ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENTATION SUPERVISOR

Job Specifications

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

Positions in this series perform work related to the design, fabrication, installation, maintenance, operation, inspection, and testing of a variety of control systems equipment including, but not limited to, electrical, electronic, pneumatic, computer, micro processor and variable frequency drive, electro-mechanical, digital, telemetry, and analog components used in wastewater process control systems; and perform other duties as required.

Electrical Instrumentation Technician I is the entry level class in this series. Incumbents initially work under close supervision. As experience is gained, incumbents perform a broader range of duties with more independence. Upon acquisition and after at least two years of experience at this level, incumbents are expected to advance to the next level. Electrical Instrumentation Technician II is the journey level class in this series. Incumbents work under general supervision performing the full range of duties, and may provide technical assistance and guidance to lower level staff.

Electrical Instrumentation Supervisor is the supervisory class in this series, and, under direction, assigns, supervises, and evaluates the activities of lower level staff performing mechanical and electrical instrumentation tasks.

Performed at all levels: Perform routine and emergency maintenance on analog electrical, electronic and pneumatic equipment and networks used to collect, process, transmit, receive and record data, and to regulate the operation of the final control elements in wastewater treatment processes; perform periodic inspections, testing, adjustments, calibrations and servicing activities necessary to assure the proper operation of process instrumentation and control systems in the wastewater treatment process; participate in the performance of periodic plant operational integrity and safety tests to verify the proper operation of fire detectors, hazardous and explosive gas detectors, process alarm instrumentation, protective monitoring systems, and computerized control system fault detection and failover functions; perform operational systems tests and fault diagnostics to identify and correct electrical, pneumatic and electric analog and computer system failures; employ computer system diagnostic programs, computer control console switches and indicators, and logic analyzers to locate and replace defective circuit boards and modules in computers and computer peripherals, and repairs digital interfaces; perform functional tests to identify and correct telemetry system failures; perform acceptance tests of new equipment and inspect the installation of equipment and systems for conformance with plans and specifications; perform original design work required to implement analog and digital system modifications; prepare new, or modify existing operating and maintenance procedures; order supplies and prepare maintenance service reports; use maintain, and repair electrical, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic test instruments; perform specialized staff work related to control systems; may train new employees and other technical personnel in the maintenance of control systems.

Electrical Instrumentation Supervisor: Provide for the documentation of maintenance activities, including the preparation, cataloging, and filing of maintenance service reports; review and evaluate equipment service reports as required to provide a preventative maintenance program that will include all periodic inspection, testing, adjustment, calibration and servicing activities necessary to assure the proper operation of process instrumentation and control systems; direct the collection and evaluation of component failure data as required to develop and maintain an inventory of replacement components and parts at a level adequate to insure expedient field repairs; provide for the maintenance of a stock of supplies necessary to implement routine servicing (recorder ink, lamp bulbs, fuses, etc.); implement period operational integrity and safety tests; coordinate both routine and emergency maintenance activities; coordinate operational system tests and fault diagnostic activities; supervise the inspection and acceptance testing of new equipment and systems to assure conformance to plans and specifications; review technical problems and associated equipment maintenance activities, provide direction and guidance to subordinate technicians, and become personally involved in the solution of unusual or difficult maintenance problems; provide for the services of outside contractors as required to implement specialized maintenance activities which are either beyond the capability of available service technicians or which require the use of special facilities; maintain a library of current equipment operating and maintenance manuals, special test and calibrating procedures, system drawings, original equipment manufacturer's literature, specifications, and computer diagnostic files; direct the daily operations of an instrument repair shop; supervise subordinate electricians and technicians; select, train, and evaluate the performance of subordinate electricians and technicians; prepare supporting material for budget recommendations.

Some knowledge of:

• Analog and digital system fault diagnostic techniques and procedures.
• Principles underlying the construction and use of scientific instruments.
• Principles underlying the construction and use of chemistry and physics.
• Electronic and electrical low voltage circuits.
• Methods, practices and equipment used in maintaining, repairing, testing and adjusting electro-mechanical, pneumatic, electronic and other types of recording, control, and measuring instruments.
• Safety practices necessary for the work.

