How to hire a scada technician

How to hire a scada technician, step by step

Here's a step-by-step scada technician hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a scada technician job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new scada technician
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your scada technician job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a scada technician for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a scada technician to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a scada technician that fits the bill.

   This list presents scada technician salaries for various positions.

   Type of Scada Technician	Description	Hourly rate
   Scada Technician	Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment... Show more	$18-38
   Technical Testing Engineer	A technical testing engineer is responsible for inspecting and reporting the quality of products across the production cycle. You will thoroughly check procedures, materials, and electrical and mechanical systems to produce high-quality products for customers... Show more	$29-60
   Electronics Engineering Technician	Electronics Engineering Technician helps engineers design and advance electronic devices and components, install electrical equipment, and maintain electronic systems. They usually work in product evaluation and testing... Show more	$23-44

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • HMI
   • PLC
   • Control Systems
   • Data Acquisition
   • Transmitters
   • Logic Controllers
   • Pump Stations
   • RTU
   • Switches
   • Production Facilities
   • Wonderware
   • VFD
   • Process Control
   • Allen-Bradley Plc

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Install, maintain, and programme Totalflow EFM's, liquid turbines, pressure transmitters.
   • Coordinate, train, and support field personnel as they configure PLC's, RTU's, and other devices.
   • Install Emerson THUM devices on most transmitters for wireless connectivity.
   • Configure and maintain PLC's at all sites including modifying or creating ladder logic as needed.
   • Sterilize instruments using specialize equipment including steam autoclaves, sonic washers, aerators, pasteurizers, gas sterilizers and acid sterilizers.
   • Train QC test and QA inspection operators.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your scada technician job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A scada technician can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, scada technicians' average salary in new hampshire is 44% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level scada technicians 51% less than senior-level scada technicians.
   • Certifications. A scada technician with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a scada technician's salary.

   Average scada technician salary

   $56,179yearly

   $27.01 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level scada technician salary

   $39,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a scada technician job description

   A scada technician job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a scada technician job description:

   Scada technician job description example

   General Description
   
   Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technicians are essential members of the Utility's SCADA team which includes SCADA programmers. This team is comprised of technology driven disciplines that provide the technical expertise required to support the operations of water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collections at the Utility's plants and field facilities. SCADA technicians calibrate, install, troubleshoot, repair and/or replace process control electronic equipment including but not limited to analog and digital instrumentation, motor operated valves, surge suppression equipment security cameras and gate systems. Develops, troubleshoots, and maintains the programs used by programmable logic controllers (PLC), operator interfaces, and control room screens.
   
   Environment and Hazards:Work is performed indoors and outdoors and may be subject to extreme heat, cold, foul smells, noise, vibration, and electromagnetic fields. Hazards include electrical current and potential exposure to chemicals, fluids, fumes, odors, dusts, mist, gases, confined spaces, and/or poor ventilation. National Electric Code (NEC) Class I, Division I environment.
   
   Essential Job Functions
   
   * Supervision and training of less experienced technicians as required.
   * Coordinates work efforts with the SCADA team and other workgroups.
   * Installs and calibrates analog and digital instrumentation using basic hand tools, process meters, instrument calibrators and/or manufacturer prepared manuals.
   * Installs, programs, troubleshoots, or replaces PLC equipment.
   * Uses test equipment, reads schematics, and maintenance manuals.
   * Traces out and tests low voltage circuits to locate defective connections and parts.
   * Disassembles, cleans, replaces defective parts, and reassembles instruments.
   * Lubricates equipment and replaces defective wiring and tubing.
   * Calibrates and ensures the accuracy of various industrial instruments and equipment used for data collection and/or process control.
   * Ensures that required compliance instrumentation is properly calibrated.
   * Maintains and calibrates chlorine and ammonia monitoring equipment.
   * Removes or replaces defective instruments.
   * Coordinates with operators and/or ICS SCADA Programmers to ensure end-to-end accuracy and consistency of instrument readings on operator interfaces and control room displays.
   * Records calibrations, parts used, and maintains inventory parts on hand.
   * Uses CAD and other software to prepare schematic drawings, sketches to reflect changes or alterations made in instruments, circuits, and systems.
   * Ability to lift and/or move up to 80 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects.
   
   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
   
   * Working knowledge of low voltage electrical operation and theory.
   * Ability to troubleshoot electrical circuits.
   * Ability to troubleshoot 4-20ma loop circuits.
   * Ability to troubleshoot 120VAC power circuits.
   * Ability to calibrate and repair electronic and electrical equipment or instrumentation.
   * Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and loop diagrams for water and wastewater treatment equipment.
   * Ability to work as an effective team member and work independently at remote locations.
   * Working knowledge of modern water and wastewater instrumentation for a large utility.
   * Knowledge of the principles of industrial instrumentation, chemical analyzers, pumps, motors, controllers, water and wastewater treatment processes is preferred.
   * Ability to Troubleshoot PLC hardware and electrical circuits.
   * Ability to learn PLC software.
   
   Minimum Requirements
   
   PHYSICAL SKILLS: May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication. Ability to frequently bend, climb, squat, and walk.
   
   EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:High school diploma, or an acceptable equivalent and five (5) years of experience withelectrical or industrial automation and/or instrumentation, preferably at a water or wastewater utility water and wastewater instrumentation ORsuccessful completion from technical school with a focus on electronics, process instrumentation, or related field, and two (2) years of experience with electrical or industrial automation and/or instrumentation, preferably at a water or wastewater utility water and wastewater instrumentation, or combination of education and experience.
   
   LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. CCST Certification or must obtain the certification within two (2) years from date of hire.
   
   ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
   
   DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.
   
   EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. On call as needed. Will also participate in an on-call rotation that requires a 24/7 response while on-call.
   
   VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.
   
   PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORK PLACES FOR 2021

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find scada technicians for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any scada technicians they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level scada technicians with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your scada technician job on Zippia to find and recruit scada technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with scada technician candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new scada technician

   Once you've selected the best scada technician candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new scada technician. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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