SCADA Technician

Are you a highly skilled professional with a strong background in electrical systems, SCADA technology, and control systems? Do you thrive in an environment where you can design, install, and maintain advanced telemetry and automation solutions? If so, we invite you to apply for our SCADA Technician role within the Public Works Department.

This position has crucial responsibility for improving and maintaining the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, PLC controls, and radio telemetry. You will work with advanced control systems to support the City's infrastructure, ensuring efficient operation and continuous system improvement. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in electrical systems, programming, troubleshooting, and upgrades.

The ideal candidate will have four years of experience in electrical construction, SCADA systems operations, or facilities repair and maintenance at a Maintenance Worker 4 level or higher.

**Please note that you must attach your cover letter and resume to your application in order for your application to be considered complete.   Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  If you experience technical difficulties, please contact our office Monday-Friday, between 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.**

There is one (1) full-time, benefited position that will be filled by this recruitment process, and it is represented by the Teamsters union.  The hiring manager may establish an eligibility list for this classification within the division upon completion of the process.

This position is open until filled.

SALARY:

$8,077.00- $9,838.00 per month, depending on qualifications

For a listing of benefits, please use the following link: Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

Additional information may also be found in the Teamsters contract, which you can access at Human Resources | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the assigned Manager or designee, perform a variety of highly skilled professional and responsible duties related to the technological operations and improvements of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems (a.k.a. telemetry) and other control systems.

Work is characterized by specialized, professional-level expertise in the technical design and programming of existing telemetry, PLC control, and radio systems. Work assignments include, but are not limited to, responsibility for wiring, designing, installing, troubleshooting and programming control systems and remodeling existing field systems; maintaining and upgrading the SCADA system; training personnel on the operation of new systems; providing technical expertise and input in the operations of the SCADA and various other control systems.

Work is performed under limited supervision. The Utility Site and Process Control Manager sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent and manager work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. The incumbent is responsible for developing workplans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps the manager informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.

As an employee within the Public Works Department, actively participate in processes and communications with coworkers to promote/support a culture of engagement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, wire, and install hardware for upgrading controls systems within Public Works Operations; install, and remodel and/or upgrade control systems as necessary.

Read, write, troubleshoot, and revise Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programs for existing systems and new installations.

Maintain, upgrade, and make improvements to the SCADA system. Work with Information Technology Department and internal staff and other vendors to maintain and update the SCADA computer network for continuous operation. 

Program Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and supervisory control screens for monitoring and control purposes.

Request, coordinate, and oversee work done by contractors or consulting firms to repair or improve all aspects of the SCADA and radio systems.

Generate and/or assist in the development of as-built drawings and documentation of improvements or upgrades to the SCADA and other associated control systems.

Review electrical plans of new and existing facilities for accuracy, completeness, and consistency and make appropriate recommendations.

Perform electrical maintenance and improvements at facilities as required.

Interface with vendors as needed.

Train operators and maintenance personnel on using software for troubleshooting and maintaining systems and/or the operation of new systems.

Assist other crews as needed.

Actively support the vision, mission, values, and goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform special projects and produce reports related to the SCADA system.

May perform equivalent, or lower, classification work in other Divisions as assigned

Perform related duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL:

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• General electrical installation and maintenance procedures

• General construction methods and processes

• Work hazards and applicable safety precautions and practices entailed in work activities

• Control, radio, and telemetry system operations, improvements, and maintenance

• PLC’s

• Motor controls and drives

• HMI and supervisory control programming software

• SCADA telemetry and radio modems and software

• General Water and Utility systems

• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures

• Information technology used for planning, executing, and documenting work

BE SKILLED IN:

• Prioritizing work schedule to advance multiple projects in different stages

• Communicating effectively both orally and writing

• Troubleshooting of control systems, motor drive systems, power distribution systems, chemical feed systems, radio telemetry processes and computer systems

• Programming PLC’s and HMI systems

• Documenting control systems for maintenance and troubleshooting

• Training operators and maintenance personnel on new systems

• Effective use of interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner in the completion of daily tasks and assignments

