Apprentice Instrumentation Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

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.