Systems Specialist

Systems Specialist

The Systems Specialist is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and oversight of the Water Treatment and/or Water Reclamation Plant(s) distributed control network of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, Human -Machine-Interface (HMI) devices, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), databases, data communications systems, telemetry, and other automated processes. Under direction performs work of considerable difficulty in organizing, analyzing and controlling computer operating systems software, database systems software, and related libraries to facilitate the automation of water treatment and/or water reclamation operations performs related work as required.

Essential Job Functions:

• Operates and maintains automation systems for the Division of Water Treatment and/or Water Reclamation's treatment plant (Plant) distributed control network of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) processors, SCADA computers, Human Machine Interface (HMI) devices, Variable Frequency Drives, (VFDs), databases, data communications systems, and other automated processes.
• Troubleshooting, repair, and/or replacement of complex electrical & electronic controls, relay logic, instrumentation, process meters, gas detectors, and their associated interaction with PLC's (including the division's distributed control network and the electrical grid (including the Plant's backup electrical generation system)
• Develops, writes, and implements software policies and procedures to preserve the system's integrity
• Assists in preparing and monitoring budget
• Installs new versions of system software and implements hardware upgrades to maintain system current with industry standards
• Implements tables, table spaces and procedures pertaining to the file management of databases and operating systems files
• Performs and/or manages upgrades and new installations
• Implements application and database security arrangements to control access to user data and applications programs
• Oversees cyber-security
• Develops and maintains documentation of system configurations
• Maintains function and upgrades of security camera and Plant access systems
• Purchases and writes proposals and cost justifications for software acquisitions
• Tunes and configures operating systems and database systems
• Performs capacity planning to determine what hardware and software changes are needed to provide better service
• Reviews new products and determines future feasibility
• Determines long-term needs to drive strategic planning
• Schedules and prioritizes jobs and they relate to the utilization of computer resources
• Answers end-users questions to specific problems and provides information about system capabilities
• Provides technical information to answer programmers' questions about software problems
• Trains users in how to physically operate equipment to ensure proper operation
• Interfaces with software and hardware vendors to acquire current releases and system corrections.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• automation systems, PLC's, SCADA systems, Human -Machine-Interfaces, switches and instrumentation devices, VFD's, databases, data communications systems, telemetry, and other automated processes.
• computer code configuration scripts and PLC ladder logic.
• Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word), multiple web browsers, the internet and intranets,
• treatment plant processes
• hand tools and measuring devices used in the troubleshooting of electrical and electronic circuitry, fiber optic cables, CAT6 communication cables & wireless radio telemetry systems.
• operating systems and installation procedures
• database systems and installation procedures
• software design
• hardware systems
• systems interrelationships
• local area networks
• backup and recovery procedures.
• water treatment and water reclamation operations and maintenance

Skill in:

• analyzing and correcting computer hardware and software problems
• verbal and written communication
• operating a personal computer
• writing computer programs and system interfaces

Ability to:

• scan and interpret vast quantities of computer code, configuration scripts, and PLC ladder logic in a timely manner
• establish and maintaining effective working relationships with others
• type 30 WPM

Required Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation & Electronics, Robotics, or a closely related area
• Three (3) years of responsible experience in programmable logic controller (PLC) programming, design, installation, or troubleshooting and communications in a distributed control network environment of PLC processors, SCADA systems, network routers & gateways and telecommunications in an industrial environment
• Must possess a Class I Water Supply or Water Reclamation Professional Operator license or Operator in Training certification or an equivalent certification from another state within one (1) year of appointment*.

*An applicant with an equivalent certification from another state must obtain reciprocity from the State of Ohio EPA before their application will be considered.

Preferred Education, Experience and Certifications:

• Prior experience working at a large (>10 MGD, maximum design flow) water or wastewater treatment plant is preferred

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described within this job description 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.

The incumbent will be frequently required to use various office equipment (e.g. computer, fax machine, telephone) as well as a variety of hand and power tools for working with electrical equipment around the plant. The incumbent will frequently stand and walk around the plant with the occasional need to drive a company vehicle to various sites. The incumbent must be comfortable working at heights including being lifted in a boom truck and climbing a 100 foot water tower. Th incumbent will be required to reach, stoop, twist, kneel and otherwise physically maneuver to reach equipment as needed. color vision, seeing and hearing are essential abilities for this position.

Work Environment:

The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The incumbent will primarily work indoors with occasional need to work outdoors or travel to various worksites around the plant. The incumbent will occasionally encounter slippery surfaces, low to moderate background noise, fumes, or odors as well as various high or low temperatures and cramped workplaces around the various areas of the Plant. The incumbent may be exposed to some hazardous materials or electrical equipment and will need to use personal protective equipment such as gloves when handling such materials. The position will frequently require availability to work extended work hours.