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Apprentice Instrumentation Technician Jobs in California

I&C Technician

Nipton, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $144K/yr

Install, troubleshoot, calibrate, and maintain all instrumentation associated with the boiler ... Works with apprentice I/C technicians to teach proper, safe use of tools and maintenance procedures.

Pyrometry Technician

Brea, CA ยท On-site

$35/hr

... Instrumentation: calibration of thermocouples, pressure gauges, flowmeters. ' Preventive ... PreferredQualifications ' Technical trade school, apprenticeship,or Associates degree in Industrial ...

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Apprentice Instrumentation Technician information

See California salary details

$21

$31

$38

How much do apprentice instrumentation technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice instrumentation technician in California is $31.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an apprentice instrumentation technician?

To thrive as an Apprentice Instrumentation Technician, you need a solid understanding of electrical and electronic principles, basic math skills, and typically a high school diploma or technical training in instrumentation. Familiarity with tools such as multimeters, calibrators, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs), along with safety certifications like OSHA, is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills help apprentices excel in troubleshooting and collaborating on technical projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate instrument calibration, safe operations, and effective maintenance in industrial environments.

What is an apprentice instrumentation technician?

Apprentice Instrumentation Technicians are entry-level workers who assist in installing, maintaining, and repairing instruments and control systems in various industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and utilities. They work under the supervision of experienced technicians and learn to handle equipment that measures and controls variables like pressure, flow, and temperature. Apprenticeships typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing apprentices to develop both practical and theoretical skills needed for the role. Over time, they gain experience and knowledge that prepares them for more advanced positions as fully qualified instrumentation technicians.

What are common challenges faced by apprentice instrumentation technicians on the job?

As an Apprentice Instrumentation Technician, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing technologies and working safely in hazardous industrial environments. Balancing hands-on learning with technical theory can be demanding, especially when troubleshooting complex instrumentation systems for the first time. Additionally, collaborating effectively with experienced technicians, engineers, and other trades is essential for success, as much of the work is performed in multidisciplinary teams. Embracing feedback and seeking guidance will help you overcome these challenges and progress in your apprenticeship.

What is the difference between Apprentice Instrumentation Technician vs Instrumentation Technician?

AspectApprentice Instrumentation TechnicianInstrumentation Technician
CertificationsMay have basic technical certifications or none; on-the-job trainingTypically holds relevant certifications or licenses, such as a diploma or technical certification
Work EnvironmentUnder supervision, learning on-site in industrial or manufacturing settingsPerforms maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting independently in industrial environments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with installation, basic troubleshooting, and learning instrumentation systemsMaintaining, repairing, and calibrating instrumentation equipment independently

The main difference between an Apprentice Instrumentation Technician and an Instrumentation Technician is experience and responsibility level. Apprentices are in training, working under supervision, while Instrumentation Technicians are fully qualified professionals performing maintenance and troubleshooting independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Instrumentation Technician jobs in California? The most popular types of Instrumentation Technician jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Instrumentation Technician jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Instrumentation Technician jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Instrumentation Technician jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Instrumentation Technician job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Instrumentation Technician job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,499 per year, or $32 per hour.

Compost Electrical & Instrumentation Technician (AA-182-26E) Tulare Lake Compost - Kettleman ...

Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts

Whittier, CA โ€ข On-site

$8.2K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

JOB POSTING NOTICE OF EXTERNAL JOB OPPORTUNITY POSTING #AA-182-26E COMPOST ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENTATION TECHNICIAN This job posting may close at any time without prior notice. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as the initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of August 10, 2026. LOCATION: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, SOLID WASTE OPERATIONS AND ENGINEERING SECTION, FIELD OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE GROUP, TULARE LAKE COMPOST FACILITY, KETTLEMAN CITY About Tulare Lake Compost Facility (TLC): This state-of-the-art, 175-acre facility near Kettleman City in Kings County, California, uses an environmentally responsible process that combines agricultural green waste from the Central Valley with biosolids from Los Angeles County to create an optimal composting mixture.

The facility can currently process up to 100,000 wet tons per year of anaerobically digested and dewatered biosolids, transforming them into valuable, nutrient-rich Class A Exceptional Quality compost. The Tulare Lake Compost Facility is owned and operated by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County as part of its diversified biosolids management program. NOTES: The list of eligible candidates resulting from this posting may be used to fill any additional vacancies that may occur in the next twelve (12) months This position is a 9/80 works schedule with alternating Fridays off, potential for swing shift support This position may also require emergency and scheduled overtime, weekend and holiday work ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: To perform progressively more skilled work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of instrumentation, computer process control and 21KV high voltage electrical equipment and 480vac distribution systems, and to work in conjunction with the Senior Compost Electrical and Instrumentation technician in support of the daily operations and maintenance of a composting facility.

