Senior Automated Controls & Telemetry Specialist

Job Description:

Senior Automated Controls & Telemetry Specialist

Description

Description

EFFECTIVE START DATE INTENDED FOR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2025

First review after four weeks: 11/13/2024

Following the first review period, we will be reviewing applications as they come in.

Core Value Statement
The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship, and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources, and deliver solutions.

Safety Statement
We expect our employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City’s Accident Prevention Plan. This includes but is not limited to actively identifying and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers; leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action; and emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

Classification Summary
Under general supervision, a Senior Automated Controls & Telemetry (ACT) Specialist installs, maintains, diagnoses, repairs, and replaces a variety of automated electronic equipment; provides operator support and education; and performs installation and maintenance of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)/telemetry systems, process instrumentation, and other equipment related to the water and wastewater systems. Performs related work as required. Work hours are varied and include evenings and weekends.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
A Senior ACT Specialist performs skilled journeyman-level duties consistent with the National Electrical Code and Instrument Society of America standards. May assist in a variety of electrical installation and maintenance projects; may work on any electric system of 120-volts or less for which qualified and within job description; may perform daily monitoring checks of the water/wastewater pumps and other electrical systems; may open cabinets to perform temperature checks, volt and amp readings and other troubleshooting to determine whether there is cause to summon an electrician; may perform electrical work that requires modification or working with hand tools on an electrical system over 120-volts if overseen by an electrician. Must exercise independence in day-to-day operation of his/her areas of responsibility, accurately analyze situations, and adopt effective courses of action. Must possess working knowledge of current laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to job duties and responsibilities. The Senior ACT Specialist is responsible for training and directing the day-to-day work of the ACT Specialist.

Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)

Essential Duties (for illustrative purposes only)

• Coordinates the tests and maintains the hardware and software associated with applicable systems to verify correct and efficient systems operations; identifies deficiencies and implements corrective actions; installs, configures, tests, and deploys changes, modifications and updates to SCADA applications, along with developing new systems.
• Administers software vendor support agreements and installs telemetry system software updates; manages alarm logging, data historian, and automated reporting functions, including routine data backups; administers and configures system security (usernames, passwords, permissions, etc.); implements and maintains the telemetry system’s PC-based Human-Machine Interface (HMI) using the Wonderware software products.
• Provides direct assistance to end users and assists in the development of solutions; interfaces with other City staff, as well as vendors and outside communication specialists, to investigate, develop, install, and implement solutions; provides training and assistance to operators and other City staff for new applications and ongoing education for the effective use of the telemetry system.
• Prepares instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for system users and technical staff on required procedures.
• Researches and analyzes problems and modifications to the telemetry system; makes recommendations for system improvement and implements as directed.
• Maintains and updates SCADA system documentation, including remote station address lists, block diagrams, controller input/output (I/O) lists, process control narratives and standard operating procedures.
• Makes appropriate quick decisions and exercises considerable initiative and judgment in making needed automated equipment repairs and/or requesting assistance; diagnoses hardware and software problems and arranges for warranty service repairs.
• Uses standard electrical and electronic test equipment to install, scale, calibrate and troubleshoot a wide range of electronic equipment, including programmable logic controllers, process instrumentation, wireless communications and the like with varying complexity; responds to trouble calls on a 24-hour, 7-days a week basis.
• Directs work and evaluates performance of the ACT Specialist.
• Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.
• Stay up to date on Cybersecurity threats and ensure to mitigate all threats to the SCADA systems
• Performs related work, as well as weekend and overtime work as required.

Employment Standards

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess a 2-year degree in Communication Technology or Instrumentation & Controls or have graduated from a recognized electronics/instrumentation/ automated controls trade school.
• Must demonstrate at least five (5) years of previous work experience in SCADA/telemetry; extensive electronics/electrical experience is desirable.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, materials, equipment, tools, and procedures involved in the installation, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair of electrical and automated electronic systems and equipment.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and experience in AVEVA InTouch System Platform, RSLogix 500 and ControlLogix 5000, Windows Server Management, Microsoft Excel, other computer applications needed to configure the SCADA system.
• Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver’s License.
• Must possess or obtain the following within six (6) months: flagging, first aid, and any other appropriate certifications as required by law, ordinance or department regulations.
• Must possess a Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Level II Certification within six (6) months.

Supplemental Requirements

Physical Activity Requirements
To perform the essential functions of the job, a Senior ACT Specialist must be able to perform the following:

Stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, climbing, crawling, walking, pulling, lifting, fine motor dexterity, grasping, and seeing/observing; ability to walk and stand for long periods of time. Ability to work outdoors under adverse and varied weather conditions.

Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by the full-time IUOE (International Union of Operating Engineers) City of Kennewick employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through City Council or administrative action, union contracts or changes mandated by state and federal law.

Paid Holidays
12 per year (10 scheduled; 2 “floating”)
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and two floating holidays selected by the employee. An employee will accrue one of the two floating holidays on February 12. The second floating holiday is to be selected by the employee in cooperation with the employer. An employee will only accrue a floating holiday if actually employed.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
Effective January 1, 2017, the City will implement a paid time off (PTO) program to replace sick leave and vacation accruals. The purpose of PTO is to compensate employees for absences due to injury, illness, vacation and personal business. In addition, the program is designed to provide employees with personal flexibility regarding the use of leave hours. PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.

Accrual per Month:
0-5yrs 6-9yrs 10-14yrs 15-19yrs 20-24yrs 25-29yrs 30+yrs
12 hours 15 hours 17 hours 19 hours 21 hours 23 hours 25 hours

Retirement Plan
All City employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. City employees also participate in the Social Security Program. Rates effective as of 09/01/2024. ( www.drs.wa.gov )

PERS Employee Contribution Rate Employer Contribution Rate
Plan II 6.36% 9.11%
Plan III Employee Choice (see booklet) 9.11%

Deferred Comp
The City contributes an equivalent of 5% of your regular monthly salary to Mission Square Retirement (previously ICMA) deferred compensation program after completing 6 months of employment. No employee match required, but employees may contribute towards plan if desired. ( www.icmarc.org )

Medical, Dental& Vision Insurance
The City currently pays the entire dental and vision insurance premiums for the employee and dependents.Employee current premium share of 10% per month (depending on number of family members covered) for medical insurance.

Life Insurance
The City currently pays the entire premium for group term life insurance coverage ($14,000) for employees. Employees may purchase Voluntary Term Life Insurance for employee, spouse and/or dependents through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Long Term Disability
The City pays the entire long-term disability premium for employees through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Wellness Program
The Wellness Program has been established to encourage employee health and fitness, both at work and at home. A City Wellness Committee promotes and provides opportunities for healthy lifestyles. Employee fitness center is open to all employees and their spouses.

Employee Assistance
An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.

Other Benefits Offered

• Flexible Spending Plan (Pre-Tax Deduction for Medical/Dental and Day Care)
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Bereavement Leave
• Overtime
• Direct Deposit (paydays are 5th and 20th of the month)

Formore detailedinformation on benefits for a specific Collective Bargaining Group, all Agreements can be found at the following link: https://www.go2kennewick.com/305/Current-Labor-Contracts

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$49.58 - $54.74 Hourly