SCADA Specialist

Under general direction, programs, configures, maintain, designs, and integrates Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Distributive Control Systems (DCS) for the water utility. Performs corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance on the electrical components and instrumentation in the water system, and supports accurate data collection, reporting reliable, safe, and efficient operation and maintenance of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and related hardware and software systems used to control operation of the City’s water and wastewater systems. Keeps up with Cybersecurity Issues. Acts as lead in the planning and design of projects that require integration to existing PLC/DCS control system architectures. Provides insight and resolution for operations and instrument/electrical process control issues. Programming and testing of instrumentation and electrical process control systems within water and wastewater.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Installs, adjusts, test, calibrates, maintains, and repairs a variety of electrical/instrumental, computer, and electronic components of treatment plant and related process control equipment.
• Performs complex maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, programming, and system administration of Process Control Systems, SCADA, DCS, PLCs, and RTUs.
• Maintains a secure, standardized, and reliable SCADA environment.
• Stays informed about current cybersecurity threats and issues.
• Works collaboratively with City IT staff to administer SCADA system security, maintenance of local area networks, and communications systems associated with the SCADA system, maintenance of SCADA database, integration of SCADA system with enterprise-wide GIS and related hardware and software interfaces.
• Works collaboratively with contractors, consultants, and operators to implement new control systems and modifications to existing system.
• Coordinates with and reviews work by contractors and consultants for compliance with plans and specifications and assists in start-up of new equipment.
• Assists application programmers in debugging programs or interfacing application programs with system level software or obtaining disk space for new projects.
• Develops SCADA budgets for the department serving as the subject matter expert in recommending SCADA upgrades and improvements to existing processes.
• Analyzes performance to ensure all operations are within budget.
• Programs PLC, SCADA, and related software.
• Maintains records for SCADA system and field instrumentation including manufacturer manuals, design documentation, test equipment, maintenance histories, calibration and test records, and inventory of spare parts, and provides data backup plan and maintenance of backup files.
• Creates and implements electrical wiring diagrams and layout designs for installation of new process control equipment within the water and wastewater facilities.
• Participates in system control design, review, and construction processes.
• Reviews prints for conformity and accepted industry standards.
• Creates and updates drawings and documentation to allow proper troubleshooting of the devices and equipment.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains records in a computerized maintenance management system.
• Available for twenty-four/seven (24/7) emergency call-out (especially in inclement weather conditions).
• Performs general maintenance activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of office and administrative practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of theory, function, assembly, practices, tools, equipment, and safety procedures used in electrical/instrumentation preventative maintenance and repairs.
• Knowledge of the National Electric Code and other rules and standards pertaining to construction and maintenance of equipment and systems.
• Knowledge of water treatment and wastewater collection processes and systems is desired.
• Knowledge of advanced math.
• Knowledge of Cybersecurity protocols.
• Knowledge of communications protocols.
• Knowledge of network administration.
• Knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
• Knowledge of Control system designs for PLC, DCS, RTU, SCADA and HMI.
• Knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management System practices and software.
• Skill in using PC Software including current Microsoft Office Suite of applications.
• Skill in communicating professionally and tactfully with other city employees and the public by oral and written means.
• Skill with organization and attention to detail.
• Skill in Computerized Maintenance Management System, PLC programming, and SCADA programming.
• Skill in reading and interpreting drawings, electrical plans, ladder logic, and diagrams of electronic circuitry.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment including, but not limited to PC, telephone, radio, laboratory equipment, hand tools, plant process equipment, power tools, instrumentation, calculator, copier, scanner, and pick-up truck.
• Ability to perform a variety of physical skills including but not limited to carrying, climbing (to heights exceeding 100 feet), dragging, driving, filing, kneeling, lifting up to 100 pounds, pulling, pushing seeing, sitting, sorting, squatting, standing, stooping, twisting body, typing, walking, and writing.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and make fine discriminations in sound.
• Ability to organize tasks.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment utilizing knowledge of the organization's policies.
• Ability to work independently under general instructions.
• Ability to prioritize deadlines and tasks.
• Ability to learn new systems and procedures quickly.
• Ability to plan, organize, monitor, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to accomplish unit objectives.
• Ability to understand mathematical calculations involving fractions, percentages, and decimals.
• Ability to work within a set schedule.

Qualifying Education and Experience:

An Associate degree in industrial Controls, Instrumentation, Computer Science, Computer Programming, or other related fields. Five (5) years of Experience using programming languages, control software, industrial control programming, and related tools for industrial process controls systems design or similar related experience, and electrical and instrument repair and maintenance of electrical equipment in accordance with National Electric Code and other rules and standards OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is required.

Experience working with Control Systems/SCADA and Cybersecurity; and possession of a valid Texas Operator's License, Class C is required.

Employment Screenings Required:

• Criminal background check

• Human Performance Evaluation (HPE)
• Physical Examination
• Drug and Alcohol Testing
• Motor Vehicle Report
• Cardiopulmonary Function Testing (PFT)

Post-Employment Screenings Required:

Quantitative Fit Testing (QNFT)