SCADA Specialist - Gas & Light*

SCADA Specialist

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities – Richmond Gas Works is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the SCADA Specialist position. The selected candidate will plan, design, develop, test, deploy and maintain programs and process control equipment as found within the Natural Gas Distribution System and the Gas Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) System. The candidate will also perform field calibrations, troubleshooting and repairing of various support devices within the Natural Gas Gate Stations, the Regulator Vaults and individual Pressure Sites. Additional duties include maintaining standards and testing pressures gauges, voltage meters Infrared Guns and other devices.

As part of your professional development with Richmond Gas Works, the Utility offers an internal training program supplemented by Vendor specific training for individual possessing an AE, AS, AT, AES, AET, AIT, APE or higher degrees. This program will be extended to applicants with a minimum of five years in industrial automation software development/Process Control.

Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

• Participates in the design/development and implementation of the Natural Gas SCADA System, includes Bristol Babcock and Emerson ControlWave Process Controllers, Automation ONSPEC Human Machine Interface (HMI) Software, EZTouch Graphic Panel Software; Local/Remote Networking of Process Controllers and PCs; AC/DC electrical troubleshooting; Independent Project Oversight, and database maintenance
• Recommends and assists with the implementation of goals, protocols, and standards for the design, security, and reliability of the Gas SCADA System
• Administers various software programs related to the Gas SCADA System. This includes the management of all DPC's, RTU's, PAC's, PLC's and HMI programs, as well as revisions and backup strategies
• Serves as technical lead for Gas SCADA improvements. Reviews current and proposed regulations and coordinates network modifications with Capital Improvement Projects
• Serves as a lead for security, maintenance, repair, and improvement to the controls and communications systems for the Natural Gas SCADA System
• Installs, configures, and modifies hardware and software to achieve increased efficiency, productivity, gas transport safety and improved work processes
• Recommends and provides oversight on contracts for hardware/software upgrades and predictive maintenance for the SCADA System
• Install and routinely calibrate flow, pressure, temperature and other devices within the Gas Distribution System
• Offers training to Gas Controllers and others as required

Qualifications, Special Certifications and Licenses

Minimum Training and Experience:

• Associate degree in electrical engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science or Computer Networking supplemented
• Three (3) years of process control experience with an emphasis in SCADA technology or in Natural Gas Distribution or similar system
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

Licensing, Certifications, and/or Other Special Requirements:

• Requires a valid Driver's License or a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Training and Experience:

• Experience Developing/Servicing a Gas SCADA System or equivalent
• Completion of software development classes for Process Controllers
• Completion of software development classes for HMIs
• Ability to communicate and present information using written reports, group presentations and effective public speaking skills
• Ability to direct, coordinate and provide input related to the evaluation of the work of others
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access);
• 10 years of experience developing/maintaining a Distributed SCADA System in Gas or Water Distribution System
• Working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming standard

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Typical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Electrical Theory and Practices: Digital & Analog Circuitry
• Bristol Babcock Hardware and Software
• Emerson ControlWave Hardware and Software
• Industry standards related to design, performance, and optimization of SCADA networks
• Control system expertise with network security, radio communications, wireless communications, firewalls, routers and switches, leased lines and HMI/DPC/PAC/PLC applications
• Basic principles of a Natural Gas Distribution System

Skills (some combination of the following):

• Interpreting and explaining performance metrics and SCADA optimization to a non-technical audience
• Reading and understanding drawings, schematics, loop drawings, and flowcharts
• Problem solving and troubleshooting

Abilities (some combination of the following):

• Manage and provide technical assistance for the design, selection, installation, configuration, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all elements of the SCADA and control and communication system
• Analyze complex problems and make critical decisions under time constraints
• Safely work with and in close proximity to high and low voltage electrical equipment
• Perform in potentially adverse weather and environmental conditions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Americans With Disabilities Act Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations. Environmental Hazards: Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment. Physical Requirements and Working Environment: Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraint. The essential duties of this classification may require the ability to frequently talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions; and occasionally stoop, kneel, reach, walk, lift, and finger. The working conditions may not contain environmental hazards. In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be medium, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at View email address on click.appcast.io.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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