2

Entry Level Instrumentation Technician Jobs in Riverside, CA

Entry Level Instrumentation Technician information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$16

$31

$48

How much do entry level instrumentation technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation technician in Riverside, CA is $31.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.33 and $37.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Instrumentation Technician vs Entry Level Electrical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Instrumentation TechnicianEntry Level Electrical Technician
Required CertificationsBasic instrumentation or electrical certifications, such as OSHA safety trainingElectrical certifications, such as OSHA safety training, and possibly basic electrical licenses
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, maintenance facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, chemical, water treatment, manufacturingConstruction, maintenance, manufacturing, utilities

Entry Level Instrumentation Technicians and Entry Level Electrical Technicians often share similar certifications and work environments, especially in industrial settings. However, instrumentation technicians focus more on control systems and sensors, while electrical technicians handle broader electrical systems. Both roles are essential in maintaining industrial operations and often overlap in skills and industry usage.

What does an Entry Level Instrumentation Technician do?

An Entry Level Instrumentation Technician assists in installing, maintaining, and repairing instruments and control systems used to monitor and regulate engineering processes. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced technicians and may calibrate sensors, troubleshoot equipment, and document their work. This role is common in industries like manufacturing, oil and gas, or utilities, and provides valuable hands-on experience with technical systems. The position often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced instrumentation or electrical roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation Technician, you need a basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, strong problem-solving skills, and at least a high school diploma or technical certification in instrumentation or a related field. Familiarity with calibration tools, digital multimeters, process control systems, and industry safety standards is typically required. Attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and effective communication skills help individuals excel in this role. These competencies ensure accurate equipment maintenance, safe operations, and reliable support for engineering teams in industrial settings.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for an Entry Level Instrumentation Technician?

As an Entry Level Instrumentation Technician, your daily tasks often include performing routine maintenance and calibration of instruments, assisting senior technicians with troubleshooting equipment issues, and documenting test results. You may work with various measurement devices used in industries like manufacturing, energy, or pharmaceuticals, ensuring that they operate within required specifications. Collaboration with engineers and other technicians is common, especially when diagnosing problems or implementing new equipment, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities as you build your expertise.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrumentation Technician jobs in Riverside, CA? For Entry Level Instrumentation Technician jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation Technician jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation Technician jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Instrumentation Technician jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Instrumentation Technician job openings:

Water Systems Electrician

City of Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Salary : $82,080.00 - $110,004.00 Annually
Location : Public Works Corporate Yard, 220 South Daisy, Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00510 (GO)
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: 6/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: SEIU
Description
The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.
Under the direction and supervision of the Water Services Production Supervisor, the Water Systems Electrician performs a variety of skilled work in electrical and electronic installation, repair, service, and maintenance work on a variety of electrical installations, systems, pumps, and other equipment in the Water Resources Division. Supports and assists Water Systems Operators in the daily operation of the domestic water distribution and treatment systems.
Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To
Participates in the operation, maintenance, inspections and repair of water and sewer motors, meters, engines, and mechanical and hydro-electrical equipment, or water production controls. Install, maintain, and repair of panels, Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), motors, Motor Control Centers (MCC), switch gears, solenoids, telemetry, transformers, automated systems, measurement systems, remote monitoring systems and other electrical equipment.
Installs, repairs, and replaces outlets, lighting fixtures, switches, ballasts, conduit runs and supports, and distribution panels. Inspects electrical switch gears, transformers, underground transmission power conductors, relays, motors, generators, and a variety of other types of electro-mechanical equipment for proper operation. Troubleshoots problems with electrical equipment, electric motors and complex motor control systems.
Installs, maintains and repairs instrumentation equipment as such underground cables, low voltage motors, transducers and recorders, inspects for interrupted or broken circuits and repairs relay controls. Performs pulling, installing, splicing and terminating wiring. Threads and bends conduit. Perform daily electrical/electronic preventative maintenance of the water and sewer facilities. Proficient in performing electrical calculations such as, but not limited to load calculations, wire sizing and breaker sizing calculations. Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent, three years' experience in the field of industrial electrical trade.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: Motors, motor controls, low electrical voltage systems. Knowledge of relay controls and logic. Principles, practices, techniques, tools, and materials used in the installation, maintenance and repair of electrical or electronic systems and equipment. Knowledge of instrumentation devices including flowmeters, pressure transducers, control valves, etc. Electrical Safety Orders of the Division of Industrial Safety, California Electrical Code, and the National Electric Code. Assembly, installation, maintenance and testing of electrical equipment and wiring systems in industrial settings. The safe use of common tools and equipment used in a variety of maintenance and repair work.
Skill to: Test electrical equipment and parts for continuity, current, voltage, and resistance. Install, repair, or replace motors and drives, transformers, starters, relays, and hydraulic and gas electrical controls. Install, repair, or replace electrical wiring, receptacles, switch boxes, conduits, feeders, fiber-optic, and line assemblies, lighting, and alternative electrical parts. Maintain, operate, and troubleshoot all electrical control and automation systems.
Ability to: Read electrical schematics, plans, and drawings of equipment, systems, and P&IDs. Communicate effectively with all customers, fellow employees, and the general public. Learn the systems, procedures, practices and operations of the department and have a proactive approach to continually improve all assigned areas of responsibility. Read and understand relay logic and drawings.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Must possess and retain a valid California Class "C" Driver's License.
In order to pass probation and as a condition of continued employment in this classification, employee must possess and retain valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Certification - Grade 1 and a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Certification - Grade 1.
DESIRABLE CERTIFICATIONS
ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Level 1 or higher.
OSHA Electrical Standards 3095 Certification.
National Fire Code Association-Electrical Hazard Training (NFPA) 70E Certification.
Special Working Conditions
Must be willing and able to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Respond to after-hours emergency calls and work in all elements, depending on job location, time of year, heat, cold, rain.
Includes crawling, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, kneeling, sitting, reaching, able to routinely lift heavy objects in excess of 50 pounds and pushing and pulling of objects is required. Repetitive use of arms, hands and fingers. Includes working from heights such as roof tops, platforms, catwalks, etc. of up to 140 feet.
Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for( July 9, 2026): (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the applicants' experience, training, education and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.
Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list. Candidates must achieve a passing score in every component of the selection process in order to be placed on the eligible list. The Human Resources Department may waive one or more examination components. When one weighted examination component is waived, the remaining section will receive a weight of 100%.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.
Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!
(under SEIU)
NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.
01
A high school diploma AND 3 years of experience is a requirement of the job. Do you meet these requirements?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Possession and retention of a valid California Class "C" driver's license is a requirement of this position. Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" driver's license and understand this requirement?Note for out-of-state applicants: Currently possessing the equivalent of a California Class "C" driver's license from another state and having the ability to readily obtain a Class "C" driver's license in the State of California would temporarily suffice this requirement.
  • Yes
  • No

03
Incumbents in this position must be willing and able to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed; respond to after-hours emergency calls; and work outside in varying weather conditions. Do you understand and agree to this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Incumbents in this position must be willing and able to crawl, stand, stoop, bend, crouch, kneel, sit, reach, able to routinely lift heavy objects in excess of 50 pounds and pushing and pulling of objects is required as well as repetitive use of arms, hands and fingers. Includes working from heights such as roof tops, platforms, catwalks, etc. of up to 140 feet. Do you understand and agree to this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you acknowledge that you have read and understand that in order to pass the one year probationary period in this position, and as a condition of continued employment in this position, you must obtain and retain the items below before the completion of your probationary period?• Valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution - Grade 1 Certification• Valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Certification - Grade 1
  • Yes
  • No

06
One of the desired qualifications is the possession of a valid electrical professional certification. Please check the box if you possess any of these certifications:
  • ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Level 1 or higher
  • OSHA Electrical Standards 3095 Certification
  • National Fire Code Association-Electrical Hazard Training (NFPA) 70E Certification

07
Briefly describe any additional experience, training or any other skill that you have that makes you the best candidates for this position.
Required Question