Instrumentation Technician I

Salary : $84,948.00 - $113,736.00 Annually
Location : Oceanside, CA, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-104
Department: Water Utilities
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 1:15 PM Pacific


Introduction
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
About Oceanside's Water Utilities Department & Our SCADA System
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Instrumentation Technician I in the Water Utilities Department's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Division (SCADA).
Oceanside's Water Utility is an innovative and forward-looking organization whose goal it is to ensure ongoing access to safe, affordable drinking water and sanitary wastewater management by maintaining top talent, resource resiliency, dependability, and system efficiency.
The Utility's SCADA Division is responsible for maintaining a digital network that collects real-time data and enables plant operators and decision makers to access operational treatment data.
About Our System
The Oceanside Water Utilities Department owns and operates:

• two wastewater treatment plants - the La Salina Plant is scheduled for decommission
• one water treatment plant
• one recycled water treatment plant
• one advanced water purification facility - Pure Water Oceanside!
• one groundwater purification facility

• dozens of booster pump stations and lift stations
• hundreds of miles of water and wastewater pipelines
• and 12 reservoirs

About the position
The Water Utilities SCADA Division is seeking a motivated problem-solver who has a baseline understanding of PLCs and I/O modules and who is looking to further develop their experience in water and wastewater SCADA systems.
You should be excited about this opportunity because you will...

• Empower our plant operators to make appropriate and timely operational decisions
• Design & maintain a SCADA system that is in optimal working order
• Safeguard our reliability to the thousands of homes & businesses who rely on us by providing a critical utility function

If this sounds like you, keep reading!
Examples of Duties
The Instrumentation Technician I designs, assembles, installs and repairs instrumentation and SCADA systems, equipment, and components in the field and in the shop; installs and repairs PLC and IO modules, control panels, transmitters, limit switches, and electronic pressure level sensors; diagnoses, troubleshoots, updates, and repairs malfunctioning systems and equipment, calibration problems and other measuring, recording, and transmitting device failures; ensures safe and reliable power to all process instruments; cleans, lubricates, and changes component parts; performs preventive maintenance on pump control panels; maintains calibration logs and writes reports; interprets and designs applicable computer software; modifies and implements computer software programs for data logging and control; maintains preventive operations records; blueprints, schematics and diagrams for a variety of water and wastewater systems; assists engineers on new projects; orders supplies and materials; interprets and analyzes trends and reports produced from historical data; and performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of :

• Operating principles and maintenance requirements of electrical equipment and instrumentation associated with water and wastewater facilities.
• Programs for preventive maintenance and record keeping on electronic equipment and instrumentation.
• Electronic and telemetering principles and practices.
• General principles and methods of water and wastewater facility monitoring and control.
• Principles and practices of instrumentation and calibration of process monitoring and control equipment.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Ability to :

• Install, modify and repair equipment related to electronics, instrumentation control, telemetry and telecommunications.
• Calibrate and test a variety of systems designed to monitor and control treatment plant processes.
• Monitor and maintain the accuracy of calibration standards and equipment.
• Read, interpret and understand plans, schematics, technical manuals, diagrams, blueprints and drawings associated with water and wastewater systems.
• Assemble and install field and plant SCADA equipment.
• Plan and execute repair, maintenance, and installation of process monitoring and control equipment.
• Maintain detailed records and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Work independently and efficiently to carry out assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training

Experience : A minimum of three years of increasingly responsible experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of instrumentation systems.
Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in electronics or a related field.


License or Certificate :

• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Possession of California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist II certificate within 24 months of hire date is required.

As a condition of employment, candidates must obtain a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist II certificate within 24 months of hire date.
Internal candidates: Failing to obtain the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist II certificate within 24 months of hire date will be reverted to their previous classification without right of appeal.
External candidates: Failing to obtain the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist II certificate within 24 months of hire date will be terminated without right of appeal.
Working Conditions and Selection Process
Environmental Conditions : Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, electrical energy, toxic materials, and inclement weather conditions; work in or with water.

Physical Conditions : Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking, sitting, kneeling or bending for prolonged periods of time; heavy, moderate or light lifting.

Selection Process : All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral exam, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the Eligibility List for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting), and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.
RÉSUMÉS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.

THE PROVISIONS IN THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Oceanside City Employees' Association

Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits
Retirement
Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of PEPRA in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Buy additional Service Retirement Credit prior to membership
• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance

Medical/Vision: (First of the month following 60 days)

• Kaiser plan provided through Teamster Medical Trust. For more information please contact #View phone number on click.appcast.io

Dental: (First of the Month following hire)

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Disability and Life Insurances

The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:

• First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
• Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
• All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used

Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability

Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life and AD&D

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500

Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000

MetLife Legal Plan

• Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $2,000 per fiscal year

Leave Benefits
Vacation:


1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours
6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours
11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours
16 + years: 8.19
Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after

Holidays:

• New Years' Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year

Sick Leave:
Accrual: 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited
Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:


Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 50% payment in lieu of accrued sick leave provided such employee has used 3 work days (maximum of 36 hours) or less of sick leave during the calendar year and has a minimum of 100 hours in their sick leave bank prior to the cash out request.
Sick Leave pay off at separation:

• Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates

Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employee's immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Certification Pay

The City will provide certification pay up to $1.00 per hour for employees utilizing designated certifications in the performance of their duties.

Bilingual and Notary Pay
Bilingual: $1.73 per hour for eligible employees

Notary: $.58 per hour for eligible employees

Uniforms

The City will provide uniforms for any employee required by the City to wear such uniform in the course of their regular job duties.


Commercial Driver License
The City will reimburse the application cost of Commercial Class A or B Driver License to full-time employees in certain classifications.

Safety Shoes
The City will provide reimbursement up to $200 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.

Term of Compensation Plan
Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026
This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.

01


Please describe your work experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of instrumentation systems. Please list the dates (From-To).
02


Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04


Please list any college-level course work in electronics or a related field, that you have completed.
05


Do you possess a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist II certificate? (If yes, please attach a copy of your certificate.)

• Yes
• No

06


If you answered no to Question 5, are you willing to obtain a CWEA Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist II certificate within 24 months of hire as required?

• Yes
• No

07


Please describe your work experience in installing, modifying, or repairing equipment related to electronics, instrumentation control, telemetry, and telecommunications.
08


Please describe your work experience in calibrating and testing a variety of systems designed to monitor and control treatment plant processes.
09


Please describe your work experience with preventive maintenance programs and record keeping of electronic equipment and instrumentation.
10


Please list any computer programs that you are familiar with. Please note your competency level as minimum, intermediate or advanced.
11


Describe any additional qualifications you have. (Training, certifications, etc.)
12


CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question