Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Electrician/Instrumentation Technician

Salary

$46.18 - $56.13 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5096-25

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

03/03/2025

Closing Date

3/24/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacoma Environmental Services Department is seeking skilled Electrician/Instrumentation Technicians to join our collaborative team.

Electrician/Instrumentation Technicians are responsible for performing skilled journey level electrical and instrumentation maintenance work that involves maintenance and installation of a wide variety of equipment, instrumentation, apparatus, controls, and motors.

An employee in this classification develops and implements a proactive maintenance work program that includes preventative and predictive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and equipment condition monitoring on a variety of instrumentation equipment, communications equipment, meters, control systems, electrical systems, circuits, and motor controls associated with wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, stormwater control facilities and solid waste systems such as compactors. Employees work on a variety of electrical components at our facilities, such as relays, PLC’s, circuit breakers, and electrical distribution. Prior experience at a wastewater, surface water, or solid waste utility is not needed for the position.

This recruitment is being conducted to establish a Civil Service Eligibility List that will be used to fill Electrician/Instrumentation Technician vacancies as they occur at both the wastewater and solid waste utilities for a period of one year.

Working for the City of Tacoma is more than a job – it is an opportunity to each and every day leave our community better than we found it. In the Environmental Services Department, everything we do creates a better Tacoma by promoting healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound. It is why we exist. And we are committed to partnering with our community, fostering a great employee culture, and continuing to improve our award-winning operations with a clear focus on safety.

The Principles that Guide Us:

Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent

AND

Two (2) years of journey-level experience as an electrician OR an instrumentation technician in an industrial or manufacturing plant/work environment,

AND

Two (2) years supplemental advanced course work in electric theory and industrial controls.

**Additional experience can be substituted for education at the rate of three (3) years of apprentice-level experience or two (2) years of journey-level experience per one (1) year of advanced course work.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License and valid First Aid Card with CPR at time of appointment (your first day on the job if selected for this position) with maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge & Skills

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Control Systems, electrical circuits, and instrumentation for system integration, maintenance, troubleshooting and root cause analysis

• National Electrical Code (NEC), regulations, and procedures

• Electrical, instrumentation and electronic technology including PLC’s (Rockwell) and various programming formats (Ladder, Function block, Structured Text)

• Various types of conduit applications and methods of installation

• Schematics, wiring diagrams and instrument control diagrams

• Electrical codes, regulations and procedures

• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies

• Health and safety regulations

• Technical aspects of field of specialty

• Proper record keeping techniques

• Basic wastewater treatment plant processes and impact of equipment malfunction

• Safety techniques, testing and procedures to handle dangerous or hazardous chemicals, gases and/or confined spaces, as related to wastewater treatment plants and pump stations

• Experience with 480-volt equipment, instrumentation and controls, HMI, SCADA systems and in conducting maintenance work on motor controls, electrical distribution and generating systems

• Understanding and ability to calculate wire sizes and conduit fill

SKILLS:

• Understand basic troubleshooting and repair of industrial systems, with the ability to visualize how different systems operate together to find the root cause

• Read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, engineering plans, P&ID drawings and specifications

• Apply principles of electrical theory to daily tasks, which may include design of electrical systems

• Implement a preventative maintenance work program

• Operate, install, repair, and inspect a variety of electronic testing equipment

• Understand basic computer skills that the technician will need in using a laptop in their daily work, i.e. changing the IP address, using serial ports, and troubleshooting network connectivity

• Operate a variety of tools and equipment used in the electrical and instrumentation trade such as; hydraulic presses, cutters, benders, various types of testing equipment and recording devices

• Lift heavy objects in awkward and confined spaces, using proper lifting and rigging techniques

• Understand and interpret the national electrical code

• Operate motor vehicles and forklifts

• Understand and follow oral and written directions

• Observe appropriate safety procedures in the performance of assigned tasks

• Maintain records and prepare reports as directed

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

• Work independently with little direction

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity:

Interested individuals must apply online and attach a current resume and cover letter detailing your qualifications for the position. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process.

