Electrical and Instrumentation Technician

Salary : $91,125.32 - $110,763.12 Annually

Location : Santa Maria, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : FY 25-00107

Department : Utilities

Division : Utilities - Waste Water Treatment Plant

Opening Date : 10 / 03 / 2025

Closing Date : 11 / 3 / 2025 5 : 00 PM Pacific

OPPORTUNITY

Application Deadline :

Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5 : 00 p.m.

THE POSITION

The Water Resources Division of the Utilities Department is recruiting for an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician. Under general supervision, the position is responsible for installing, maintaining, and optimizing electrical and mechanical instrumentation systems across the Water Resources Division. This includes sewer and drainage collections, wastewater treatment, water distribution, water production, and water treatment. This position ensures that all electrical and control systems function effectively to deliver reliable and safe water and wastewater services to the community. Supervision is not normally a responsibility of this classification but may act as lead worker for temporarily assigned employees, or projects. May be required to work an irregular work schedule, including nights and weekends.

IMPORTANT

This position is subject to standby and on-call shifts to respond to issues that occur outside of regular business hours. For more information about standby and on-call shifts, refer to the SEIU MOU

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate will have experience working with electrical and mechanical systems, including installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of water and wastewater equipment. Expertise in diagnosing complex issues with instrumentation, motor control systems, and SCADA / PLC / HMI systems is highly desirable. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and commitment to safety will set the successful candidate apart.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS

• Online application
• A cover letter that explains how your background and experience align with the Ideal Candidate Statement

Full Job Description :

DUTIES

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization.

while adhering to safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Individual Contributor

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance ( See the full definition of ) :

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of electrical systems, mechanical instrumentation, control systems, and automation, including PLCs and SCADA.

Valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical & Instrumentation Technologist Grade 1 certificate is required within 12 months of hire date and is a condition of passing probation.

Current certification in mechanical instrumentation, such as the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) issued by the International Society of Automation (ISA); or National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET); or similar credentials.

SELECTION PROCESS

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

APPLICATION RANKING

The application packet will consist of the complete online application and cover letter.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications of the recruitment will be placed on an eligibility list. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by their complete application packet. The Hiring Department will schedule interviews with select candidates who best fit the needs of the Department.

If you are experiencing any technical (computer-related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, call the NEOGOV helpline for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.

The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at

Retirement

The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.

Health Insurance

Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2 / 3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Employee Assistance Program

The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.

Wellness Program

Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work. Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.

Mentorship Program

This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants' leadership skills and promote professional growth.

Succession Planning

The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.

Deferred Compensation

Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.

The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).

Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)

Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.

Holidays

The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employee's discretion.

Vacation

The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.

Sick Leave

Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.

Management Leave

Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.

Educational Incentive Program

In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.

Tuition Reimbursement

Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.

Auto Allowance

Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.

Telephone / PDA Stipend

Management level employees may receive a telephone and / or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.

Bilingual Pay

Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his / her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

01

This position requires driving for City business. Upon hire, can you submit documentation that you hold a valid driver's license?

02

How many years of experience do you have working with electrical and instrumentation systems?

03

A) List the specific fields where you have experience working with electrical and instrumentation (E&I) systems. Examples include, but aren't limited to : water and wastewater treatment, transportation infrastructure, automotive, aviation, oil refinery, etc. B) For each specific field, indicate the number of years you worked on E&I systems.

04

This position requires obtaining a valid California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical & Instrumentation Technologist Grade 1 certificate within 12 months of hire. Can you meet this requirement?

05

A) Did you graduate from an accredited college or university with a degree in industrial technology, instrumentation, computer science, or a directly related field? B) If not, please describe your relevant experience and training that qualify you for this position.

06

This position requires being available for standby and on-call shifts for issues that occur outside of regular business hours. Can you meet this requirement upon hire?

Required Question