County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

DEFINITION

This specification describes two levels of the Instrument Technician classification. Under supervision at the I level and under general supervision at the II level, installs, inspects, troubleshoots, maintains and repairs metering and recording instruments, controlling apparatus, data logging and display equipment, communications, radio telemetering and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems used in the Zone 7’s Water Treatment, Production and Distribution System; and to perform other related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Instrument Technician I, Zone 7 is the sub-journey level classification. This class is distinguished from the next higher level one of Instrument Technician II, Zone 7 in that the former is under supervision and incumbents are in training and learning the full scope of the assigned duties and responsibilities, while the latter is the journey level, independently performing the full scope of the duties and responsibilities of the position. As Instrument Technician I experience and proficiency are gained, assignments become more difficult and independence of action is increased. Incumbents of the Instrument Technician I, Zone 7 classification are expected to gain experience and demonstrate proficiency in the level of work performed which will qualify them to promote to the higher level after three years of full time service. This classification reports to the Facilities Maintenance and Construction Supervisor, Zone 7.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Installs, maintains, repairs, overhauls, calibrates, and tests a wide variety of pneumatic instrumentation, electronic recording, indicating, controlling, telemetering, and testing instruments including level, flow, pressure, temperature, position, water analysis and gas detectors.

2. Makes periodic preventative maintenance inspection of all metering control instruments.

3. Lays out, installs, aligns, and places into service new metering and recording devices, calibrating as required.

4. Reads and interprets wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and specifications in making installations or performing major repair work.

5. Makes estimates of labor, materials, and supplies necessary for the performance of specific assignments.

6. Keeps records, makes verbal and written reports of work performed.

7. Updates shop drawings, schematics and wiring diagrams as changes occur.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

The equivalent of completion of the twelfth grade.
Experience:
The equivalent of two years full-time experience performing skilled work in both mechanical and electromechanical repairs, or electronic circuitry and instrumentation repair.

Or II
Certificate:

Possession of a valid 2-Year Program in Instrumentation & Industrial Automation Technology from Perry Technical Institute or equivalent.

License:

Must possess a California Driver’s License.

Certificates:
Possession of an Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society of America (ISA) Control Systems Technician Level II Certificate (CCST II) is desirable.

Other Requirements:

Must possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the class, including sufficient physical agility to work in high or confined spaces. Positions in this class are required to be clean shaven on a scheduled basis as required to wear respiratory protection or other safety equipment to comply with OSHA, Cal/OSHA rules and regulations.

NOTE: The Civil Service commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Electrical and electronic circuits.
• Industrial Instrumentation methods, practices, and tools used in maintaining, repairing, testing and adjusting electromechanical recording and metering instruments.
• Mechanical linkage and radio telemetry systems.
• Safety practices.
• Laws, rules and regulations governing maintenance and operation of radio, telemetry and telephone equipment.
• Elect Electronic schematic diagrams, blueprints and piping (or process) and instrument diagrams (P&ID).
• PLC and SCADA hardware and software.

Ability to:

• Effectively communicate orally.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and electronic process control difficulties in instrumentation and telemetering systems.
• Read and interpret ladder logic and wiring diagrams and mechanical drawings.
• Make extensive repairs and overhauls to metering and control instruments.
• Make estimates of labor and materials.
• Maintain clear and accurate records.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

MH:cs
12/10/09
New spec: 4941.doc
CSC Date: 2/24/10

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.