SCADA Specialist

Job Summary:

The SCADA Specialist performs a variety of technical tasks in support of the SCADA system, including calibrating equipment, performing maintenance, programming, and correcting problems. The role involves providing technical support, serving as a first responder to outages and equipment failures, coordinating work, and documenting activities.

Job Scope:

Under general supervision of the Electric Generation Substation Manager, the SCADA Specialist performs skilled duties in the programming and technical support of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) hardware and software. This role involves modifying, installing, troubleshooting, and repairing SCADA system assets to ensure 24/7 reliability and functionality, including turbine controls, protective relay, communications, and control work associated with power generation, high voltage substations, and other electric distribution systems automation; performs related duties, as assigned; and is responsible for leading SCADA work activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·        Programs SCADA by developing new code, querying the historian, and editing existing programs; archives programs; works with software such as AcSELerator, WonderWare, INSQL, and Modicon Concept.

·        Repairs and maintains SCADA by diagnosing problems using schematic drawings, monitoring software, and digital test equipment; performs routine and machine-aided inspections; installs and inspects weatherization.

·        Builds SCADA by assembling parts, testing prior to deployment, and integrating field and human machine interface components.

·        Maintains UPS equipment by diagnosing software to measure capacity, replacing batteries if capacity is low, and replacing the UPS unit if it fails.

·        Calibrates instruments using test equipment; performs periodic calibrations to verify monitoring instruments are within limits; directs others to perform calibrations; works with manufacturers of SCADA systems and field instruments to plan, install, maintain, and repair new and existing field equipment/devices.

·        Installs, wires, repairs/replaces, and configures SEL relays, programmable logic controllers, Remote Terminal Units (RTU’s), hubs, switches, routers, and other communication equipment.

·        Performs switching activities (i.e. opening/closing switches, breakers, reclosers, etc.) involving electrical substations, transmission lines, and all distribution circuits utilizing the SCADA system during normal and emergency situations, reports on faulty equipment.

·        Maintains and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) for switching procedures.

·        Identifies abnormal conditions and takes corrective actions by reacting appropriately to SCADA alarms.

·        Maintains close communications with distribution crews in the field to support field operations and the safety of crews working on distribution lines.

·        Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment and equipment operations to ensure safety and efficiency.

·        Compiles and records operational data, load/peak information, work orders/maintenance activity, failure reports, and alarms in Lucity and paper/digital logs.

·        Supports and assists supervisors with tasks and analysis related to system outages.

·        Participates in continuing education activities by attending workshops and training sessions, as appropriate.

·        Required to work in all adverse weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain, sleet, snow, ice, fog, smoke, wind, and lightning storms.

·        Monitors and reports on all combustion turbine operating parameters and on exhaust emissions for regional air quality control, KDHE & USEPA environmental permitting compliance.

·        Maintains and understands MSDS information as specified in the Hazardous Communication Program.

·        Performs other related duties as deemed necessary or as required.

Education, Certification and Experience Requirements:

Education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by technical courses in electronics and the repair of electrical utility equipment. Requires a minimum of four (4) years of experience in the inspection, repair and maintenance of gas turbines, electrical substations, and equipment, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills. Computer experience is necessary. Requires the possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.   

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

·        Demonstrated competencies of applied electronic, control, and instrumentation theory & fundamentals to maintain the controls of gas turbines and substations, including the use of specialized instrumentation and tools.

·        General competency of occupational hazards and safety as specified under OSHA 1910.269 for electric utilities.

·        Possess general competency of principles and theories of electricity and electronics, including AC and DC voltages.

·        Technical skill & practical familiarization in usage of programmable logic control systems, field devices & support equipment.

·        Practical knowledge of math and formulas used in the maintenance and operation of electric generating plants.

·        Fundamental knowledge in reading and understanding blueprints, schematics, specifications, and O&M manuals relating to turbines, generators, engines, pumps, motors, batteries and electrical switchgear.

·        Fundamental knowledge in the operation of high voltage substations and comprehension of DC control systems for the operation of breakers, transformers and circuit switchers within a ring bus configuration.

·        General competency for good verbal and non-verbal communication skills that include preparing and keeping records, making periodic reports, scheduling unit operation &/or maintenance outages via dispatch control center, and industrial standard hand signals associated with crane and heavy lifting operation.

·        Immediate ability to respond to adverse working conditions such as unpredictable electric system emergencies & weather related-ambient conditions, confined spaces, heat, and noise associated with a combustion turbine operating environment.

·        Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with superiors, subordinates, other employees, and the general public contacted in the course of the work.

Tools and Equipment Used:

The operator must employ personal protective equipment such as a hard hat, safety shoes, ear protection, and electrically safe clothing as specified under OSHA 1910.269 for electrical workers in a plant or substation environment. Familiarity is required with various tools used in mechanical dismantling for inspecting gas turbines & reciprocating engines; pneumatic & hydraulically powered wrenches, jacks, portable hoists and mobile cranes, high tension cables and slings, torque wrenches, micrometers & calipers, dial indicators, feeler gauges, alignment dies and wire, wheel-shaft pullers, block and tackle, compressors, winches, slugging tools, acetylene torches, strap wrenches, scaffolding, shims & shim stock, cribbing materials, oil filtering equipment, and various solvents and cleaning materials. The operator will use various troubleshooting devices for measuring circuit continuity, polarity, resistance, voltage, and amperage in control circuits, rubber insulated protective gear and equipment, fiberglass-electrical insulated “hot-sticks”, high pressure Nitrogen (N2), Sulfur Fluor oxide (SF6), and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas cylinders. General hand tools are used to make minor and technical repairs on piping and electrical equipment. Technical tools include boroscope equipment, notebook computer, ground fault locator, fox & hound circuit analyzer, and laboratory instruments used for primary water analysis.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be capable of negotiating rough terrain on foot to access maintenance problems and operating a variety of motorized equipment. In accordance with Department of Labor guidelines, this position requires capability of occasionally lifting 50-100 pounds in confined space during execution of duties, frequently exerting 25-50 pounds, and 10-20 pounds constantly. Ability to work under adverse conditions such as confined spaces, heat, and noise associated with high-speed rotating equipment. Requires mobility to complete errands, flexibility of body, manual dexterity, and hand/eye coordination adequate to use equipment as assigned. The operator must be able to safely work at heights & on platforms well above ground level.