Instrument Technician

Job Title

This is skilled and highly technical work in the design, installation, maintenance, testing and repair of all equipment included in a computerized analog/digital process control system; including telecommunication fiber optic and wireless telemetry systems and motor control circuits in Public Services plants, stations, buildings and grounds; does related work as required.

The employee is responsible for maintaining continuous operation of computer systems including components, peripheral devices, analog and digital sensors, analyzers, motor controls, controllers, actuators, probes, variable frequency drives, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), recorders, telemetry and telecommunication units and other instrumentation by establishing and carrying out appropriate system tests, calibrations, diagnostics, etc. to monitor and document system performance. The work is performed under the supervision of the Process Control Supervisor. The employee is responsible for determining work procedures, corrective actions and independently applying technical knowledge and skills to maintain the required level of system performance and reliability. At times, this work must be completed outside normal work hours and thus the employee will be required to respond to frequent but unpredictable emergency situations during that time the employee is on "standby".

Examples of Duties

Establishes and maintains a program and performs scheduled preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance on the process control systems.

Tests, inspects, repairs and calibrates electro-hydraulic, analog, pneumatic and digital system components including motor controls, distributive controls and PLCs to ensure reliable and continuous operation.

Purchases, installs and tests of new circuitry, sensors and related equipment.

Develop and install computer interface equipment required for the on-line data input from field instruments including Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems.

Calibrates and repairs flow measuring components, transducers, differential pressure cells, signal transmitters, pressure and level sensors, thermocouples, telemetering equipment, telecommunication, wireless communication and other similar instrumentations.

Orders and purchases spare parts necessary to assure reliable operation of process control system.

Works with engineers to make circuit and system changes.

Recommends, specifies, designs, purchases, programs and installs new equipment. Maintains documentation by updating drawings and prints as needed.

Prepares as-built drawings, schematics, and control logic as needed.

Essential Qualifications

Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of digital computers process control instrumentation, PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control and motor controls.

Thorough knowledge of digital logic and analog circuitry; skill in the use of signal generators, oscilloscope and related electronic testing equipment and closed loop control.

Ability to interpret and work from electrical and electronic schematics and specifications; reasonable knowledge of pneumatic and electro-hydraulic instrumentation, hydraulics and thermodynamics used in process control systems.

Skill in performing basic and advanced electrical, electronic and instrumentation diagnostic and repair work.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Ability to prepare written documents, including; equipment specifications, work order and troubleshooting reports.

Graduation from high school, or GED.

Acceptable Training and Experience

Completion of a trade or vocational level program in electronic or electrical technology.

Certified by the Instrument Society of America as a Control System Technician (or equivalent).

Five years of experience with diagnosis and repair of instrumentation equipment.

Familiarity with programming PLCs.