Entry Level Instrumentation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $90,395.00 - $147,940.00 Annually
Location : Sutter Creek, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600009
Department: Electrical - Instrumentation
Opening Date: 08/28/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: GBU
Description
Classification specifications (job description) are intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities performed by an incumbent in the classification. Specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualification for entry into the classification and not intended to reflect all duties and responsibilities of an incumbent in the classification.
SUMMARY
Under direction of the Instrumentation/Electrical Supervisor, operates, interfaces, installs, troubleshoots, maintains and repairs electrical, electronic and computerized equipment used in the Agency's water/wastewater treatment systems, as well as conduct integration and networking. Maintain, troubleshoot telemetry radios, computerized controls involving SCADA systems, programmable logic controller, servers, level, flow and analytical monitoring devices.
The primary emphasis of this position is on electrical skills and abilities.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Instrumentation/Electrical Technician I - This is the entry level. Position works under immediate supervision. Position may be assigned on call/standby duties.
Instrumentation/Electrical Technician II - This is the advanced level in the series. Position works under minimal supervision performing complex instrumentation and control tasks. Position performs on call/standby duties.
Instrumentation/Electrical Technician III - This is the lead level in the series. Position works independently performing complex instrumentation and control tasks and assists the Supervisor in day-to-day operations. Position performs on call/standby duties.
Examples of Duties
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Tasks performed bases on level assigned.

• Inspects, installs, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs Agency electrical and electronic equipment, including motor control centers, load centers, switchgear, control panels, transformers, power generation and battery backup equipment, HVAC, lighting, pumps, motors, AC and DC drives, voice and data communication systems, PLC's, HMI's, and other equipment related to the Agency's water and wastewater operations and related facilities.
• Inspects, installs, maintains, troubleshoots, calibrates and repairs Agency instrumentation and control equipment, including valves, actuators, positioners, regulators, process and equipment monitoring instruments, recorders, gas monitors, process and equipment status alarm systems, and other equipment related to the Agency's water and wastewater operations and related facilities.
• Troubleshoots, tests, maintains and repairs DC, single phase and three phase low voltage , and medium and high voltage circuits and equipment.
• Troubleshoots, tests, maintains and repairs Agency hydraulic, pneumatic, and electronic control systems and equipment.
• Performs skilled testing of analog and digital systems
• Programs and configures electrical and process control equipment and systems, including computer workstations and servers, networking and communication systems, SCADA, HMI's, PLC's, variable speed motor controls, power monitors, protective relays, and other related equipment.
• Assists in system integration of HMI, PLC, SCADA and computer systems
• Maintains process SCADA data historian software and databases.
• Assists in the design/redesign of electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic control systems, power and control circuits, lighting systems, and associated control systems in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Assists in the development of P&ID, designs and lays out electrical and control projects. Performs phase balancing and makes load computations on a variety of electrical circuits.
• Utilizes test equipment including oscilloscopes, megohmmeters, digital multimeters, power analyzers, frequency generators, RF wattmeters and spectrum analyzers, analog signal generators.
• Directs and oversees contractor work as assigned and inspects the work of contractors in progress and upon completion.
• Assist in engineering review of capital projects and system upgrades
• Operates, maintains and repairs Agency hydroelectric generation facilities.
• Submits to the Instrumentation/Electrical Supervisor purchase requisitions for parts and interfaces with vendors and other utility personnel on operations and repair of related equipment and facilities
• Reads and interprets electronic schematics, mechanical and instrumentation drawings, wiring diagrams, and construction drawings necessary to install, service, and repair equipment in accordance with related regulations and manufacturer specifications.
• Maintains records for preventative maintenance work; maintains instrumentation and electrical parts inventories; Identifies and documents equipment information and preventative maintenance tasks for entry into the Agency CMMS system.
• Maintains current training in proper personal protective equipment and safety procedures for chemical spills, electrical hazards and other emergencies
• Makes estimates of labor, materials, and supplies necessary for the performance of specific assignments.
• Performs scheduled 24-hour On Call/Standby duties which include responding to emergency calls of any nature.
• Level II within the series provides guidance to Level I positions as assigned by the Supervisor or in the Supervisors absence.
• Performs related duties as assigned or required for the ongoing operation of the Agency's business.

