Electrician/Instrumentation and Controls Technician
City of Grand Forks
Grand Forks, ND, USA
Posted on Mar 24, 2026
Description
The City of Grand Forks is seeking a skilled and motivated Instrumentation & Controls Technician to join our Electrical team. This position plays a critical role in the layout, building, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and modifying electronic components, parts, equipment, and systems to support Public Works facilities and traffic signals. This position provides data input software modifications to Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and wireless communication systems; To operate, maintain, and assist various recording and display devices and other electronic instrumentation.If you enjoy hands-on technical work, problem-solving, and contributing to essential public services that protect community health and safety, this is an excellent opportunity to work in a stable, team-oriented municipal environment.
Examples of Duties
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ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES --Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:- Perform servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, testing and maintenance of machines and devices of electronic equipment and systems. Adjust and replace defective or improperly functioning circuitry and electronic components.
- Observe, receive, and obtain information regarding electronic systems and devices. Inspect equipment, structures, and materials to identify cause of errors or other problems.
- Provide and maintain documentation, detailed instructions, drawings or specifications regarding devices, parts, equipment, or structures and how they are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained and used. Maintain variety of records and files on operations and activities; maintain equipment and material inventory.
- Installs electrical and electronic equipment including wiring, mounting, and testing. Purchases supplies necessary to accomplish these tasks and maintain the electrical and electronic controls and motor control centers.
- .Management of the SCADA systems including development, design, updates, and upgrades.
- Installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs a variety of mobile and fixed two-way radio-telephone equipment in compliance with FCC regulations. Performs similar tasks for a variety of electromechanical equipment. These tasks require the use of specialized computer software and specialized test instruments.
- Builds, wires, installs, maintain and calibrate transducers, programmable logic controllers, meters, instruments, and lift station water level controls and motors.
- Troubleshoots and makes repairs to electrical and electronic equipment at the water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, water and sewer pumping stations, storage reservoirs, traffic control devices, and other city facilities as assigned.
- Provide user applications and engineering support and recommendations for new and existing. equipment with regard to installation, upgrades and enhancement to and work with Public Works staff to modify existing electrical or electronic equipment or controls and to install new equipment to improve operating efficiency, safety or utility of existing systems.
- Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings and engineering instructions for assembling electronic units. Write computer or microprocessor software programs. Write reports and record data.
- Respond to emergency calls on a twenty-four hour rotating on-call shift.
Marginal Functions:
Perform other duties as assigned. Typical Qualifications
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Knowledge:
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming including microprocessors. Knowledge of basic principles and procedures of technical electrical work including principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment. Knowledge of electrical codes, specifications, design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production and precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings and models. Knowledge of basic electrical and engineering mathematics and application. Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers; Principles and procedures of record keeping;
Skills:Determining causes of operating errors and procedures; Using math to solve problems; Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity, which allows for effective interaction and communication with others; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.
Abilities: Make difficult computations and adjustments with accuracy and speed; Use and operate a variety of electrical and electronic equipment; Evaluate and set priorities in order to oversee multiple, concurrent projects in the field; Understand, follow and communicate oral and written instructions; Read and interpret complex electronic plans and specifications. Ability to follow any recommended safety procedures; to work well with others and to direct crews in the maintenance of equipment or to relate recommendations to other departments; Work independently in the absence of supervision; Understand and follow oral and written instructions Supplemental Information
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Experience:
Three years of electrical experience including operating and maintaining electronic equipment and computer support operations. An emphasis in instrument and controls and/or variable frequency drives is desired.
Training:
Equivalent to an Associates degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in electronics, instrument and controls, or related field.
Or certification from an apprenticeship training program approved by the North Dakota State Electrical Board.Credentials:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate Programmable Logic Controllers, and Variable Frequency Drive certificate.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid International Municipal Signal Association Traffic Signal Field Technician I certification.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
