Salary: $76,440.00 - $93,912.00 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number:
Department: Public Works, Dept of, Road
Division: Land Development-Rf
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Summary

Hydrographic Instrument Technician

Interviews will take place the week of October 19, 2026. Job offers will be made the week of October 26, 2026.

The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment.

Future Salary Increase

** June 2027 - 4.40% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 1.40% Market Adjustment)
The Position
Hydrographic Instrument Technicians operate, calibrate, repair, fabricate, and service a variety of rainfall, streamflow, and other hydrological monitoring and sampling instruments, equipment, and component parts; they also perform related work as required. Working in the Department of Public Works, these Hydrographic Instrument Technicians frequently drive to maintain hydrological stations throughout San Diego County and handle specialized equipment in remote locations, requiring precision and strong safety awareness.

Please read the job description for more information.
Hiring Process and Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience involving the installation, service and repair of equipment and instruments which utilize electronic, radio, and mechanical principles similar to those employed in rainfall and streamflow, monitoring, sampling and measuring; OR,
2. One (1) year of college level course work in the field of hydrology, meteorology, or a related earth science, AND one (1) year of experience involving the installation, service and repair of equipment and instruments which utilize electronic, radio, and mechanical principles similar to those employed in rainfall and streamflow, monitoring, sampling and measuring.

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Conditions of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

AccommodationReasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the for additional information.

Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please go to the to access the tool.

Strategic Plan
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Please see the for more information.
Disaster Service Worker

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

Diversity & Inclusion

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary
01

Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough, complete and truthful manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score. Please do NOT indicate "See Resume," or "See Application," as these are not valid answers. If you are invited to a selection interview(s) by a department, your responses to the questions listed below may be subject to verification. Please review the minimum qualifications for this job classification before completing your application. If you do not meet the minimum qualifications, then your application will not be accepted. Do you understand this information?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have two (2) years of progressively responsible experience involving the installation, service and repair of equipment and instruments which utilize electronic, radio, and mechanical principles similar to those employed in rainfall and streamflow, monitoring, sampling and measuring?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have one (1) year of college level course work in the field of hydrology, meteorology, or a related earth science, AND one (1) year of experience involving the installation, service and repair of equipment and instruments which utilize electronic, radio, and mechanical principles similar to those employed in rainfall and streamflow, monitoring, sampling and measuring?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "Yes" to Question #2 and/or Question #3, please provide a detailed description of your related experience and include the following:1. Job Title(s):2. Employer Name(s):3. Length of Experience: (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or Present)4. Duties & Responsibilities (please be sure to include the following information):Describe your experience with the Installation/Service/Repair of equipment and list the equipment that you have worked with: Describe your experience with data Loggers/Controllers as well as list the platforms configured: Describe your experience with Telemetry/Communications:Describe your experience with Power Systems: NOTE: If you replied "No" to Questions #3 and/or Question #4, then enter "NA" below.
05

Working ConditionsThe working conditions for Hydrographic Instrument Technician include the following:Driving frequently to maintain hydrological stations throughout the San Diego County region, as many of the stations are located in remote terrain, which may require the use of four-wheel-drive vehicles and/or walking significant distances while carrying moderate loads. Some station locations may require climbing ladders, towers, and using fall restraints. Working under extreme weather conditions at times (high heat, low temperatures, snow, rainfall, and flooding).Are you willing to work in these conditions?

• Yes
• No

06

Physical RequirementsThe physical requirements for Hydrographic Instrument Technician include the following:Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 80 pounds; and occasional complex grasping, repetitive use of hands to operate photographic reproduction machines.Are you willing and able to perform these physical requirements?

• Yes
• No

07

Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?

• San Diego County website
• Veteran Outreach / FFSC
• Mana de San Diego
• County Employee Resources Group
• County Social Media
• Family, Neighbors, Friends
• Governmentjobs.com
• College/University Career Site
• Other

Required Question