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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 Aug 7, 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:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation Technician job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,458 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

WASTEWATER PLANT ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN I or II

City of Riverside

Riverside, CA • On-site

$57K - $70K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


City Of Riverside (California) rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The Position The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of WASTEWATER PLANT ELECTRICAL & INSTRUMENT TECHNICIAN I or II to fill one (1) vacancy in the Sewer Electrical Instrument Division of the Public Works Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months. The ideal candidate(s) will have experience in process controls such as maintaining and repairing complex electrical and electronic operational controls, recording, alarm systems and variable speed pump control equipment.

Additionally, the best candidate(s) will have experience in the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of PLCs throughout the plant and collections lift station system network. Finally, the top candidate will have experience in analytical equipment such as residual, D.O., PH, conductivity, and turbidity and like equipment. The Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I or II performs skilled work on electrical and Instrumentation of all equipment in a wastewater treatment plant and collections system

Works on any day, swing, or graveyard shift or on standby and performs related work as required. Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I $80,160.00 - $97,452.00 Annually This is the entry level class in the wastewater plant electrical & instrumentation technician series. For a full description of the Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I position, please click here

Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II $92,112.00 - $111,936.00 Annually This is the advanced class in the Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician series. For a full description of the Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II position, please click here. ***MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK ALL SHIFTS*** City Council Approved and scheduled COLA adjustments: 4.5% increase to base salary, effective the first pay period following July 1, 2027 Work Performed Typical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Installs, maintains, and services, wire, relays, pull boxes, switchboards, and switches in making additions, extensions, or alterations in electrical systems

Maintains, repairs, and replaces more complex and challenging electrical and electronic equipment, including motor, and pumps, generators, controllers, switchboards, switches and electronic boards, circuitry, analyzers, samplers, and other related components. Performs technical troubleshooting, testing, locating, and repairing defects in electrical and electronic circuits, signals, fiber optics, and electrical gear up to 4160 volts. Uses, operates, and applies a variety of electrical diagnostic and test equipment.

Troubleshoots, identifies, and addresses problems in electrical and electronic systems, reading and interpreting blueprints, wire diagrams and schematics, and utilizing a variety of test equipment. Tests, cleans, repairs, rebuilds, and calibrates metering equipment; reprograms and maintains microprocessor and instrumentation systems and equipment. Maintains and repairs the more complex electrical and electronic operational controls, recording, alarm systems and variable speed pump control equipment.

Maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots PLC's throughout the plant and collections lift station system network; troubleshoots analytical equipment such as residual, D.O., PH, conductivity, and turbidity and like equipment. Participates and assists with other general plant and facility maintenance activities. Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications Recruitment Guidelines Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I: Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED); supplemental education or certificate program in electronics preferred. Experience: One (1) year experience in electrical and electronic instrumentation system installation, maintenance and repair involving water or wastewater plant treatment processes. Necessary Special Requirement for Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician I: Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid appropriate Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Possession of a CWEA Wastewater Electrical & Instrumentation Grade I certification within 12 months of hire date. Recruitment Guidelines for Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II: Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED), supplemented by completion of a certificate program in electronics. Experience: Three (3) years of full-time experience in the more complex electrical and instrumentation systems in installation, maintenance, and repair, preferably involving water or wastewater plant treatment processes.

Necessary Special Requirement for Wastewater Plant Electrical & Instrument Technician II: Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid appropriate Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Possession of a CWEA Wastewater Electrical & Instrumentation Grade I certification. Must have the ability to obtain a CWEA Electrical and Instrumentation Technician Grade II certification within 12 months of hire date or promotion.

Highly Desirable Qualification(s): Experience in Process Controls Experience in Analytical Equipment Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is done inside and outside in the field with exposure to inclement weather, hazards, chemicals, equipment, construction materials, wastewater, electronic hazards, and fumes. Employees may interact with staff and/or public and private representatives and will provide professional customer service. Selection Process DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION: 1) Completed Employment Application 2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire PLEASE NOTE: THE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED MUST BE SCANNED AND ATTACHED TO THE ONLINE APPLICATION.

THE SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW AN APPLICATION TO BE SUBMITTED WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ATTACHMENT. FOR DIRECTIONS ON ATTACHING A DOCUMENT TO AN ON-LINE APPLICATION, OR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide). IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment.

You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment. The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process.

This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification. It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination. NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options: An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at Members - NACES or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/. An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.


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