Electronics/Instrument Technician

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for performing complex electrical and electrical control work, repairs and calibration of electrical and electronic instruments, and maintaining telemetry equipment for the utilities division. Duties include installing, troubleshooting and maintaining electrical and electronic systems, installing and repairing PLC  interface with starter panels, and motor controls, maintaining supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) equipment including data radio installation and programming. Occasionally, may be called upon to act as lead man for other Electronic Instrumentation Technician’s, electricians, or for one or more mechanics, or utility workers on a specific project. This position will be required to work shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime as necessary by the department, and during inclement weather. This position is considered weather essential personnel.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implements those portions of the preventive maintenance program involving electrically powered and/or controlled equipment, as assigned by the Electronic Instrumentation Supervisor.
• Maintain remote access of the SCADA system and work with IT department to minimize cyber attacks of the SCADA system. 
• Implement electrical safety training program for electronic technicians and train electrical instrumentation technicians in the safe operation of equipment.
• Performs scheduled, unscheduled, and emergency correction of electrical and electronic problems affecting the buildings and equipment in the water facilities as assigned by Electronic Instrumentation Supervisor.
• Works within the parameters of an overall work schedule, keeping the Electronic Instrumentation Supervisor informed of any delays in the schedule caused by unscheduled and emergency requests.
• Plans and implements various installation and repair projects, including the ordering of parts, arranging for tools, equipment and other craft help and coordinating with other schedules and work being done.
• Installs and repairs new electrical mains, pressure transducers, radios and radio networks.
• Troubleshoots and repairs existing radio networks, electrical AC and DC circuits, SCADA communication problems, industrial equipment and instrumentation components.
• Troubleshoots, programs and repairs and maintains Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Maintain records of programs and backup programs.
• Calibrate and maintain records of all TCEQ required flow meters, pressure, gauges chemical analysis and other reportable data.
• Builds and maintains HMI screens.
• Programs, installs, troubleshoots and repairs VFD drives.
• Assists in keeping the necessary inventory levels of parts, supplies, and tools required to properly respond to both preventive and emergency electrical/electronic maintenance needs.
• Maintains written records of work completed for the various maintenance programs, consisting of daily job and progress reports, equipment maintenance records, upgrades to blueprints and schematics, and the creation of new schematics.
• Assists other departmental maintenance staff in the performance of their duties, as well as assisting other departments with their electrical and electronic maintenance needs.
• Inspects, calibrates, tests and repairs the pressure, level, flow and temperature transmitters and other electrical and electronic equipment associated with the Water System.
• Assists the supervisor in the review and approval of submittals, proposals, plans of ongoing or future needs and forecasted building and installation projects.
• Must be available for ongoing training, overtime work and callbacks as workload and emergencies dictate.
• Prepares and processes purchase orders.
• Oversees inventory and property management.
• Makes recommendations that impact the department budget.
• Approves purchases up to $1,000 without approval from supervisor.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of experience in the industrial or electrical Instrumentation field. A degree in instrumentation or electronics field preferred. A certificate in instrumentation or electronics, required. Valid Texas Driver’s License required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to operate all hand, power and diagnostic tools necessary in the electrical/electronic industry.
  • Ability to operate the tools and equipment necessary for the repair and replacement of the solid state controls of process equipment and communication equipment.
  • Knowledge of electrical distrubution systems and safety requirements for working up to 4200VAC.
  • Knowledge and ability to troubleshoot electric and electronic control systems
  • Knowledge of and ability to install and repair lighting and power systems.
  • Knowledge of various types of safety equipment needed for safe work performance.
  • Ability to operate light trucks and trailers.

• Ability to multi task and work in a dynamic environment under varying degrees of pressure to ensure the functionality of critical infrastructure that (if not repaired in a timely manner) may have immediate effects on public safety and health.
• Ability to work with engineers and contractors on new or existing installations.
• Ability to work with other technicians on complex projects. 
• Ability to read blueprints, specifications, schematics, 0 & M manuals and technical litature .Ability to establish policies for using, acquiring, and/or maintaining technology systems.
• Ability to repair, develop or install telecommunications systems.
• Ability to repair, develop or install computer hardware or network systems.
• Ability to repair, develop or install complex software or management information systems.
• Ability to operate and repair small/light equipment, such as power tools.
• Ability to operate highly technical computer applications, such as GIS or CAD.
• Ability to operate computers for data entry and word processing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skill.
• Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.

ADA PROFILE

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or more than 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or more than 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The employee must also balance, climb, crawl, crouch, walk, stand, kneel, stoop, sit, hear, feel, finger, grasp, handle, reach, pull, push, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

There may be exposure to extreme weather conditions, chemical substances, noise, physical hazards, vibrations, confined spaces, respiratory hazards, and extreme heights. Attendance is an essential function of this position and in the event of an emergency or during inclement weather this position will be required to work to perform essential services. This position is required to work overtime.  Will be required to work in environments where raw sewage is present. 

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.