I&C Technician

Brown and Caldwell•Los Angeles, CA

46d•$25 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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