Instrumentation & Electrical Technician

An employee in this class maintains the City’s SCADA and electrical systems associated with water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plant, distribution and collections systems, pumping facilities, and related facilities and equipment. Work is performed in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Maintaining records and reports is necessary for full compliance with all regulations and for effective management decision-making and insuring effective productivity of assigned personnel. Work involves considerable contact with water treatment, wastewater treatment and facilities maintenance staff. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor and is evaluated by visual inspection of work, periodic meetings, compliance with safety procedures, and overall quantity and quality of work performed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Installs, troubleshoots, maintains and repairs SCADA associated software, equipment, motor controls, generator equipment and field devices to keep the City’s SCADA system functional.
• Troubleshoots, maintains and repairs all electrical system components at the water and sewer facilities to maintain services.
• Maintains record of parts used and hours worked on job by entering data into the work order management system (Cityworks).
• Oversees contract electricians, system integrators, and technicians in the performance of tasks required to install, repair and maintain the SCADA system, pumping facilities and other related instrumentation and electrical equipment throughout the city’s utility systems.
• Maintains and calibrates electronic instruments, radios and control devices associated with the City’s SCADA system; and re-calibrates the same on a periodic basis.
• Research new and existing equipment and software for the purpose of ordering new and replacement software, parts and equipment; and receives and provides training on SCADA equipment, as required.
• Coordinates with various electric, gas and telecommunications companies to install, maintain and restore services associated with city water and sewer facilities.
• Maintains and repairs motor control centers and electrical panels.
• Prepares and interprets electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic drawings and diagrams; and reviews electrical schematics to troubleshoot system malfunctions.
• Prepares and interprets specifications for additional and for the replacement of existing equipment.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalency with some coursework in electrical, electronics and programming; and two (2) years of “hands on” experience in instrumentation and electrical field, prefer experience with water and wastewater utilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• Must have good working knowledge of the North Carolina Electrical Code with a minimum of 2 years’ work having been conducted under the direction of an NC licensed Electrician.
• Limited experience with SCADA control system technology and radio telemetry is required.
• Possession of a NC Grade C Water Distribution System Operator certification; or, NC Grade I Wastewater Collection System Operator certification; or, NC Grade I Maintenance Technologist certification; or ability to obtain one or more within 18 months of employment.

Education and Experience:

Associate’s degree with coursework in electrical, electronics and programming preferred; or high school diploma or equivalency and minimum of four (4) years of “hands on”, primary experience in instrumentation and electrical field, prefer experience with water and wastewater utilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• Must have good working knowledge of the North Carolina Electrical Code with a minimum of (4) years' work having been conducted under the direction of a NC licensed electrician.
• Experience with SCADA control system technology and radio telemetry is required.
• Possession of NC Grade I Maintenance Technologist certification.
• Possession of a NC Grade C Water Distribution System Operator certification; or, NC Grade I Wastewater Collection System Operator certification, or NC Grade II Maintenance Technologist certification.
• Other combinations of associated certifications and licenses will be considered.
• Must have worked as an I & E Technician for a minimum of 2 years. Other related experiences in equivalent positions will be considered.

Education and Experience:

Associates degree with coursework in electrical, electronics and programming or NC Limited Electrical License; or high school diploma or equivalent and six (6) years of experience in instrumentation and electrical field. Experience with water and wastewater utilities is preferred and/or working towards an Associate’s degree or NC Electrical License or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirements exist at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• Must have good working knowledge of the North Carolina Electrical Code with work conducted under the direction of a NC licensed electrician for a minimum of 6 years.
• Proven ability to install, program, and maintain both PLC’s and VFD’s, pressure transmitters, and ultrasonic level controls (Hydro Rangers).
• Experience with SCADA control system technology and radio telemetry is required.
• Possession of a NC Grade B Water Distribution System Operator certification; or, NC Grade 2 Wastewater Collection System Operator certification, or NC Grade II Maintenance Technologist certification.
• Other combinations of associated certifications and licenses will be considered.
• Must work as I & E Tech II for a minimum of 2 years. Other related experiences in equivalent positions will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of water and wastewater treatment, distribution and collection transmission lines, pumping stations, metering, and other utility systems appurtenances is preferred.
• Knowledge of the local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to electrical construction associated with water and wastewater treatment, water distribution and sewer collection.
• Knowledge of computer technology, electrical and mechanical systems as well as plumbing, pneumatics and pressure.
• Knowledge of engineering principles and their application to utilities construction and maintenance.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and electronic trades as applied to water treatment, wastewater treatment, water distribution and sewer collection equipment maintenance and repair.
• Ability to analyze information and make effective decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, electric/gas/telecommunications service providers, regulatory officials, contractors, other City employees and with the general public.
• Ability to prepare, present and interpret records and reports.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work in this classification is defined as heavy work requiring the physical exertion of up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Employees must perform the following physical activities: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling talking, and hearing. Employees must have the visual acuity to visually inspect small defects or parts, operation or inspection of machines and earth moving equipment, use measurement devices, and to determine the neatness and accuracy of work assigned. Employees must have the stamina to work for extended periods, some of which in emergency situations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in outside environmental conditions including extreme heat and cold with snow and ice. Employees are subject to noise which may cause the employee to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Employee is subject to vibration, such as exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body and is also subject to workplace hazards including proximity to moving mechanical parts or exposure to chemicals, oils, fuels, and potential for bloodborne pathogens in raw untreated sewage. Employees are subject to atmospheric conditions due to exposure to fumes, odors, dusts and oils. May work in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, manholes and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.

All Applicants are required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, a background check and a State Bureau of Investigations background check prior to beginning their employment.