The Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) Technician performs skilled technical work in support of an Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF). This role is responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and repair of instrumentation and control systems. The work directly affects the reliable operation of process analyzers and sensors, (e.g., flow, level, pressure, turbidity, etc.) transmitters and loops, PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, field signal wiring and network communications, interlock/automation protecting treatment and pumping systems.
Key duties include calibrating and validating process instrumentation and analyzers; troubleshooting sensors, transmitters, control loops, signal wiring, and communications faults; supporting PLC/HMI/SCADA configuration and field device integration; performing loop checks and functional verifications; supporting equipment start-ups, shutdowns, and planned outages; documenting calibrations and work performed in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and required logs; coordinating with operations and mechanical/Electrical maintenance; and responding to instrumentation and control failures affecting plant operations. The I&C Technician collaborates with operations and maintenance (O&M), engineering, vendor technicians, and LASan personnel to plan and execute I&C work in support of continuous, safe, and efficient AWPF operations.
Detailed Description:
This class is a mid-level I&C assignment in an AWPF located within a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The AWPF is in one section of the WWTP, but access to the job site still requires driving through the WWTP. This role is responsible for the comprehensive care and enhancement of instrumentation and control systems in the AWPF. These systems include, but are not limited to, analytical sensors (TSS, NO3, NH3, DO, NH2Cl, pH, turbidity, chlorine, conductivity), flow and pressure measuring instruments, advanced PLCs, DCS, SCADA platforms, and a variety of electronic, pneumatic, and electromechanical devices. This position ensures high system reliability for process control and regulatory compliance instrumentation, while adhering to strict safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Install, calibrate, maintain, test and repair process instrumentation and analyzers used to measure various facility parameters (e.g., flow, level, pressure, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, PH/ORP, chlorine (where applicable), and other facility-specific parameters.
- Troubleshoot and repair instrumentation faults, signal wiring issues, and control loop problems; verify instrument performance and restore them back to service.
- Perform loop checks, functional checks, and validation activities, support commissioning and system modifications.
- Support PLC/HMI/SCADA systems by verifying I/O, signals, alarms, and interlocks; coordinates software changes through approved plant processes.
- Diagnose communications failures and device integration issues involving networked instruments and control interfaces.
- Coordinate with Electrical, Mechanical, Operations, and Engineering staff to isolate problems involving instrumentation, control logic and process equipment response.
- Maintain calibration records, work orders, and equipment history in the CMMS and required logs.
- Emergency Response: Respond promptly to urgent system failures, power outages, or process upsets to minimize downtime and ensure water quality standards are maintained
Safety and Compliance:
- The employee will follow applicable safety procedures and practices, including site-specific procedures, chemical safety practices, confined space requirements, and lockout/tagout coordination requirements as applicable to instrumentation and electrical interfaces. The employee performs work in accordance with applicable standards and plant requirements and maintains a clean and safe work area. The employee may be required to respond to emergencies and urgent operational issues outside normal working hours.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Documented full-time industrial instrumentation experience involving calibration and troubleshooting process instruments and analyzers in wastewater treatment. water treatment, industrial process, or similar-duty facilities; or
- Completion of recognized instrumentation/electrical/controls apprenticeship or technical program with demonstrated industrial instrumentation experience.
Preferred Experience:
- At least 5-7 years of hands-on experience with instrumentation and controls in water treatment, chemical processing, or similar process industries; experience in advanced water purification technologies (biological nutrient reduction (BNR), membrane bioreactors (MBR), reverse osmosis, UV disinfection, advanced oxidation) is highly valued.
- Technical Expertise: Proficiency with calibration and maintenance of analytical sensors, transmitters, actuators, and process controllers. Deep understanding of PLC programming (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider), DCS operation, SCADA configuration, and industrial communication protocols (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP).
- Knowledge of:
- Computer applications such as PLCs, HMIs and distributed control systems (DCS) used for instrument control systems
- Principals of operations of analog, digital and microprocessor-based instrumentation such as digital transmitters, recorders, meters and DCS
- Hand and power tools, methods and techniques, including testing, calibration and repair procedures
- Principals for analyzing instruments and control systems’ characteristics such as those related to building ventilation and air conditioning equipment, wastewater treatment and water purification plant equipment
- Symbols and notation standards such as those found in P&IDs and schematics relating to instrument repair
- Mathematics such as algebra, geometry and trigonometry, physics and chemistry such as those relating to devices used to measure pressure, temperature, flow, pH and conductivity
- And other necessary skills, knowledge and abilities
- Electrical and mechanical principles upon which electrical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic instruments and control devices operate
- Strong analytical skills for troubleshooting complex systems and resolving process, hardware, or software issues efficiently.
- Ability to maintain detailed service logs, calibration records, and compliance documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Familiarity with ISA, NFPA, OSHA, and other relevant industry codes and standards.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective interaction with cross-functional teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
- An associate degree or higher in instrumentation, electrical engineering, industrial automation, or a related technical field is required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Safety & Quality Focus: Commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, with demonstrated training in hazard identification and mitigation.
Work Conditions and Expectations:
- Work is performed in an active industrial plant environment and may involve exposure to noise, weather, odors, chemicals, and process areas.
- Position may require participation in on-call rotation and response to after-hour maintenance or urgent operational issues.
- Physical work typical of industrial maintenance environment is required, including climbing, bending, and handling tools/materials.
Salary Range:The anticipated starting pay range for this position is based on the employee’s primary work location and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education. These ranges may be modified in the future.
Location A: $25.20/hr. - $34.50/hr.
Location B: $27.70/hr. - $38.00/hr.
You can view which BC location applies to you here. If you have any questions, please speak with your Recruiter.
Benefits and Other Compensation: We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee health, performance, and success which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off and parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, performance-based bonus eligibility, employee referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, pet insurance and long-term care insurance. Click here to see our full list of benefits.
About Brown and Caldwell Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Brown and Caldwell is a full-service environmental engineering and construction firm with 50 offices and 2,100 professionals across North America and the Pacific. For 75 years, we have created leading-edge environmental solutions for municipalities, private industry, and government agencies. We strive to be the company of choice—to our clients, who benefit from our passion for delivering exceptional quality, and to our employees, present and future, who share our commitment to client service, collaboration, and innovation. Join us, and you will find a home where you can do your best work, reach new levels of expertise, and enjoy exceptional development opportunities. For more information, visit www.brownandcaldwell.com
This position is subject to a pre-employment background check and a pre-employment drug test.
Notice to Third Party Agencies: Brown and Caldwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and approved engagement request with Brown and Caldwell, Brown and Caldwell reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.
Brown and Caldwell is proud to be an EEO/AAP Employer. Minorities/Women/Disabled and Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply. Brown and Caldwell ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
