Industrial Automation Scada Application Specialist (Systems Reliability Division)

Job Overview

This position gives direct support for the department's SCADA HMI and controlsnetwork by providinghighly sophisticated technical programming expertise to develop and implement graphicalrepresentations of control featuresusing various software and standards.This position ensures the PLC accuracy and the data provided at the PLC level is represented appropriately and provides timely corrective actions for hardware, software and programming imperfections or failures. Ensures that all data is memorialized in a historical databaseand maintains a web-based reportingand monitoring application, in addition to an after-hours monitoring software utilized for events falling out of normal compliance parameters.

Salary

Min: $57,075

Mid: $75,628

Max: $103,396

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will possess an associate degree with a major in electronics, computer science, or related field or 2+ years of professional or military experience in an automated control environment. Knowledge of the principals and usage of ladder logic, function blocks and structured text programming protocols. Knowledge and skills necessary to perform in depth troubleshooting from the device level through the switches, servers and into the HMI program. Knowledge of computer-based software necessary to perform advanced analysis and interpretation of test data needed to modify and document PLC programs using specified software. Knowledge and ability to use sophisticated operating and programming software for various computers and hardware which may include Windows, Linux, DNP3, Win-911, Citect, Factory Talk, Imprivata, Nagios, Pulsenet, Symantex, Unity Pro and Kepware. Knowledge of remote cellular communications equipment and the segmented network used for distribution. Knowledge of function and operation of electronic controlling, measuring, recording, transmitting, testing and diagnostic equipment used in the troubleshooting and maintenance of industrial water and wastewater equipment.  Must be able to distinguish and resolve hardware and software issues from protocol, rule or Active Directory driven issues. Ability to work a variety of work schedules including after normal business hours, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's/Master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Computer Science/Technology field.
• Minimum of 3 years programming experience in an automated control environment to include verifiableexperience reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and P&ID diagrams; AND 
• 3 years of experience in the programming, calibration, and installation of automated electronic equipment.
• Preferred: Background or ability to obtain ISA Certified ControlSystems Specialist (CCST)credential within 1 year period.
• An equivalent combination of education (not less than a High School diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job specific competencies noted above.

Core Competencies 

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional, and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below:

• Diagnose, correct, modify and document changes to different pieces of industrial equipment control sequences suggested by the International Society of Automation (ISA). Modifies and documents logic. 
• Troubleshoots and diagnoses highly sophisticated lines of ladder logic and provides corrective solutions while maintaining and optimizing the PLC program functionality. Interpret control functions represented in P&ID, electrical drawings, and lines of computer code logic to make appropriate PLC or HMI changes. 
• Implement regular firmware and software upgrades to PLC, HMI, OIT, servers, panel PC's and desktop terminal operating systems. Implement Active Directory changes, manage user access to the system, file sharing and Windows services. Develop and modify/program Windows software.
• Check Computerized Maintenance Management System (CAMS) daily for maintenance work orders and assignments given by supervisor. Prioritize assigned work, contact customers, and provide field or remote corrections to program issues. Complete cost and close out daily for maintenance tracking.
• Design HMI graphical objects or genies using internally developed standards-based graphics. Test all changes in a developmental work environment prior to releasing version into the production environment. Create and implement any needed modifications to objects or genies as field operational needs change.
• Schedule, credential and set up the developmental project for each Integration Contractor coming into the Developmental Center to change and test modifications made to the project prior to the implementation into the production network. Provide standards-based recommendations for changes that are not clearly defined.
• Maintain secure database and structure version control within the SCADA network, for all PLC ladder logic, function blocks and structured text software programming used for various applications within the SCADA network. Maintain several different database programming files for Phase I, Phase II and Phase Ill.
• Configure and maintain Open Protocol Communications (OPC) connections used in poling field devices. Develop, program, and maintain website and various web-based programs utilizing HTML standard language. Provide customer connectivity through various desktop support functions.
• Debug and commission control systems at PUD facilities, during the system integration stage and then during installation. Assist in troubleshooting after new installation startups and large system changes.
• Attending various web-based and classroom technical, administrative and safety training events to increase professional knowledge, professional development and safety awareness when working in an industrial setting.
• Provide customer connectivity through various desktop support functions. Resetting network logins and passwords, troubleshooting in the field, and over the phone for connectivity or visibility concerns. Provide training on the use of web-based software used for facility viewing or report generation.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Job Specifications 

• Critical Thinking - Knowledge of local, state, and federal electronics compliance regulations applicable to specific agencies or departmental facilities. Knowledge of electrical safe work practices and procedures including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Knowledge of Industrial Automation, control panels, programmable logic controllers (PLC), operator interface terminals (OIT), and a firm understanding of Human Machine Interfaces (HMI). Knowledge and ability to use sophisticated operating and programming software for various computers and hardware which may include Windows, Linux, DNP3, Win-911, Citect, Factory Talk, lmprivata, Nagios, Pulsenet, Symantex, Unity Pro and Kepware. Knowledge and understanding of radio communications and the associated software needed to program the equipment. Knowledge of remote cellular communications equipment and the segmented network used for distribution. Advanced knowledge of the principals and usage of ladder logic, function blocks and structured text programming protocols. Knowledge of function and operation of electronic controlling, measuring, recording, transmitting, testing and diagnostic equipment used in the troubleshooting and maintenance of industrial water and wastewater equipment.
• Decision Making - Advanced knowledge and skills necessary to perform in depth troubleshooting from the device level through the switches, servers and
• into the HMI program. Must be able to distinguish and resolve hardware and software issues from protocol, rule, or Active Directory
• Strategic Planning - Ability to work a variety of work schedules including after normal business hours, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Background Clearances require- Standard HR Background screening. 

Physical Requirements 

• Frequently in a normal office situation, occasionally in high noise environment, occasionally in high dust/dirt environment. Periodically requires safety training and protective devices. Occasional exposure to moving machinery & vehicles. Occasionally requires travel. Occasional ladder climbing & work from elevated platforms.
• Exerting up to 20pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Requires good hearing, good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish colors, and depth perception to judge distances. Frequently sitting at a desk or table, occasional standing, stooping, and walking. Occasionally lifting to 30 pounds.

Work Category 

• Sedentary Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Emergency Management Responsibilities 

In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee's department, the County's Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during or after an emergency/disaster.