• Maintaining records and preparing reports

• Use of cell phone/mobile technology, Windows programs, and web applications

HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

• Understand programmable controllers, read and understand logic diagrams and programs, and resolve associated problems easily

• Show a high level of initiative and resourcefulness in completing projects and tasks in a timely manner

• Understand, analyze, and convert existing electrical controls systems and recommend upgrades

• Estimate the cost of converting and upgrading systems

• Work with vendors and various construction trades to ensure a project is completed within budget and in a timely manner

• Read, interpret, apply, and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and electrical and control drawings

• Present information in one-on-one and group situations to supervisors, the public, and other employees of the City

• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide; compute fractions, rates, ratios, proportions, percentages, volume, area, circumference, and distance; and draw and interpret graphs, charts, and sketches

• Analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action

• Utilize electronic equipment such as computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices

• Learn hardware, software and I.T. tools needed for planning, operating, and documenting work 

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:

Education: Graduation from high school, general education degree, or equivalent, supplemented by completion of a Certified Electrical License or a two (2) year Electrical Apprenticeship program or trade school, to include at least six (6) weeks of classroom training in PLC programming; and

Experience: Four (4) years of experience in Electrical construction, SCADA systems and operations or general facilities repair, maintenance, and operation at a Maintenance Worker 4 or higher level.

LICENSES AND OTHER INFORMATION:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within 30-days of employment

• Valid First Aid/CPR Card, or the ability to obtain within 6-months of employment

• Valid Washington State Department of Health Water Distribution Manager 2 Certificate, or the ability to obtain within  1-year of employment

• Valid Washington State Department of Health Water Treatment Plant Operator 1 Certificate, or the ability to obtain within one 1- year of the city’s use of the 212th Water Treatment Plant for said duration

• Valid Washington State Department of Health Cross Connection Control Specialist 1 Certificate, or the ability to obtain within 1-year of employment

• Successful completion of Fall Protection training, or the ability to obtain within 6-months of employment

• Successfully complete the Confined Space training within 6-months of employment

• Valid Traffic Control Flagging Card, or the ability to obtain within 6-months of employment

• New employees must successfully pass the City's pre-employment driver's records check; successfully complete the City's Defensive Driving Course; and must maintain an excellent driving record

• Must successfully pass the City’s Physical Agility, drug, and Background screening

• Experience in Water and Utility control systems, SCADA system installation and troubleshooting, and programming using PLC software

• Certification as a journeyman electrician is highly desirable

• Must successfully pass a position relevant background inquiry

In the event the State of Washington mandates or requires a new license or certification, the incumbent will be given 24 months, or timeframe specified by the State (whichever is shorter) to obtain such license or certification.

MACHINES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Standard and specialized hand and power machines, tools and equipment used in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water and utility facilities, treatment, and SCADA systems, including, but not limited to diagnostic equipment and software for SCADA programs and PLC’s, laptop and desktop computers, volt/ohmmeters, loop analyzers and simulators, laboratory equipment and analyzers, electric drills and grinders, measuring devices, hand wrenches and screwdrivers/hand tools.

Incumbent will also be required to operate a City vehicle to travel between work sites.

Typical business office machinery and equipment used include, but are not limited to, personal computers, printers, scanners, telephones, cellular phones, fax machines, copy machines, and calculators.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk; and hear. The incumbent frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The incumbent is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and is occasionally required to lift and/or move in excess of 100 pounds with assistance. 

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed outdoors and in an office environment, subject to traveling by City vehicle from site to site several times each day.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; regularly works in outside weather conditions, being exposed to changing weather conditions such as rain, sun, and snow; regularly works in confined spaces; and near moving mechanical parts. 

The employee is exposed to electrical shock, and occasionally works in high, precarious places; extreme cold; extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to very loud while operating machinery or working near equipment.  Incumbent is subject to call out after normal work hours for emergency work; may also be required to be on standby duty after hours and on weekends.  Incumbent will be scheduled to work shifts, nights, weekends and holidays as needed.  Incumbent will also frequently work alone during a work shift of after hours.