Salary : $84,948.00 - $113,736.00 Annually
Location : Oceanside, CA, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2627-47
Department: Water Utilities
Opening Date: 10/23/2026
Closing Date: 11/20/2026 1:15 PM Pacific
Instrumentation Technician I: $7,361 - $9,857Instrumentation Technician II: $8,083 - $10,845The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Instrumentation Technician I in the Water Utilities Department's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Division (SCADA).
The Utility's SCADA Division is responsible for maintaining a digital network that collects real-time data and enables plant operators and decision makers to access operational treatment data.
About Our System
The Oceanside Water Utilities Department owns and operates:
- two wastewater treatment plants - the La Salina Plant is scheduled for decommission
- one water treatment plant
- one recycled water treatment plant
- one advanced water purification facility - Pure Water Oceanside!
- one groundwater purification facility
- dozens of booster pump stations and lift stations
- hundreds of miles of water and wastewater pipelines
- and 12 reservoirs
About the position
The Water Utilities SCADA Division is seeking a motivated problem-solver who has a baseline understanding of PLCs and I/O modules and who is looking to further develop their experience in water and wastewater SCADA systems.
You should be excited about this opportunity because you will...
- Empower our plant operators to make appropriate and timely operational decisions
- Design & maintain a SCADA system that is in optimal working order
- Safeguard our reliability to the thousands of homes & businesses who rely on us by providing a critical utility function
If this sounds like you, keep reading!
Examples of DutiesThe Instrumentation Technician I designs, assembles, installs and repairs instrumentation and SCADA systems, equipment, and components in the field and in the shop; installs and repairs PLC and IO modules, control panels, transmitters, limit switches, and electronic pressure level sensors; diagnoses, troubleshoots, updates, and repairs malfunctioning systems and equipment, calibration problems and other measuring, recording, and transmitting device failures; ensures safe and reliable power to all process instruments; cleans, lubricates, and changes component parts; performs preventive maintenance on pump control panels; maintains calibration logs and writes reports; interprets and designs applicable computer software; modifies and implements computer software programs for data logging and control; maintains preventive operations records; blueprints, schematics and diagrams for a variety of water and wastewater systems; assists engineers on new projects; orders supplies and materials; interprets and analyzes trends and reports produced from historical data; and performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Instrumentation Technician IKnowledge of:- Operating principles and maintenance requirements of electrical equipment and instrumentation associated with water and wastewater facilities.
- Programs for preventive maintenance and record keeping on electronic equipment and instrumentation.
- Electronic and telemetering principles and practices.
- General principles and methods of water and wastewater facility monitoring and control.
- Principles and practices of instrumentation and calibration of process monitoring and control equipment.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
- Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
- Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Ability to: - Install, modify and repair equipment related to electronics, instrumentation control, telemetry and telecommunications.
- Calibrate and test a variety of systems designed to monitor and control treatment plant processes.
- Monitor and maintain the accuracy of calibration standards and equipment.
- Read, interpret and understand plans, schematics, technical manuals, diagrams, blueprints and drawings associated with water and wastewater systems.
- Assemble and install field and plant SCADA equipment.
- Plan and execute repair, maintenance, and installation of process monitoring and control equipment.
- Maintain detailed records and prepare clear and concise reports.
- Work independently and efficiently to carry out assignments.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Experience and TrainingExperience: A minimum of three years of increasingly responsible experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of instrumentation systems.
Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in electronics or a related field.
License or Certificate:- Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
- Possession of California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist II certificate within 24 months of hire date is required.
As a condition of employment, candidates must obtain a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist II certificate within 24 months of hire date.
Internal candidates: Failing to obtain the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist II certificate within 24 months of hire date will be reverted to their previous classification without right of appeal.
External candidates: Failing to obtain the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist II certificate within 24 months of hire date will be terminated without right of appeal.
Instrumentation Technician IIIn addition to the qualifications for Instrumentation Technician I:
Knowledge of:- Basic operation and function of virtual computers.
- Functions of each hardware and software application in the SCADA system.
- Knowledge of motor controls.
Ability to:- Install, implement and troubleshoot hardware and software upgrades for SCADA system.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, repair and upgrade SCADA equipment.
- Develop and implement HMI displays using iFix.
- Modify and write ladder logic programs to various PLC's.
- Maintain and troubleshot historical data applications software.
- Build and generate reports needed by various departments.
Experience and Training Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of instrumentation systems.
Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in electronics or a related field.
License/Certificate:- Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
- Possession of a CWEA Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist III certificate is required.
Working Conditions and Selection ProcessEnvironmental Conditions: Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, electrical energy, toxic materials, and inclement weather conditions; work in or with water.
Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing, walking, sitting, kneeling or bending for prolonged periods of time; heavy, moderate or light lifting.
Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral exam, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the Eligibility List for a minimum of six months.
Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting), and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.RÉSUMÉS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.
CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.
THE PROVISIONS IN THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
CITY OF OCEANSIDEOceanside City Employees' Association Benefit SummaryThe following is a highlight of benefitsRetirement Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
- Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of PEPRA in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
- Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
- Survivor Continuation option
Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options
- Buy additional Service Retirement Credit prior to membership
- Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
- Buy additional Military Service Credit
Health InsuranceMedical/Vision: (First of the month following 60 days)
- Kaiser plan provided through Teamster Medical Trust. For more information please contact #877-214-8928
Dental: (First of the Month following hire)
- Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
- Delta Care USA (DHMO)
Pre-Tax BenefitsHealth benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.
- Available to all members of your household
- 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
- Self-service support online or by phone
Disability and Life InsurancesThe STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:
- First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
- Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
- All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used
Long-Term Disability Insurance:
- After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability
Life and AD&D Insurance:
- 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life and AD&D
Voluntary BenefitsBenefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial:
- Premiums are determined by age
- Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
- Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
- Dependent coverage up to $10,000
Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:
- Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
- Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
- Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500
Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:
- 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000
MetLife Legal Plan
- Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.
GotZoom Student Loan Relief
- Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.
ScholarShare 529
- An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.
Tuition ReimbursementUp to $2,000 per fiscal year
Leave BenefitsVacation:
1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours
6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours
11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours
16 + years: 8.19
Maximum accrual:
- 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
- 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after
Holidays:
- New Years' Day
- Martin Luther King Jr Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans' Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday after Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year
Sick Leave:
Accrual: 12 days per year
Max accrual: Unlimited
Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:
Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 50% payment in lieu of accrued sick leave provided such employee has used 3 work days (maximum of 36 hours) or less of
