Utilities SCADA Technician

PURPOSE

The purpose of this classification, under general direction, is to provide technical support for the development, installation, programming, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of the Utilities Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Work involves supporting SCADA servers, network equipment, remote telemetry units (RTUs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), instrumentation, communications equipment, and associated control system hardware and software.

The position assists with the implementation, modification, testing, documentation, and maintenance of utility process control and telemetry systems serving water and wastewater treatment facilities, wells, lift stations, and other utility facilities. Provides technical assistance to operations, maintenance, and SCADA personnel; assists with system backups and restores; troubleshoots communications and control system problems; and supports the continued reliability, security, and functionality of the Utilities SCADA system. Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, & EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by technical training in electrical, electronic, instrumentation, automation, industrial controls, computer technology, SCADA, or a related field and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in industrial controls, PLC programming, SCADA systems, instrumentation, telemetry, electrical/electronic systems, or related utility control systems;

OR

An Associate's degree from an accredited college or technical institution in electrical engineering technology, electronics, instrumentation and control, computer science, information technology, automation, industrial controls, or a related field and a minimum of one (1) year of experience in industrial controls, PLC programming, SCADA systems, instrumentation, telemetry, electrical/electronic systems, or related utility control systems;

OR

An equivalent combination of education, technical training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Must possess a valid Florida driver's license.

JOB DESCRIPTION

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provides technical and operational support for the Utilities SCADA system in support of water and wastewater treatment plant operations and field operations.

Assists with the programming, configuration, installation, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), remote telemetry units (RTUs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), SCADA servers, industrial computers, network equipment, and associated control system components.

Assists the Utilities SCADA Programmer with developing, modifying, testing, and implementing PLC and SCADA programming for new and existing utility facilities.

Performs troubleshooting of SCADA, PLC, telemetry, communications, instrumentation, and control system problems. Assists operations and maintenance personnel in identifying and correcting equipment and control system issues.

Assists with the configuration and maintenance of SCADA screens, displays, alarms, trends, tags, communications, reports, and system databases.

Performs PLC program uploads, downloads, backups, restores, and program modifications in accordance with established procedures and authorization requirements.

Assists with maintaining current backups and documentation of PLC programs, SCADA applications, system configurations, network configurations, and other critical control system information.

Assists with the installation, configuration, testing, and maintenance of industrial network equipment, including network switches, communication equipment, fiber optic and Ethernet connections, and other SCADA communications components.

Assists with troubleshooting communications between PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, SCADA servers, field instrumentation, and other connected devices.

Provides technical support for utility telemetry systems, including communications equipment, radio, cellular, Ethernet, fiber, and other communications technologies used to transmit operational data.

Assists with the installation, configuration, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of process instrumentation and control devices associated with utility facilities.

Assists with startup, testing, commissioning, and acceptance testing of new or modified SCADA and control system equipment and applications.

Works with the Utilities SCADA Programmer, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Information Technology, contractors, consultants, and equipment vendors to resolve technical issues and implement system improvements.

Coordinates with Information Technology personnel, as directed, regarding network connectivity, communications, cybersecurity, servers, firewalls, and other issues affecting the Utilities SCADA environment.

Assists with maintaining system documentation, including PLC program documentation, network diagrams, equipment inventories, control descriptions, system configurations, backup records, and other technical documentation.

Provides technical assistance and training to utility operations and maintenance personnel in the proper use and operation of SCADA systems, HMIs, and related control equipment.

Assists with SCADA system monitoring and identification of abnormal conditions, communications failures, equipment failures, alarms, and other system issues.

Assists with implementation of SCADA cybersecurity practices, including maintaining system backups, applying approved system configurations, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and following established access control and change management procedures.

Maintains records of work performed, system modifications, troubleshooting activities, equipment installations, backups, and other technical activities.

Assists with the evaluation, testing, and implementation of new SCADA hardware, software, communications equipment, instrumentation, and control technologies.

Responds to technical issues at utility facilities and provides field support as required, including treatment plants, wells, lift stations, and other remote utility facilities.

Participates in projects involving the installation, replacement, modification, integration, and commissioning of SCADA and process control equipment.

Performs other technical duties as assigned in support of the Utilities SCADA system and utility operations.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Performs other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, analyze, and interpret technical data, system information, alarms, trends, equipment status, and operational information to identify potential problems and determine appropriate corrective actions.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with supervisors, coworkers, operations and maintenance personnel, Information Technology personnel, contractors, consultants, and equipment vendors.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain computers, PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, network equipment, instrumentation, test equipment, and other tools and equipment used in the performance of essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to understand and communicate technical information, including operating procedures, equipment manuals, electrical and control drawings, PLC documentation, SCADA documentation, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and apply principles of algebra, electrical theory, instrumentation, measurement, and related technical disciplines.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to interpret instructions, electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, network diagrams, control narratives, PLC logic, SCADA displays, and technical documentation. Requires the ability to identify problems and determine appropriate methods for troubleshooting and resolution.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise sound judgment when responding to equipment failures, communication problems, SCADA alarms, control system issues, and other operational situations.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks involve the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb, reach, and work in various positions. May involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling equipment and materials of moderate weight. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, visual information, equipment displays, alarms, gauges, indicators, and electrical/electronic components. Some tasks require oral communication ability.

Environmental Factors: Tasks may involve exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including heat, cold, rain, dirt, dust, noise, water, wastewater, chemicals, electrical equipment, mechanical equipment, and other conditions associated with utility treatment plants and field facilities.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The work performance of supervisory and management personnel of the City of Daytona Beach is routinely evaluated according to the performance criteria outlined herein:

Knowledge of Job: Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of SCADA systems, PLCs, HMIs, process instrumentation, telemetry, industrial communications, electrical and electronic control systems, computer hardware and software, and industrial networking. Knowledge of troubleshooting methods and maintenance practices applicable to utility control systems. Knowledge of basic PLC programming, control logic, SCADA configuration, system backups, and field instrumentation.

Quality of Work: Maintains accuracy and attention to detail when programming, configuring, troubleshooting, documenting, and maintaining SCADA and control system equipment. Follows established procedures and verifies work before placing systems into operation.

Quantity of Work: Performs assigned work efficiently and effectively while maintaining established standards for accuracy, reliability, safety, and system availability.

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for assigned work and completes assignments within established deadlines and in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, standards, and supervisory direction.

Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides sufficient notice to management regarding vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Demonstrates a self-motivated approach to assigned responsibilities. Identifies potential problems and opportunities for improvement and brings them to the attention of the appropriate supervisor or SCADA Programmer.

Judgment: Exercises sound technical judgment within the scope of assigned responsibilities. Recognizes problems that require additional expertise or authorization and seeks assistance when appropriate.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and works cooperatively with Utilities personnel, Information Technology personnel, contractors, consultants, and vendors.

Relationships with Others: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, managers, coworkers, operations and maintenance personnel, contractors, consultants, vendors, and other City employees. Communicates technical information clearly and professionally.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes assigned work activities, establishes priorities, coordinates field and office activities, and completes assignments in accordance with established schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all established City, Utilities, OSHA, environmental, electrical, and other applicable safety requirements. Maintains a safe and orderly work environment and properly uses required personal protective equipment.

The City of Daytona Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Daytona Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Exempt : No

Remote : No

Type : FT Employee

Department : Utilities