INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN 1 / 2

DEFINITION

Under general supervision of the Distribution Maintenance Supervisor installs, tests, repairs,
inspects and maintains metering and recording instruments, controlling devices, data logging and
display equipment, communications and telemetry systems; and performs related work as
required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a journey level classification, requiring the incumbent to be fully competent to install,
maintain, troubleshoot, document and repair a wide variety of industrial instrumentation which
include, electronic monitoring, metering, controlling and signaling devices used in the
production, treatment and distribution of water. The work covers the entire industrial
instrumentation and telemetry trade, and the incumbent is expected to often work independently
due to the diverse nature of the work. The Instrument Technician 2 position requires a higher
level of knowledge, skills and abilities, including ability to trouble shoot telemetry, Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and programmable logic control (PLC) software.
The Instrument Technician 1 / 2 classification is flexibly staffed. After 3 years as an Instrument
Technician 1, or by substitution of other experience equivalent to the Instrument Technician 1
level, incumbents are eligible to be considered for advancement to the 2 level. Before
advancement to the 2 level, incumbents must also achieve “meets requirements” overall on the
most recent evaluation, demonstrate proficiency in job requirements, and acquire and maintain
the required certification. Incumbents at both levels will also be subject to standby duty and
emergency call outs.

TYPICAL TASKS – Positions in this class may perform any or all of the below listed duties.
These should be interpreted as examples of the work, and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

LEVEL 1

1. Installs, maintains, repairs, overhauls, calibrates and tests a wide variety of industrial
instrumentation that record, indicate, control and regulate level, flow, pressure,
temperature, position and water analysis.

2. Troubleshoots telemetry and process controller hardware, maintains a functional

knowledge of the operation of the telemetry system software and hardware.

3. Makes periodic preventative maintenance inspections of all metering control instruments,

diagnosing existing or potential trouble; cleans, lubricates, calibrates and adjusts as
conditions indicate.

4. Lays out, install and place into service new metering, controlling and recording devices,
calibrating as required; may extend or connect related electrical circuits.

JOB DESCRIPTION
5. Reads and interprets wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and specifications in making
installations or performing major repair work.

6. May make estimates of labor, materials, and supplies as necessary for the performance of
specific assignments.

7. Keeps records; makes verbal and written reports of work performed.

LEVEL 2

In addition to level 1 duties, the level 2:

1. Troubleshoots telemetry, SCADA, and PLC software and hardware, makes

recommendations and performs software changes, maintains documentation of changes to
the software and hardware.

2. May direct the work of the Instrument Technician 1 or others on specific projects, and
coaches and trains less-experienced Instrument Technicians and others on the procedures
of the work.

3. Performs the repairs and testing work requiring higher-level knowledge, skills, and
abilities, and serves as a technical resource to others.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Level 1

High school diploma or its equivalent and four years of experience after attaining journey level
status as an Instrument Technician, performing skilled work in both mechanical and electro
mechanical repairs, or electronic circuitry repair. At least 2 years of the four years must be
experience working on industrial instrumentation and control.

Level 2

High school diploma or its equivalent and at least 7 years of experience, after attaining journey
level status as an Instrument Technician. At least three years of the seven years must have been
at a level equivalent to an Instrument Technician 1 with the District.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Level 1

Knowledge of: The safe use of a wide variety of hand and power tools, electronic and electric
test equipment as related to field and shop work; and safe work practices. Skill in: Inspecting,

JOB DESCRIPTION
testing, repairing, installing industrial instrumentation and controls according to established
procedures and standards, reading instruments accurately;
working from and interpreting wiring and mechanical drawings; use of hand and power tools and
equipment to test and calibrate instrumentation and controls. Making estimates of labor and
materials. Ability to: Communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working
relationships. Keep accurate, complete records and prepare reports.

Level 2

In addition to the above:

Knowledge of: The theory of programmable logic controllers and man machine interface
software and hardware. Skill in: Diagnosing and making changes to PLC and SCADA software
and hardware. Coaching and training less-experienced technicians and others on the procedures
of the work. Directing less-experienced technicians and others on the specific procedures of the
work. Ability to: Be a resource to others on the technical aspects of the work

Certificates:

Level 1:

Must either possess or obtain within 1 year of employment or promotion, an Instrument Society
of America (ISA) Control Systems Technician Level 2 Certificate (CCST 2) or be removed
from the position. Must then maintain this certification or be removed from the position.

Level 2:

In addition to the above, must have documented training and pass District approved proficiency
evaluations for diagnosing and making changes to PLC and SCADA software and hardware.

Other requirements:

Levels 1 & 2 must possess physical and mental characteristics to perform the essential functions
of the job, including ability to see, hear, speak, walk, twist, bend crawl, reach,
climb ladders and stairs, work in positions and spaces that may be awkward or difficult to access,
use hands and fingers, sit and use computer and related hardware, and lift up to 50
pounds. Must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of conditions and work overtime as
needed. Be subject to call standby duty and emergency call-outs. Must be clean-shaven to wear
respiratory equipment. Must possess a Class C California driver’s license and have a satisfactory
driving record.

Adopted: 5/87
Revised: 9/03

Approved: ______Human Resources Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION