Description

What do you value in your next job?
 
At the Orange County Sanitation District our Core Values form the framework of our organization and reinforce our professional work ethic. If the following values ring true with you, we'd love to invite you to explore our career opportunities further.
 
Integrity, Inclusion, Honesty, and Respect
We aspire to the highest degree of integrity, inclusion, honesty, and respect in our interaction with each other, our suppliers, our customers, and our community. We strive to demonstrate these values in our actions, commitments, and service.
  
Leadership, Teamwork, and Problem Solving
We lead by example, acknowledging the value of our resources and using them wisely to achieve our mission. We strive to reach OC San goals through cooperative efforts and collaboration with each other and our constituencies. We work to solve problems in a creative, cost-effective, and safe manner, and we acknowledge team and individual efforts.
  
Customer Service, Transparency, and Accountability
We are committed to acting in a timely, accurate, accessible, and transparent manner through excellent customer service. We are committed to act in the best interest of our internal and external stakeholders.
  
Resiliency, Innovation, and Learning
We continuously develop ourselves, enhancing our talents, skills, and abilities. We recognize that only through personal growth and development will we progress as an agency and as individuals.
  
Safety
We are committed to providing a safe work environment. We will demonstrate leadership, promote individual accountability, and participate actively in the advancement of our health and safety practices.
   
OC San is currently looking to fill the role of a Principal Information Technology Analyst (PLC/DCS Programmer).

Under general direction, the Principal IT Analyst performs highly-advanced professional-level information technology support duties, including conducting comprehensive and complex systems design, analysis, and development; assumes responsibility for developing, directing, and ensuring operational availability, performance, and security of OC San’s information technology operations and programs; serves as program/project lead; serves as business analyst for assigned departments; provides guidance, direction, and training to other Information Technology staff; and performs duties as assigned.
  
The selected candidate will be responsible for programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and/or Distributed Control Systems (DCS), implementing Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems, and designing, testing, and commissioning control systems for wastewater, water, and industrial systems.
  
 The Principal IT Analyst:

Performs the most complex PLC/DCS and HMI programming for projects and performs the most complex PLC/DCS modification requests for Operations.
Reviews commissioning procedures in support of projects.  
Supports project commissioning by leading and participating in workgroup review of commissioning procedures and field testing of the control system.
Determines how the work is to be done and has responsibility for ensuring assigned work is reviewed and completed according to established guidelines and standards.
Attends and takes a lead or active role in project review and meetings to represent the interests of the individuals who will be responsible for maintaining the control systems.
Takes a lead role in supporting the development of control strategies and input and output lists.
Reviews process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), control panel drawings, and hardware equipment specifications.
Reviews the most complex control system hardware and software submittals and involves other staff as needed to meet project deadlines.
Provides technical leadership in assigned teams.
Coaches and/or mentors less experienced staff.
Works independently with general direction, and work is reviewed upon completion for conformance to policy.
Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of industrial control systems.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements
 

Requirements:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying as determined by OC San. 
 
 1. Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, with major coursework in computer science, information systems, or a related field.
 2. Six (6) years of work experience in information systems or network programming and analysis.
 3. Valid California Class C Driver's License
 
Desirables:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Excel, Word and Access.
Working knowledge of Schneider Electric Modicon ProWorx NxT and/or Control Expert (formerly Unity) and understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers with experience writing PLC programs in ladder logic or IEC 61131 Function Block Diagram.
Working knowledge of ABB System 800xA and understanding of Distributed Control Systems.
Working knowledge of ABB AC800M DCS Controllers and S800 I/O.
Experience with configuration and development of HMI graphics using Wonderware, DCS or modern HMI platforms.
Advanced control systems experience with SCADA systems for wastewater, water, or industrial systems including development of complex algorithms for feedback, feed-forward, cascade and sequential logic controls.  
 
Recruitment & Selection Process
 

Vacancies: 1
(an eligible list may be established for future vacancies) 
 
Apply online at: www.ocsan.gov/jobs
  
 APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE: Thursday, July 16th, 2026; 5:00 P.M.
 (or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received)
 
*Hiring Salary Range (effective July 10, 2026): $160,430.40 - $176,800.00 /Year
(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

 
Supplemental Information
 

Disaster Service Workers:
 All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
 
Physical Demands: 

Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various OC San sites; this is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 35 pounds.
Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.   
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 Elements:

Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.  
Other Requirements:

May be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary. 
Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered “at-will”, are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions.  Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve “at-will” and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.   
Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen. 
Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.  
Disaster Service Workers
All Orange County Sanitation District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109).  Employment with the Orange County Sanitation District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Other Information:
For the full range of duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions please review the Classification Specification for this position found on our website.
  
Applicants must clearly demonstrate, through their application materials, that they meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement and class specification to receive further consideration. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.
  
False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.
 
To ensure your application is accurate and complete, please review the Job Application Guide.
 
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation and a physical examination. For some positions, this may include a drug screen. False statements may be cause for disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or discharge from employment. All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification.
  
Reference Checks will be conducted by OC San to verify employment related information for all potential employees once a contingent job offer is made during the background investigation process. This is done to ensure that individuals who join OC San are well qualified and have a strong potential to be successful in their employment. The extent of the inquiry will depend on the position being applied for, but will at least include:
 

Verification/Reference from current and past employers
Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.
 
Please have all necessary documentation ready. Additional inquiries may be necessary depending on the position for which you are applying. Human Resources will also schedule a post-offer physical examination once a job offer has been made.
 
OC San only accepts applications submitted via our online application system. Applications submitted via mail, fax or email will not be accepted.
  
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.