Electrical & Instrumentation Supervisor at Irvine Ranch Water District, CA

About the Department

Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for an Electrical & Instrumentation Supervisor in the Electrical Services Department.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until filled.  The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Thursday, October 31, 2025.  Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early.  Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

The District:

Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Values

Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.    

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position

Under general direction, performs and supervises the maintenance and repair of the District's electrical and instrumentation systems related to domestic and recycled water treatment plants, biosolids facilities, sewer and their associated management systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 
Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision of assigned staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is the supervisory level in the Electrical & Instrumentation series. Supervision is received from the E&I Manager. Incumbents are responsible for assisting the manager in formulating and developing section goals and objectives, supervising assigned personnel, and directing day-to-day activities. The ability to understand customer needs and balance response with cost-effective scheduling is essential.

Position Duties

Provides daily work instructions, guidance, and performance feedback to assigned Electrical Services staff and other team members as assigned; provides for the training of staff in work methods, use of tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions.

Coordinates/works with other District departments and/or with outside agencies, contractors, and companies to complete assigned tasks.

Participates in the selection, coaching, counseling, and training of employees. Determine appropriate productivity standards for employees and measure staff performance accordingly. Review and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel on a periodic basis. Recommend salary adjustments, awards, promotions, and disciplinary actions for assigned staff. 

Supports the Asset Management Program, and/or system.

Assists in the administration/improvement of the Reliability Based Maintenance Program.  

Trains assigned staff in Electrical & Instrumentation repair, maintenance methods and techniques. 

Ensures correct recordkeeping and that appropriate documentation of maintenance, modifications and changes are made by assigned staff.
 

Prepares required reports (i.e., System data, labor, work performed, and materials used. Provide feedback on work performed). 

Performs site assessments and evaluations for equipment to be maintained. Make recommendations for preventive maintenance intervals. Create preventive maintenance templates and schedule PM routines through the District enterprise asset management system.

Reads and interprets P&ID's, schematic and installation manuals for electrical and instrumentation systems. Provide working drawings as necessary.

Installs, maintains, calibrates, repairs, troubleshoots and modifies electrical equipment and systems, instrumentation equipment and systems, control systems and power distribution systems.

Processes, tracks, and assigns work orders to assigned Staff utilizing the District's enterprise asset management system. Notify enterprise asset management group of new equipment installations, or of changes to existing equipment installations.
 
Works with department manager to assist in the creation and administration of maintenance contracts.

Complies with and ensures staff compliance with District Lockout-Tagout policy. Maintains department Lockout-Tagout program, equipment and devices.

Provides first response and assessment for repairs and modifications to District facilities. 

Works with equipment vendors to identify and resolve operating problems and perform repairs and maintenance.

Performs all duties of the Senior Electrical & Instrumentation Technician and Electrical & Instrumentation Technician as needed.

Performs Predictive Maintenance and Condition Monitoring.

Responds to emergency situations during off-hours as required. 

Participates in the Districts' standby duty program, responding to evening and weekend calls regarding equipment problems.
 

Evaluates and makes budgetary recommendations on new electrical equipment for purchase. Assist department manager with budgetary compliance.

Utilizes a computerized purchase requisition system to order and pay for services, supplies, materials, tools and equipment.

Ensures availability of critical spares and supplies.

Complies with District safety work-related practices and attends relevant safety training.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Experience:

• A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.
• California C-10 Electrical Contractor or General Electrician Certification desired.
• Grade III CWEA Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist Certificate desired.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, and operational characteristics of electrical and process control instrumentation systems, including high-voltage systems, HVAC equipment, and high-power devices such as variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Fundamentals of electrical circuits, analog and digital systems, microprocessors, and electronic technology as applied to troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance.
• Techniques for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems, process control instrumentation, fiber optic and communication cabling, and hydraulic/pneumatic control systems.
• Proper selection, use, and maintenance of tools and equipment for electrical and instrumentation repair, testing, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Functional understanding of wastewater treatment facility processes and related electrical and control systems.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local electrical, instrumentation, and safety codes, laws, and ordinances.
• Application of mathematical principles in performing technical calculations related to electrical and instrumentation work.
• Best practices for maintaining accurate records of maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
• Adherence to safety protocols for working with electrical and instrumentation systems, tools, and hazardous environments.

Ability to:

• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.  
• Communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees, management and vendors.  
• Represent the District in a professional manner when dealing with outside suppliers and customers.  
• Advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages, fractions and decimals.  Knowledge of algebra, basic geometry and basic trigonometry. 
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to utilize, IBM Maximo, and Oracle computerized system.
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.  
• Read, interpret and apply National Electric Code and other NFPA guidelines in all applications.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working in the field, must possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend ladders; to operate various equipment and tools; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to locate utilities and read printed materials. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and working in confined spaces. Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean-shaven such that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of a tight-fitting respirator. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to carry, push, pull, and lift materials and objects weighing 50 pounds, and up to 90 pounds with the use of proper equipment. All of this in various weather conditions (hot,cold,rainy) and environments, often exposed to wet muddy conditions.

When working in an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road/traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees also work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert.  Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Spark Hire Assessment: As part of our interview process, candidates will participate in a one-way video interview conducted through Spark Hire. This interview allows candidates to showcase their ability to communicate clearly and confidently in a recorded format. During the interview, candidates will respond to a series of pre-recorded questions, demonstrating their verbal communication skills, professionalism, and ability to articulate their qualifications efficiently.

Writing Skills Assessment:  This assessment is designed to evaluate candidates’ ability to communicate effectively and clearly through written content. Candidates will be tasked with crafting responses that demonstrate their proficiency in organizing thoughts, articulating ideas logically, and conveying information in a professional tone. This exercise will test grammar, clarity, and overall writing effectiveness in real-world contexts.

Oral Interview Examination: This will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.
   
Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.  

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