Corrosion Control Technician I/II

The Operations & Maintenance Department
The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Department is responsible for operating the Water Authority’s aqueduct delivery system; ensuring facility security and emergency preparedness; and maintaining and managing the fleet and various other assets. Specifically, the department controls water deliveries to meet member agency demands; manages dam and reservoir operations; ensures water quality; oversees water treatment plant and power generation operations; maintains all vehicles and heavy equipment; provides electro-mechanical support; implements the Asset Management Program (AMP); complies with all applicable environmental regulations; manages emergency incident command and control; and develops and manages computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and system maintenance programs.

The Asset Management Division

This division includes the corrosion control group. The corrosion control group actively manages corrosion monitoring infrastructure, cathodic protection (CP) systems, CP support systems, and assists with coating monitoring and repair. Additionally, the group provides technical assistance to other asset management and O&M divisions from a corrosion control perspective. Finally, the corrosion control group assists the CIP program during planning, design and construction on corrosion related aspects.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Corrosion Control Technician I/II position is a motivated and safety-conscious individual with a foundational understanding of corrosion control and a strong desire to grow technically in the water utility industry. They possess knowledge of chemistry, electricity, and electrochemical processes and are eager to apply that knowledge to support the protection of vital infrastructure systems.

This candidate demonstrates:

• Foundational Technical Knowledge: An understanding of corrosion and mathematical principles, including galvanic/impressed current CP systems, dielectric properties/functions, the ability to use electrical and electronic testing devices, and general algebraic functions and equations.
• Hands-On Mechanical Aptitude: Comfort using hand tools, power tools, and working in outdoor and industrial environments, including confined spaces and uneven terrain. Ideally, with experience building test station enclosures using (but not limited to) mounting bars, struts, wall anchors, bollards and concrete work.
• Attention to Detail: A careful and accurate approach to collecting data, maintaining logs, interpreting test results, and conducting field inspections.
• Learning Orientation: A willingness to receive training and progressively assume more responsibility in system testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting eventually leading to full work independence and depandability. Ideally, they are enrolled in or have completed coursework in engineering, chemistry, corrosion science, or a related technical field.
• Communication & Teamwork: Demonstrates clear and effective written and verbal communication skills. Able to follow directions accurately and collaborate with colleagues, contractors, and member agencies. Works well in a team environment to identify system deficiencies and contribute to technical problem-solving and solution development.
• Technological Proficiency: Basic computer skills, including the use of spreadsheets and digital data collection tools for trending and analysis. Willingness and ability to use Microsoft Outlook and Teams on personal or provided mobile device.
• Professional Demeanor: A responsible, dependable, and adaptable individual who can work both independently and with diverse team members to meet deadlines under occasional pressure, while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.

The Position

Representative Duties

• Assists in performing a variety of duties associated with the Water Authority’s corrosion control program; installs, tests, inspects, modifies, maintains, repairs, and operates a variety of galvanic anode and impressed current cathodic protection equipment, facilities, and devices for large diameter pipelines and associated water delivery, storage, treatment, and power generation facilities.
• Assists in performing field surveys of soil resistivity and physical characteristics for determining corrosivity or interference with other buried structures and determines adequacy of electrical insulators and connections and electrical continuity.
• Assists in conducting tests and surveys of cathodic protection systems to isolate and identify system problems and deficiencies; reviews test data and records to determine substandard system performance; corrects system deficiencies as necessary.
• Operates a variety of electrical and electronic testing devices and equipment; operates a computer to enter and retrieve data and to perform calculations.
• Inspects the work of contractors performing construction, installation and repairs to cathodic protection systems and facilities.
• Assists with internal and external inspection of large diameter pipelines.
• Assists in evaluating protective coating conditions to determine corrective action and appropriate maintenance.
• Gathers information and physically locates underground pipes, cables, and facilities.
• Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields of corrosion control and cathodic protection.
• Prepares and maintains accurate logs, records and drawings of corrosion control and test data; prepares necessary reports.
• Assists with condition assessment of pipeline structures, flow control facilities, major facilities, and pipeline structures in the street.
• Assists with installing, upgrading, troubleshooting, testing, and maintaining cathodic protection remote monitoring units; coordinate repairs with manufacturer as necessary.
• Assists in collecting and compiling data from corrosion test stations to determine the need for maintenance, repair, and/or replacement of the associated facility; maintains accurate records using digital technology and utilizes the system to trend and analyze the data.
• Assists in diagnosing, troubleshooting, adjusting and repairing corrosion prevention and testing devices, equipment and systems.
• Performs field and laboratory surveys of soil resistivity and physical characteristics for determining environmental corrosivity or interference with other buried structures.

For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: Corrosion Control Technician I /Corrosion Control Technician II

Working Hours and Schedule: Employees assigned to work at the Escondido office work a 4/10 schedule, Monday – Thursday, during normal business hours. Normal business hours are 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Qualification Guidelines

The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job in order to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

Corrosion Control Technician I
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in engineering, chemistry, physical science, corrosion, or related fields.

Corrosion Control Technician II
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in engineering, chemistry, physical science, corrosion, or related fields; and two years of experience in corrosion control and prevention.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an Association for Materials Protection and Performance Cathodic Protection Tester (AMPP-CP1) certification within 24 months of hire.

Licenses and Other Requirements

• A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority’s Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment physical and drug screening as part of the background check process.

Application Procedure