel when applicable to the assigned work order. Work involves inspection and evaluation of equipment and machinery for proper operating conditions and maintenance and repair needs. Areas of responsibility include, but are not necessarily limited to, lift stations, raw water wells, storm water (pump station, lake weirs, lake aerators) and treatment plants. Position ensures the efficient and safe mechanical operation of machinery and equipment. Incumbents perform work in a manner to ensure cost efficiency and effective methods and procedures. Performs other work as requested.

Area of operations: Stormwater (Pump stations, lake aerators, lake weirs, automation), Wastewater (Lift Station, reuse, wastewater plant, automation) / Water (raw water wells, remote tank sites, water plant, automation) 

• Installs, programs, calibrates, maintains, and repairs instrumentation and electronic equipment, including Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), flow meters and transducers, generators, and transfer switches.

• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Integrated control systems, motor control panels and electrical services, lift station, raw water stormwater, control panels, data flow systems, and antennas.

• Calibrates, tests, maintains and repairs confined entry gas detection equipment and devices, instruments such as flow meters (mag meters, ultrasonic), level sensors (radar, ultrasonic, pressure transducers), pressure and temperature transmitters. Water quality analyzers (pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chlorine).

• Diagnoses and repairs PLC and SCADA systems used for monitoring and control of Public Works infrastructure.

• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on electrical, instrumentation, and control systems. Reads and interprets P&IDs, electrical schematics, loop diagrams, and technical manuals 

• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., environmental and safety standards). Maintains accurate records of calibrations, maintenance activities, and system performance.

• Installs, maintains, and repairs radio and communications telemetry equipment, monitor control equipment, and control panel equipment for lift stations, water well sites, and treatment plants.

• Performs related duties; receives and interprets daily work orders, prioritizes and prepares for assigned tasks; inspects and tests tools, vehicles and safety gear; reviews and restocks supplies and service vehicle inventory; inspects equipment and systems; maintains related documentation and records.  

• Assists mechanical personnel, as needed, in lift station, water well, and treatment plant maintenance and repair; provides guidance, assistance, troubleshooting and training regarding electrical components, control valves, etc.

• Responds to emergency calls, alarms, and system failures, including after-hours support if required.

• Utilizes computerized diagnostic techniques, instruments, and equipment in troubleshooting and identifying radio telemetry and other electronic problems.

• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

• 
  

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

1. Data Utilization: Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.  

2. Human Interaction: Requires the ability to exchange information for the purpose of clarifying details within well-established policies, procedures and standards.  

3. Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to overhaul, restore, renovate, construct, and/or rebuild equipment, machinery, or objects, requiring adherence to prescribed standards and specifications.   Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of the same equipment, machinery, and/or objects.

4. Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.

5. Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  May include counting, recording of counts, and basic measuring.

6. Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out detailed but routine written or oral instructions. Involves routine work according to clearly prescribed standard practices, with some latitude for independent judgment.

7. Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment in situations characterized by repetitive or short cycle operations covered by well established procedures or sequences.

• High school diploma or GED (with technical school or associate degree in instrumentation, electronics, or related field preferred) 
• Supplemented by three (3) years of experience in electronics; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
• Working knowledge of: PLC systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley), SCADA and telemetry systems
• Possession of a class "B" Commercial Driver's License with tanker and air brakes endorsements may be required, and possession and maintenance of a driving record which meets or exceeds minimum City driving standards.
• May possess and maintain the following licenses and certifications depending on area of work: 
  • Florida Department Environmental Protection (FDEP) Water Distribution Level III License
  • Florida Water and Pollution Control Operators Association (FWPCOA) Stormwater Management Level III
  • First Aid & CPR may be required.  

Physical Ability:   Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). 

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally. 

Environmental Factors:  Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, water hazards, disease, or pathogenic substances.