Senior SCADA Technician

The purpose of this position is to provide support on critical applications and department operations. This is accomplished by performing technical work for the operation, performance, and maintenance of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which monitors and controls water, wastewater, lift-stations, and reuse-distribution facilities. Under the supervision and direction of the SCADA Manager, this role involves tasks related to the planning, asset management, programming, network configuration, testing, calibration, commissioning, and preventive maintenance of SCADA and related electrical control systems. The Senior SCADA Technician will lead internal SCADA projects and perform the design and implementation of control and communication systems.

1. Manage SCADA system equipment, components, and assets.
2. Lead in troubleshooting SCADA network communication problems.
3. Maintain, analyze, and improve network system performance.
4. Improve methodologies to ensure proper network system operation and security.
5. Set up Ethernet networks, computers, and other HMI equipment for communication with field equipment using established industrial protocols.
6. Program, install, and test switches, routers, modems, and other network equipment.
7. Test and run diagnostics to verify connectivity of equipment.
8. Deploy system patches and firmware updates.
9. Program PLCs for control and process information gathering and reporting.
10. Perform programming, updates, or diagnostics of the SCADA system.
11. Develop and update equipment databases, software licenses, device applications, and configurations.
12. Implement methods for backing up all systems, including PLCs, and maintain a current library of all custom applications.
13. Maintain technical library, accurate records, documentation, and work reports. Modify documents and drawings as needed.
14. Advise SCADA Manager of technology upgrades and assist in planning for upgrades. Provide input and cost information for budgets.
15. Develop specifications for vendors for repairs, upgrades, and new installation work.
16. Manage equipment and software inventory, including spares, and order replacement equipment and software as needed.
17. Train technicians and operations staff in the operation and maintenance of SCADA and PLCs.
18. Confer with contractors, operators, mechanics, project engineers, and supervisors about SCADA issues.
19. Respond to and resolve internal customer complaints and issues.
20. Provide documentation as required by others.
21. Follow procurement rules to order parts.
22. Practice safe work procedures such as the NFPA 70E and OSHA.
23. Provide plant data and backups by tagging databases to reports and iHistorian server; creating reports; updating HMI screens; and backing up DEP documents and GE Intelligent Platform.
24. Perform administrative duties by attending meetings, training employees, completing work orders, maintaining vehicles, and answering emails.
25. Understand field instrumentation for troubleshooting, loop checkout, calibration, and support the functional checkout of a control system.

Additional Duties Include:

• Understand and work with simple field metering devices and calibration equipment.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and control portion of P&ID drawings.
• Troubleshoot PLC-based electrical control systems including input/output signals.
• Redline control panel drawings and P&ID drawings.
• Program and troubleshoot variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Perform service work in electrical areas with voltage sources including but not limited to 24 VDC, 120 VAC, 208 VAC, 240 VAC, 480 VAC
• Test, calibrate, and configure electrical control equipment, instrumentation, components, and systems.
• Review applications of controls, instrumentation, and systems for proper operation.
• Review electrical connections within control panels, instrumentation, motor control centers.
• Commission new or perform after-startup service for customers.
• Install replacement equipment for upgrading or replacing defective units.
• Install electrical infrastructure materials including conduit, wire, and instrument support stands.
• Install control panels and instrumentation devices.
• Understand the related plant process and associated control system components and requirements.
• Maintain and update the SCADA system to ensure uninterrupted operation.
• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of changes to the SCADA system.
• Participate in the development and support of GE Proficy and Historian.
• Maintain standards for SCADA system and ensure application to capital upgrade projects.
• Maintain system change management processes staying within customary audit practices.
• Build SCADA databases to acquire data from remote programmable logic control sites and design graphic displays.
• Create scripts, reports, and troubleshoot using VB.Net and SQL queries.
• Work with communication vendors and internal support personnel to resolve data communication problems.
• Update software and software configurations as needed.
• Assist in writing documentation to support job functions.
• Identify issues related to coordination with other utilities and municipal service providers.

1. Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Electronics.
2. Ten (10) years’ experience in SCADA control systems development and maintenance.
3. Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the candidate’s ability to perform successfully in this position will be considered.
4. Valid State of Florida Class E Driver’s License.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Proficiency in major SCADA software platforms (Preferably GE Proficy HMI and Rockwell Automation).
• Experience with programming languages used in SCADA systems (e.g., Python, C , ladder logic).
• Knowledge of networking principles, including TCP/IP, VPN, firewalls, and Ethernet.
• Experience with database management systems (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle).
• Familiarity with PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and other industrial control hardware.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 
Thephysicaldemandsdescribedherearerepresentativeofthosethat mustbe metbyanemployeeto successfullyperformtheessentialfunctionsofthisjob.Whileperformingthedutiesofthisjob,theemployeeisregularlyrequired tostand and walk to a significant degree;usehandsto operate toolsorfeel, andtalkorhear.Theemployeeisfrequentlyrequiredto pull, push, kneel, bend,squat,crawl, and twist.Theemployeemustfrequentlyliftand/ormoveupto25 poundsandoccasionallyliftand/ormoveupto50 pounds.Specificvisionabilitiesrequiredbythisjobincludeclosevision,distancevision,colorvision,peripheralvision,depthperceptionandabilitytoadjustfocus.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.   Environmental factors include outdoor conditions; rugged terrain, slippery surfaces, varying weather, including, heat, cold, dry, wet weather. In addition, noise, darkness, brightness, vibrations, traffic, biological agents, chemicals, gas/ fumes, magnetic fields, or congested area. Environmental factors include indoor, flat surface, noise, sitting with occasionally walking and standing.

Salary : $57,928 - $103,813