Instrumentation & Controls Electrician

City of Missoula, MT•Missoula, MT

30d•$37 - $45

About The Position

Are you a highly skilled electrician who thrives on solving technical challenges and making a real impact on your community? The City of Missoula is seeking an experienced Instrumentation & Controls Electrician to play a role in the operation and reliability of our wastewater treatment facilities. In this position, you'll work with systems including PLCs, SCADA, telemetry, VFDs, and advanced electrical controls that directly support public health and environmental protection. With significant independence, professional trust, and high organizational impact, this is an opportunity to apply your expertise where it truly matters. This role is ideal for a motivated professional who enjoys continuous learning, and collaboration with engineers, superintendents, and operations staff on major system improvements and capital projects. You'll troubleshoot, maintain, and modernize critical infrastructure while helping guide upgrades, manage inventories, and support energy management and safety initiatives. If you take pride in technical excellence, safety, and service to the community-and want a position that offers both challenge and purpose-we invite you to apply and help shape the future of Missoula's essential wastewater systems.

Requirements

Knowledge of SCADA software such as Rockwell FactoryTalk, controls, alarms (Win911), and screen navigation.
Knowledge of PLC's including SLC 500, CompactLogix, ControlLogix, and associated input/output modules, communications to SCADA and alarms systems.
Knowledge of PLC ladder logic software such as RSLogix and Studio 5000.
Knowledge of instruments and control loops for flowmeters, level meters, pressure transmitters, gas detection systems, actuators, and other equipment.
Knowledge of 3 phase 480VAC energy sources, including the ability to de-energize and troubleshoot power failures.
Knowledge of, and ability to promote, department safety considerations, City safety policies, including OSHA standards and guidelines.
Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365, and the ability to learn job-specific applications and equipment.
Skill in safely operating various tools, vehicles, and other equipment.
Skill in the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including arc flash requirements and regulations.
Skill in managing multiple projects with shifting priorities and timeline demands.
Skill in organization, time management, and prioritizing with the proven ability to have keen attention to detail and accuracy in performing work with adherence to strict deadlines.
Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from maps, field notes, drawings, and information from SCADA systems.
Ability to maintain current knowledge, developments, and trends related to specific areas of focus and/or assigned projects.
Ability to maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to maintain and foster a culture of professionalism, adhere to departmental and City standards and specifications, and support a positive team environment.
Ability to resolve conflicts with facilitating outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Ability to learn departmental and City of Missoula practices and procedures, including Missoula Municipal Code and other federal, state, and local regulations related to wastewater treatment and water quality.
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to six (6) years of water or wastewater utility, telemetry, or electrical experience, or another relevant field.
Must have a valid Montana driver's license with a verified acceptable driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
Must have a state-issued master-level electrician's license, or master-level certification in instrumentation or industrial electronics from widely recognized organizations such as, the International Society of Electronic Technicians (ISCET), International Society of Automation (ISA), or the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) International, or an acceptable equivalent certification.
Must have Allen Bradley and Rockwell PLC associated software experience and training, or the ability to obtain within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Manufacturers Technical Representative certification to build UL approved industrial control panels, preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain and troubleshoot all electrical equipment including, Motor Control Centers (MCC's), variable-frequency drives (VFD's), PLC's, and instruments and control associated with operating blowers, pumps, actuators for process equipment.
Modify and update existing control panels for equipment and control changes.
Install, maintain, and troubleshoot communication and network protocols including DeviceNet, Ethernet, Modbus, and radio telemetry systems which include 900 MHz and 5GHz transmitters, repeaters, and radio links for SCADA monitoring and control.
Perform de-energized electrical work on large motors and buildings; maintain motor controls and starters, including reduced voltage and VFD; troubleshoot de-energized high voltage and print readings.
Assist with various aspects of production, including overseeing contracted work including major upgrades.
Maintain critical spares inventory for PLC and radio communications; perform cost comparisons, write recommendations for approvals, orders, and inventories hardware and supplies.
Communicate effectively with Superintendents with recommendations related to electrical and PLC hardware additions, upgrades, modifications, etc.
Operate and maintain generators, system transducers, and flow controls; perform electrical lockouts.
Assist with energy management.
Participate in the development and preparation of operational, maintenance, and capital budgets.
Maintain maintenance programs database and production records.
Observe established safety and health protocols, including traffic control, confined space entry, and power equipment operation.
Communicate with the public to address inquiries and complaints.
Operate and maintain various hand tools, equipment, vehicles, computers, and other technology to perform operations and maintenance functions within the wastewater facilities.
Utilize and maintain maps, blueprints, wiring schematics, and sketches.
Collaborate with engineers, consultants, and other operations staff to design and implement system upgrades or modifications to improve efficiency and reliability.
Perform other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications.