WTE Electrical & Instrumentation Technician

Electrical Technician

Responsible for installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical, instrumentation, and distributive control equipment throughout the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant, including low, medium, and high voltage electrical distribution equipment.

Job Functions

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Performs scheduled preventive maintenance on all plant electrical, instrumentation, and control equipment related to overall plant operating systems, steam turbine, generator, mobile equipment including crane, etc.
• Installs, maintains, calibrates, and repairs instrumentation systems and equipment in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations and plant standards, to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Troubleshoots and repairs electrical circuits, switchgear, electrical components, and motor controls including Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems used to monitor, automate, and control plant processes. Programs and modifies PLCs to improve system efficiency and meet operational needs.
• Assists plant and environmental personnel with the operation, calibration, and maintenance of the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS).
• Responds to and resolves electrical and instrumentation system malfunctions, failures, or outages using diagnostic tools and equipment. Identifies potential and recurring problems and recommends or takes corrective actions.
• Assists in the startup and shutdown of electrical and control systems as part of planned or emergency operations. Completes work orders and project work during plant outages.
• Provides guidance and training to less experienced staff on electrical and instrumentation systems, as well as best practices for maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Ensures all work is completed in accordance with safety standards; adheres to lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, hot work permits, arc flash, confined space entry, and other plant safety protocols during maintenance tasks.
• Follows all plant safety procedures and protocols to ensure the health and safety of all personnel. Acts as a confined space entrant and attendant and assists with any retrieval efforts during emergencies until emergency services arrive.
• Supports adherence to and implementation of environmental regulations, especially regarding emissions monitoring, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of maintenance activities and reports on equipment performance and condition. Assists in maintaining an up-to-date inventory of electrical and instrumentation spare parts and tools.
• Works closely with other technicians, engineers, and operations staff to ensure the plant operates efficiently and reliably. Provides support and oversight to contractors.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Education: Associate degree or equivalent trade school related to electrical engineering, industrial electronics/instrumentation, control systems, or a closely related field.
• Experience: No work experience required.
• Substitution: Work experience in the maintenance and repair of electrical instrumentation and distributive control equipment, such as hydraulic/pneumatic-driven systems, steam turbine, turbine generator, air dampers, and related control devices in utilities or manufacturing facilities, may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Equivalency: We accept equivalent combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.

Licenses and Certifications:

• A valid driver's license is required, to be maintained throughout employment.

Examination Details

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list. The examination will consist of the following:

• Supplemental Questionnaire Training and Experience Evaluation 20%
• Multiple-Choice 80%

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library. Supplemental Questionnaire Training & Experience Evaluation: A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. The questions may be viewed online under the tab marked "QUESTIONS" on the job announcement page. The T&E must be submitted online, at the time of application. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E. Multiple-Choice Examination: Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on November 18th, 2026. The testing window is November 19th – 23rd. Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane (View email address on click.appcast.io). Possible subjects covered in the multiple-choice examination:

• Electrical/Instrumentation
• Safety
• Motors & Generators
• Blueprint/Schematic Reading

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website. Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.

Benefits

Benefit Compensation Value

In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $24,902 - $34,218.

Insurance Benefits

Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.

Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.

Medical: Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected.

Vision: Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.

Dental: Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The City pays the monthly premium in full for employee and eligible dependents.

Life Insurance - Employee Only: Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s): Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $5,000 for spouse/domestic partner and $2,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Flexible Spending Account: The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.

AFLAC: Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit: AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.