Instrument & Controls Technician

Job Description

Power Industry Support, LLC is actively recruiting an Instrument & Controls Technician for a woody biomass power plant located near Scotia, CA. The facility is a net 28 MW woody biomass electrical generation facility located approximately 40 miles south of Eureka in Humboldt County California. The plant has been consistently providing renewable energy since 1989. The facility also provides steam to an adjacent sawmill. The facility utilizes three Riley Stoker travelling grate stoker boilers and three General Electric steam turbine generators. The boilers are equipped with multi-clones and electrostatic precipitators for particulate control.

We are looking for an experienced I&C Technician  with a solid background in and exposure to power plant operations. Contact Larry O’Neal at loneal@powerindustrysupport.com for more information or to submit your resume.

Salary Range:  $41.65/Hr

The hiring company does not provide sponsorship at this time.

Summary

The I&C Technician will be responsible for installing, calibrating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing instrumentation and control systems to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations. This role requires expertise in Allen-Bradley control systems, as well as a strong understanding of process control systems, electrical systems, and instrumentation within the context of a biomass power generation facility.

Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Instrumentation Maintenance and Calibration:
  • Perform regular inspection, calibration, and maintenance of instrumentation equipment, including flow meters, temperature sensors, pressure transmitters, and level indicators.
  • Ensure all equipment meets operational standards and complies with regulatory requirements.
• Control System Operations:
  • Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley control systems, including PLCs and associated software (e.g., RSLogix, Studio 5000).
  • Assist in programming and configuring Allen-Bradley systems to optimize plant performance.
• Troubleshooting and Repairs:
  • Diagnose and resolve instrumentation and control system malfunctions, minimizing downtime.
  • Maintain accurate records of troubleshooting activities and repairs.
• Installation and Upgrades:
  • Install new instrumentation and control systems, ensuring proper integration with existing systems.
  • Participate in system upgrades and retrofitting projects to improve plant efficiency, particularly involving Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Vendor and Contractor Coordination:
  • Collaborate with vendors and contractors for procurement, installation, maintenance, and repair of I&C equipment.
  • Evaluate vendor proposals and provide recommendations for equipment and services.
  • Oversee vendor work to ensure compliance with plant standards and specifications.
• Compliance and Documentation:
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations related to I&C systems.
  • Maintain detailed documentation, including calibration records, maintenance logs, and repair histories.
• Collaboration and Training:
  • Work closely with operations and maintenance teams to support plant operations.
  • Provide training and technical support to other team members as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or technical diploma in Instrumentation, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in instrumentation and control systems in an industrial or power plant setting (biomass, renewable energy, or thermal power experience preferred).
• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley control systems is required. Strong understanding of instrumentation principles, process control systems, and industrial automation.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and related control technologies.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as HART, Modbus, and Ethernet/IP.
• Knowledge of electrical schematics, P&IDs (piping and instrumentation diagrams), and control logic diagrams.
• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) or similar.
• Relevant OSHA or NFPA certifications.

 Work Conditions: 

• Biomass power plant environment with exposure to industrial machinery, high temperatures, and occasional outdoor work.
• Rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, as required.
• On-call responsibilities to respond to emergencies or critical maintenance needs.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and communicate.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance.
• The employee is occasionally required to smell.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close, distance, color, peripheral and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, and vibration.
• The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles.
• The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
• This position requires eye protection, hearing protection, leather or rubber gloves, safety shoes, and hard hat.

Competencies:

 Teamwork

Effective communication and contribute to building a positive team spirit.

 Quality

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail and commitment to safety.

Quantity

Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Safety and Security

Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Valuing Diversity of our Workforce and Offering a Drug Free Workplace