INSTRUMENT & CONTROL TECHNICIAN/SPECIALIST - WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT at Kitsap County – Poulsbo, Washington

A first review of applications will be done in the week of January 19.

Kitsap County is seeking a dynamic Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Technician/Specialist to join the team at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. This critical role offers an exceptional opportunity to advance your career while making a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community by ensuring the seamless operation of essential wastewater treatment systems. As an I&C Technician/Specialist, you’ll be integral in supporting the county’s Sewer Utility (SU) infrastructure through the installation, calibration, maintenance, and repair of complex instrumentation and control systems. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and develop specialized skills, all while contributing to the safe and efficient operation of our wastewater facilities.

Whether you’re hired as a Technician or Specialist, this role provides an incredible growth trajectory. Technicians automatically progress to Specialist after completing the required training and development, giving you the perfect blend of hands-on learning and career advancement. As a member of our team, you’ll be involved in critical maintenance and system upgrades, ensuring that the systems supporting the county’s wastewater treatment and sewer pumping operations function at peak performance.

As the Instrumentation and Control Technician/Specialist, you will:

• Perform Preventative Maintenance: Execute maintenance and repairs on essential equipment including flow meters, analyzers, level devices, telemetry systems, and PLCs, using tools such as multimeters and frequency meters. Ensure optimal system performance and operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and Repair: Identify and resolve problems with instrumentation systems, PLC interfaces, radio telemetry, and electro-mechanical equipment used in wastewater treatment. Utilize troubleshooting techniques with tools like voltmeters and digital calibrators.
• Install and Develop Equipment: Support the installation and development of new instrumentation and software for plant upgrades, including troubleshooting and editing industrial software and ensuring proper integration with SCADA systems.
• Independent Work: Regularly operate without direct supervision, demonstrating the ability to take initiative and make decisions to keep systems running smoothly.
• Support System Improvements: Contribute to the continuous enhancement of the SU's treatment plant and pump stations by supporting upgrades and ensuring equipment meets evolving needs.

What You Bring:

Professional Credentials/Licensing:

• Technician: Two years of experience in repair, maintenance, installation, operation, or calibration of electronic instruments and systems used for monitoring, measuring, and controlling physical or chemical processes in industrial or laboratory settings or closely related field. Equivalent combination of related experience and related education demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
• Specialist: Associate’s degree in Instrumentation & Control Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, Industrial Automation, or a closely related field from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education AND three years of experience in repair, maintenance, installation, operation, or calibration of electronic instruments and systems used for monitoring, measuring, and controlling physical or chemical processes in industrial or laboratory settings or closely related field. Relevant work experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for educational requirements. Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.
• Failure to Progress: Employees who fail to obtain required certifications, licenses, or credentials, or who do not consistently demonstrate required performance and competencies, will not progress to the next classification. The department will take appropriate personnel action in accordance with county policies.

Technical/Industry Background:

• Proficiency in the maintenance and repair of complex electronic and mechanical systems, including telemetry, flow meters, and PLC systems. Experience with SCADA systems and industrial software development is highly valuable.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation theory and process control applications, as well as the ability to interpret technical drawings and repair manuals.

Specialized Expertise:

• Ability to troubleshoot and repair industrial systems independently, using advanced electronic testing equipment.
• Familiarity with three-phase motors, control loops, and PLC programming to optimize system performance.

Communication/Interpersonal Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral formats, contributing to team collaboration and clear documentation of repairs and system updates.
• Ability to work well with colleagues, vendors, and management, maintaining positive relationships while adhering to safety and policy guidelines.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems, PLC ladder logic, and industrial software applications is highly beneficial.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and on-call duties.

For the complete job description: https://www.kitsap.gov/hr/JobClassifications/Instrument%20and%20Control%20Technician.pdf
For more information about the Wastewater Treatment Plant: https://www.kitsapgov.com/pw/Pages/cktp.aspx
Tour the Central Kitsap Treatment Plant: https://vimeo.com/335511885?share=copy

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with UTILITIES TEAMSTERS LOCAL589 and the KITSAP COUNTY PERSONNEL MANUAL. Membership in the union is optional. Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.

• Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:

  • Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
  • Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
  • Authorize and complete a criminal background check. Information received is reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will not necessarily remove a candidate from consideration.

• The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:

  1. Category 1:Driver operates County-owned vehicle.
• Report for duty on time and remain at work until the end of their scheduled shift even if an inclement weather event or emergency is declared as an “Essential Employee” under the Public Works Inclement Weather/Emergency Response policy.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• This posting may be used to fill future openings.
• The work hours for this position are M-F, 6:30 am - 3:00 pm
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.