JOB SUMMARY: The major job responsibilities are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description. Under general supervision of the Senior Compost Electrical & Instrumentation Technician, the incumbent will: Assemble, install, maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and repair electrical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, digital, and analog control equipment and systems to ensure safe, accurate, and reliable plant operation.

Operate, maintain, calibrate, and repair pneumatic, electronic, and computerized testing and measuring instruments to verify instrument accuracy and ensure proper system performance. Maintain records and prepare reports of maintenance, calibration, and repair activities to ensure accurate equipment histories and support operational decision-making. Read, interpret, and prepare schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, blueprints, P&IDs, loop sheets, sketches, and equipment specifications to plan, perform, and document installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks.

Order and track parts, supplies, materials, and equipment to ensure availability of resources required for maintenance and project work. Instruct apprentices or lower-level staff to develop technical proficiency, safe work practices, and troubleshooting skills. Perform trade-related mathematical calculations to accurately size, adjust, calibrate, and verify equipment and system parameters.

Maintain shop areas, tools, and equipment to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient work environment. Drive to and inspect new construction sites and equipment installations to verify compliance with design requirements, operational standards, and safety regulations. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must possess all of the following: A valid California Class C driver license; AND Four (4) years of experience in the Electrical & Instrumentation Technician Apprentice classes, or equivalent, with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts performing progressively responsible installation, maintenance and repair work on instrumentation, computer process control and electrical equipment and systems One of the following substitution options may be applied toward the experience requirement: Twelve (12) semester units of college coursework approved by the Districts (applicant will be required to submit transcript for review) or completion of one (1) year of a two-year degree or certification program in instrumentation, electronics or electrical technology, or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience Completion of a two-year degree or certification program in instrumentation, electronics or electrical technology, or a closely related field for two (2) years of the required experience EXAMPLES OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Knowledge of: Electrical theories and principles (e.g., AC/DC power systems, circuit protection, grounding, motor control fundamentals) and operation and characteristics of common electrical components and equipment

Electronic, digital, and analog control equipment (e.g., sensors, transmitters, signal conditioning devices, microprocessor-based instruments) and the principles of how these devices generate, process, and transmit signals. Instrumentation and process control systems, including process variables (e.g., pressure, temperature, flow, level), PLCs, DCS systems, control loops, PID behavior, interlocks, alarms, and automated plant control logic. Mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems (e.g., actuators, valves, regulators) and the physical principles governing fluid and mechanical motion as they relate to instrumentation and electrical control

Plant operational systems and power-generation processes, including how electrical, instrumentation, and control components interact with major plant subsystems, and how system conditions, alarms, and protections maintain safe and reliable operations. Maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and testing methods for electrical, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, and control equipment, including the proper use of diagnostic tools, test instruments, and measurement devices. Applicable safety practices and regulatory requirements (e.g., NFPA 70/70E electrical safety, OSHA standards, arc-flash protocols, lockout/tagout procedures) and safe work practices for energized and non-energized equipment

Ability to: Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair electrical, electronic, instrumentation, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical control systems using appropriate diagnostic tools, test instruments, technical references, and systematic problem-solving methods. Install, maintain, calibrate, and adjust electrical and instrumentation components (e.g., sensors, transmitters, PLC/DCS hardware, protective relays) to ensure accurate operation and system reliability. Interpret and prepare technical documentation (e.g., schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, loop sheets) to plan, perform, and document work activities

Apply trade mathematics (e.g., voltage, current, resistance, power calculations, instrumentation scaling, unit conversions, and tolerances) to perform accurate measurements, calibrations, and equipment adjustments. Use specialized tools and equipment (e.g., multimeters, oscilloscopes, meggers, loop calibrators, signal simulators, pneumatic testers, computerized diagnostic systems) safely and effectively. Perform complex maintenance and operational assignments independently in compliance with safety standards, operating procedures, and equipment requirements

Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise documentation used for compliance, maintenance planning, and operational decision-making. Provide guidance and instruction to apprentices or less experienced staff, demonstrating proper techniques, safe work practices, equipment use, and troubleshooting methods. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SELECTION PROCESS: All applications will be reviewed to determine if the conditions and qualifications for testing are met.

The selection process will consist of a written test weighted at 30% and an interview weighted at 70%. Candidates must receive a qualifying score on each selection component to move forward in the selection process. The initial review of applications is expected to begin the week of August 10, 2026.

Please apply online at www.lacsd.org within the application period. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed LACSD Employment application. Check your e-mail regularly throughout the recruitment process as notifications are sent via e-mail

Please make sure that your registered e-mail address is accurate and current. To ensure proper delivery add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list. NOTES: The individual(s) recommended for hire must undergo a reference check, background check, DMV report, and a drug test

To learn more about how the Sanitation Districts convert waste into resources, please visit the following video: Converting Waste into Resources. For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Antonio Archuleta at antonioarchuleta@lacsd.org. As an equal opportunity employer, the Districts strongly encourage people with disabilities and people from historically marginalized communities to apply.