Instrument Technician

Job Title: Instrument Technician

Salary: $50-$65/hr

Schedule: Dayshift 6 am - 2 pm

Operational Technical Services (OTS) is one of the fastest growing private water and wastewater utility staffing providers in the country. We provide certified water treatment, distribution, wastewater treatment, collections, engineering, laboratory, water quality, maintenance, and training professionals to municipalities, special districts, and private utilities throughout the country. OTS offers temporary, temp-to-hire, direct hire, and emergency on-call opportunities including great benefits.

Overview:

Join a dynamic team as an Instrument Technician dedicated to maintaining and enhancing instrumentation and control systems critical to water purification processes. In this role, you will leverage your technical expertise to ensure precise operation of sensors, analyzers, PLCs, DCS, and SCADA systems, supporting the delivery of high-quality water services. Your work will directly impact operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance in the water treatment industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, commission, and calibrate instrumentation and control equipment, including wiring, sensor placement, and hardware/software integration.
• Conduct preventive maintenance, inspections, calibrations, and troubleshooting of instrumentation and control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve system faults promptly using diagnostic tools and root cause analysis techniques.
• Participate in system upgrades, software and hardware enhancements, and process automation improvements.
• Maintain detailed documentation of maintenance activities, system modifications, and calibration records for regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with process engineers, operators, and maintenance staff to ensure smooth plant operations and provide technical support and training.
• Utilize SCADA and DCS systems to monitor real-time process variables, alarms, and equipment status.
• Analyze data trends for predictive maintenance and process optimization initiatives.
• Respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations to minimize downtime and ensure water quality standards are upheld.
• Stay current on technological advancements and industry best practices to foster continuous improvement.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5-7 years of hands-on experience with instrumentation and controls within water treatment, chemical processing, or similar industries.
• Strong proficiency with calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of analytical sensors, transmitters, actuators, and process controllers.
• Expertise in PLC programming (Rockwell Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider), DCS operation, SCADA configuration, and industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
• Working knowledge of analog, digital, and microprocessor-based instruments, as well as electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic control principles.
• Skilled in interpreting P&ID diagrams, wiring schematics, loop diagrams, and vendor documentation.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ISA, NFPA, OSHA.
• Associate degree or higher in instrumentation, electrical engineering, industrial automation, or related technical field required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and attention to detail in documentation and compliance.
• Valid California Class C driver license and ability to maintain it.
• Ability to work safely in potentially hazardous environments with exposure to live electricity, chemicals, fumes, and noise.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds, working at heights, and performing physical tasks including climbing, bending, and stooping.
• Must pass background check and drug screening.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks such as climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and working in confined or elevated spaces.
• Ability to communicate clearly, hear high-frequency sounds, and distinguish colors necessary for inspection and troubleshooting.
• Visual acuity sufficient for detailed work.

MUST HAVES FOR ROLE:

• Utility Pants: Employees must wear durable utility pants suitable for the work environment.
• Safety Shoes: Steel-toed or other appropriate safety shoes are mandatory to protect against workplace hazards.
• Candidates must consent to and pass a background check and drug screening as part of the hiring process.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Operational Technical Services, (OTS), is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colors, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.