Working knowledge of the above, plus:

• Electrical and electronic theory and practice as applied to process instrumentation and control equipment.
• Analog and digital system fault diagnostic techniques and procedures.
• Principles of chemistry and physics.
• Architecture, maintenance and operation of digital computer systems.
• Operation of telemetry systems.
• Materials, methods, and equipment used in the inspection, testing, calibration, maintenance, and repair of process instrumentation and control equipment.
• Principles of preventative maintenance and maintenance documentation.

Thorough knowledge of all of the above, plus:

Working knowledge of:

• Inspection, testing, calibration, maintenance and repair of process instrumentation and control equipment.
• Operation of instrumentation shops.

Some Knowledge of:

• Principles of personnel management and supervision.

• Read and interpret analog equipment schematics, analog system network diagrams, plans, blueprints, and electrical wiring diagrams.
• Read and interpret recording charts, gauges, and other instruments.
• Learn the operation of special purpose scientific measuring devices and correct malfunctions and sources of error.
• Work with hand tools and test instruments.
• Work and communicate with operations and maintenance personnel.
• Keep records.
• Present data.
• Prepare reports.
• Respond to emergency call.
• Work while standing on a ladder.
• Stand on a platform elevated over twenty (20) feet above ground.
• Lift 50 pounds of objects.
• Work outside under all weather conditions.
• Work in heavy traffic.
• Distinguish colors used in electric wiring color-coding.
• Set priorities and meet deadlines.

The above, plus:

• Direct the work of subordinate technicians.
• Read and interpret plans, schematics, process control flow diagrams, sys tem/network drawing, detail drawings and wiring diagrams.
• Perform complex maintenance tasks involving analog and digital equipment.
• Perform some original circuit design work as required to implement minor analog and digital equipment modifications.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Prepare maintenance service reports.
• Prepare new and/or modified equipment operating and maintenance procedures.
• Troubleshoot and repair analog and digital controls down to the board level.

The above, plus:

• Direct and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.
• Determine training needs of staff.
• Read and interpret plans, schematics, process control flow diagrams, and system/network drawings.
• Order parts and make repairs to equipment in a timely manner.
• Detail drawings and wiring diagrams.
• Provide direct assistance in the solution of unusual or difficult maintenance problems involving analog and computer equipment.
• Monitor data collection equipment necessary to manage the electrical power purchasing program and power quality program.
• Analyze and evaluate maintenance records to establish preventative maintenance schedules and spare part inventories.
• Anticipate material and equipment needs.
• Establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships with those contacted in the work place.

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these would be:

Electrical Instrumentation Technician I: An AS technology degree in instrumentation, computers, or electronics, or 24 college level semester units in instrumentation, computers or electronics.

OR

Two years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of industrial instrumentation, control or communication system components involving the application of physical, chemical, and electronic principles. At least one year of the required experience must have involved the maintenance of digital equipment.

Electrical Instrumentation Technician II: Two years of experience as an Electrical Instrumentation Technician I with the County of Santa Cruz.

OR

An AS technology degree in instrumentation, computers, or electronics or 24 college level semester units in instrumentation, computers, or electronics AND two years of experience in the design and/or maintenance of process instrumentation and control equipment, including computer equipment.

OR

4 years of experience in the design and/or maintenance of process instrumentation and control equipment, including computer equipment.

Electrical Instrumentation Supervisor: Two years of experience in the class of Electrical Instrumentation Technician II in Santa Cruz County.

OR

An AS technology degree in instrumentation, computers, or electronics or 24 college level semester units in instrumentation, computers, or electronics AND four years of journey level experience in the design and/ or maintenance of process instrumentation and control equipment, including the maintenance of computer equipment.

OR

6 years of journey level experience in design and/ or maintenance of process instrumentation and control equipment, including the maintenance of computer equipment.

License Requirements: Possession of a valid California class C driver license.

Certificate: Certification from the California Water Environment Association is highly desirable.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to variable temperatures and weather conditions; heights, such as working while standing on a ladder, electrical hazards.

Other Special Requirements: Available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, nights, holidays and on an as needed basis.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None