Typical Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, techniques, materials, and tools required for the installation, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining of electrical and electronic equipment and systems found in water and wastewater systems and related facilities.
• Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and tools required for the installation, calibrating, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing instrumentation and control equipment, SCADA systems, PLC's, and associated equipment found in water and wastewater systems and related facilities.
• Principles, practices, techniques, materials, and tools required for the installation, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining of wireless, wired, and fiber optic communication equipment and systems.
• Applied principles and theories of electronics and electrical systems.
• Various PLC programming software applications.
• Basic mathematic techniques.
• Wireless, wired, and fiber optic communications.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures related to this work.
• Control systems theory and its practical application to process control and field instrumentation.
• Principles of variable frequency drives, motors, and control systems.
• Record keeping principles and procedures
• Knowledge of National Electric Code (NEC) and other applicable codes, laws, and ordinances typical of industrial/commercial electrical installation.
• English language usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation

Ability to:

• Install, calibrate, maintain, and repair SCADA system, PLCs, and related instrumentation.
• Install, test, perform diagnostics on, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain a diverse range of low to high voltage electrical, electronic equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot and correct PLC programming, communication, and network issues.
• Read, interpret, and revise schematics, drawings, specifications, and related technical documents.
• Safely and effectively use and operate a vehicle and tools and equipment required for the work.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials.
• Maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Make accurate mathematical computations.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate work to meet deadlines with accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with Agency staff, coworkers, consultants and the public in one-to-one or group settings.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts, employees, vendors, customers, etc. using best practice customer service skills.
• Work independently and prioritize multiple tasks often under time constraints and with limited supervision.

Supplemental Information
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Instrumentation/Electrical Technician I -

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of formal technical college education and three (3) years' experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Instrumentation/Electrical Technician II -

• Above requirements
• Formal Technical College Education and Five (5) years' experience; preferably in the instrumentation requirements of the position; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Instrumentation/Electrical Technician III -

• Above requirements
• Effectively demonstrates proficiency in all Agency PLC, SCADA, and communication systems (desired to have two (2) years Agency experience at Level II).
• Eight (8) years' experience in instrumentation requirements of the position; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Instrumentation/Electrical Technician (All Levels) -

• A valid California Driver's License with a continuing acceptable driving record.
• Desirable qualifications include: electrical background, formal training in instrumentation, communication and computer technology.

Benefit Eligibility
All regular employees who work an average of twenty or more hours each week are eligible to participate in all of the Agency's benefit programs.
Retirement Program
The Agency participates in both Social Security and the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Social Security-the employee and Agency share equally in all contributions to Social Security. CalPERS Plans are offered based on eligibility.
Leave
Vacation accrues at 10 days per year, 12 days after 2 years, 15 days after 5 years, 18 days after 8 years, 21 days after 11 years, 24 days after 14 years and 25 days after 15 years of service. Accrual maximums are 1 ½ times for Amador Water Agency Employee Association and 2 times for Supervisor Bargaining Unit groups.
Sick Leave accrues at 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation. Accumulated sick leave is converted to CalPERS service time upon retirement from the Agecny.
There are 12 paid holidays and 1 day of paid personal leave per year.
Insurance Benefits
Full premium costs are paid by the Agency for dental, vision, disability, life insurance and Employee Assistance Program for the employee. Employee (100% Agency paid) and Dependent (80% Agency paid) coverage for health insurance is paid for with the Anthem Advantage Plan being the base plan of coverage. Contributions for part-time employees are prorated based on the average number of hours worked as related to full time. The Agency offers a mandatory retiree health savings plan for all new hires; with contributions made by the employer.
Other Benefits
Employees may participate in a tuition reimbursement program, safety boot allowance if position qualifies, reimbursement upon receipt of proof of purchase, day care reimbursement, medical reimbursement, Section 125 plan, payroll direct deposit, long term care and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
Salary Program
Minimum and maximum salary ranges are established for each authorized position within the Agency. Starting salaries are ordinarily the minimum of the salary range. However, exceptions may be made depending upon qualifications and experience. Following completion of the probationary period and twelve months of continuous satisfactory service, employees may be eligible for salary increase.
Physical Examinations
All appointments are contingent upon the employee's ability to successfully pass a job related physical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screening by a certified lab if applicable.