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points, with redacted birth date and social security numbers.

Examination Process:

This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions # 7-14 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test . It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers. DO NOT respond with "see resume" in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score.

Applicants who pass the test will be placed on an eligible list for potential interview and hiring consideration. The eligible list established for this position will be used to fill vacancies and provide set-ups for one year.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical exam, physical ability test and drug and alcohol screen.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local Union IBEW 483. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?

The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits:

• Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment.

• Medical coverage for eligible employees, spouses and dependents, including children up to age 26.

• Vision care with VSP for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Regence PPO medical plan with vision benefits.

• Dental coverage for eligible employees and their elected dependents, including dependent children up to the age of 26.

• Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code.

• Personal time off.

• Paid holidays.

• A great pension plan.

The City of Tacoma:

With a population of over 220,000, Tacoma is the third largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.

When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have an opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:

http://www.cityoftacoma.org/

http://www.traveltacoma.com/

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, call the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

• Yes

• No

  02

  Did you graduate from high school or the equivalent (GED)?

• Yes

• No

  03

  Do you have two (2) years of journey level experience as an electrician, or two (2) years as an instrumentation technician, or two (2) years experience in programing PLC’s, HMI’s, and SCADA systems in an industrial or manufacturing plant/work environment? *Additional experience can be substituted for education at the rate of three (3) years of apprentice-level experience or two (2) years of journey-level experience per one (1) year of advanced course work.

• Yes

• *I do not meet the education requirements, but I meet the experience requirements of at least three (3) years of apprentice-level experience or two (2) years of journey-level experience per one (1) year of advanced course work.

• No

  04

  If you answered "Yes" to question #3, please describe your experience including the duties performed, name of the employer(s), and date(s) of employment. If you have no experience. please type N/A.

  05

  Please describe any additional formal course work/training you've received.

  06

  INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions #7-14 are the experience and training test which will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will only see your answers to the questions and will not have access to any of your application materials. You must describe your experience and/or training, what work was performed, and provide thorough answers to the supplemental questions. Your answer must stand on its own merit. DO NOT refer to your resume in lieu of answering questions. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses to the questions.

  Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions 8- 15.

• Yes

• No

  07

  Please describe your experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) and industrial process automation. If you have no experience, type N/A.

  08

  Please describe your experience with installing, configuring, maintaining and repairing industrial instrumentation equipment. If you have no experience, type N/A.

  09

  Please describe your experience installing, programming, and troubleshooting variable frequency drives (VFD's), soft starts or motor starters, including types and sizes. If you have no experience, type N/A.

  10

  Please describe your experience installing, programming, and troubleshooting SCADA systems and servers. If you have no experience, type N/A.

  11

  Please describe your experience using, connecting, testing, and troubleshooting different industrial communication protocols to include HART, Modbus, Profibus, and industrial Ethernet. If you have no experience, type N/A.

  12

  Please describe your experience and software used for reading, drawing and correcting electrical schematics, ladder drawings, loop drawings and P&ID's. If you have no experience, type N/A.

  13

  Please describe your experience with low voltage (480 volt) electrical maintenance, installation, troubleshooting and repair experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A

  14

  Please describe your experience with medium voltage (13.8 kV) electrical maintenance, installation and maintenance experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A

  15

  Please tell us how you learned about this job opportunity.

• City of Tacoma website

• Association of Washington Cities website

• From a City of Tacoma employee

• Word of mouth

• From a professional organization

• From a community organization

• From a Union

• Internet web search

• City of Tacoma job interest notification

• Other

  16

  If you selected "professional organization," "community organization," or "other" in the previous question, please tell us which organization or "other" you learned of this job opportunity. Thank you; this will assist is in outreach for future job opportunities.

  17

  If you are a military veteran, did you remember to upload a copy of your DDForm 214, Member 4 copy, for review for Veteran's Preference eligibility?

  18

  Did you remember to upload a cover letter and resume to this application?

• Yes

• No

  Required Question

Employer

City of Tacoma

Address

Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone

253-591-5400

Website

http://www.cityoftacoma.org

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