Utilities Instrumentation and Controls System Specialist

The Utilities Instrumentation and Controls Systems Specialist performs skilled maintenance and repair of mechanical and electronic systems related to Town operated water storage and distribution systems, and sanitary sewer pumping stations. Work is performed under the general direction of the Utilities Superintendent, with daily activities requiring independent initiative and judgment.

Shift: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

The Town of Blacksburg is an EEO Employer M/F/D/V

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs, on a daily basis, advanced diagnostics, and new installations to analyze problems associated with Instrumentation and control systems and electrical systems using test equipment such as electronic meter and simulators
• Performs moderate skilled installations, calibrations, diagnostics, repairs, and replacements of Instrumentation and control systems equipment and components for water storage facilities, and sanitary sewer pumping stations
• Performs moderate to advanced skilled installations, calibrations, maintenance, and programming of flow meters, transmitters, controllers, tank mixers, and analytical equipment
• Maintains adequate records relating to the installation, maintenance, testing, calibration, and replacement of instruments, controls and related devices
• Services hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, and mechanical instruments used for controlling, analyzing, measuring, and recording
• Monitors, maintains, and performs diagnostics for alarm systems (tank levels, overflows, etc.)
• Administers and implements the Town's Unidirectional Flushing program (UDF)
• Leads advanced technical training of others in safe work practices, equipment installation and calibrations, and facility process control
• Monitors compliance and communicate safety issues to personnel
• Reads, interprets, modifies, and updates blueprints, schematics, and diagrams in order to troubleshoot, repair, or modify equipment, and to accurately reflect current operating systems
• Monitors and makes visual inspections of control and instrumentation equipment to determine operating conditions and performs preventative maintenance
• Performs complex equipment modifications in order to implement required design changes
• Maintains accurate inventory and maintenance logs
• Installs, maintains, repairs, and tests electrical wiring systems, fixtures, motors, generators, transformers, lighting systems, and other industrial electrical and electronic equipment
• Inspects, maintains, and repairs pneumatic and hydraulic control systems
• Calibrates and installs instruments and related devices used for controlling automatic equipment for measuring flow, pressure, and temperature
• Participates in on-call program and scheduled/unscheduled overtime.

• Knowledge of the principles, theory, practices, materials, tools and equipment of the Industrial Electrical trade
• Knowledge of local, state, and national electrical and fire codes
• Knowledge of the general principles of telemetry equipment and instrumentation
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and ability to apply appropriate safety precautions in electrical work, including work with high voltages
• Skill in the use of tools utilized in the Electrical trade
• Ability to calibrate, test, and detect defects in electronic equipment, devices, and systems
• Ability to read and interpret specifications, blueprints, diagrams, schematics, and equipment manuals
• Ability to maintain complete, legible records and make reports and sketches
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors and the public
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED Certification required

• Associate's Degree in Instrumentation or related field plus five (5) years experience in Industrial Electronics and Instrumentation, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred:

• Working Knowledge of SCADA system
• Knowledge of GIS technology
• Virginia Water Operators license

Special Requirements
Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record

• This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 50 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 100 pounds of force
• Work regularly requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires sitting, climbing or balancing, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling and lifting
• Work has standard vision requirements
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities
• Work regularly requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles, frequently requires working near moving mechanical parts and occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather)

Employment Type: Full Time