What are the responsibilities and job description for the Systems Technician - Utilities Engineering position at City of Grand Island, NE?
Description
Perform semi-skilled and skilled technical work in the maintenance, installation, repair, and calibration of programmable digital distributed control systems, communications equipment, and computers for electric and water utility systems.
Essential Functions
Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable.
Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Repair, maintain, install, and monitor utility computer equipment and related hardware.
Installation and programming of utility control system and administrative software.
Assist in design of utility control system software and software standards.
Diagnose problems, perform repairs and build systems for RTU's and various other devices peripheral to the operation of digital computers.
Program applications and diagnose problems with smartphones/tablets and other communication devices.
Installation and maintenance of local area network hardware and software.
Program, install, and troubleshoot PLC equipment including, but not limited to, Rockwell/Allen Bradley, ABB, Honeywell, Automation Direct, and Siemens.
Procurement, installation, and maintenance of personal computers and smartphones/tablets.
Install and update personal computer software.
Install, diagnose, maintain, and monitor phone systems and access control systems.
Assist in training staff in the use of personal computers, smartphones/tablets, software, and cybersecurity.
Maintain and support systems and networks by implementing cybersecurity controls, monitoring for threats, applying security updates, and assisting with incident response.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of electricity and electronics.
Basic principles of electric and water utility systems.
Process control fundamentals.
Principles of digital computer operation.
Principles of ethernet networking.
Principles of serial communication via RS-232 and RS-485.
Principles of cybersecurity, security controls, threat detection, and best practices for protecting systems and networks.
Fundamentals of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and utility software.
Safe work practices.
Ability to:
Diagnose and solve computer hardware and software problems.
Perform programming functions of a digital distributed control and communications systems.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Work at high elevations.
Must have use of arms and legs.
Must be able to operate computer terminal and applicable programs.
Properly wear all safety equipment.
Must be able to see and read gauges, trouble lights and control panel screens.
Must be able to recognize and distinguish colors.
Work in both outdoor and indoor environmental conditions, confined spaces, and with moving mechanical parts.
Exposure to heat/cold, fumes, dust, noise, water, oil and grease.
Supplemental Information
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Extensive digital computer and software systems experience with formal specialized training courses and continuing education. Preference will be given to those with experience in utility operations and instrumentation and electrical work.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training with digital computers and software or a closely related field.
License or Certification:Employee must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain insurability as determined by the City’s insurance carrier.
Working Hours:Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Residency:
All Distribution, Engineering, Dispatch, Transmission/Substation Division Personnel must live within a 30-minute driving distance of 1116 W. North Front Street, Grand Island, Nebraska. The shortest route available on Google maps will be used to determine commute time. Residency is required within six (6) months of date of hire.
Salary:
Position will start at the entry level of the City's salary table. Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.
Other:
Candidates are subject to a background check.
Rates Effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change.
This is a general guide for the purpose of informing all new employees of benefits. Coverage for all benefits, with the exception of the retirement savings plan, is effective the first of the month following one full calendar month of full time employment. Payroll deduction will begin in the month prior to the effective date of coverage. The retirement savings plan is effective on the first day of employment.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage provided to the employee and dependents. There are two options: a Qualified High Deductible Plan with an HSA, or a Traditional PPO plan. If your spouse is eligible for coverage on their employer's group health plan, spousal coverage with the City is not available.
VISION INSURANCE: EyeMed Vision coverage is available to employees and dependents. The employee is responsible for the full premium. Employee only - $7.09; Employee/Spouse - $13.88; Employee/Children - $14.61; Family - $21.48. All rates are monthly payroll deductions.
LIFE INSURANCE: Securian/Ochs Life Insurance coverage provided for employee ($50,000), spouse ($10,000), and dependents ($5,000 each), with premiums paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance available for employee and dependents through payroll deduction.
RETIREMENT PLAN: Mandatory Ameritas Retirement Plan. 7% of gross earnings, City contributes 8%. Effective on date of employment. Four year vesting schedule. Voluntary after-tax contributions up to 10% - not matched by City.
DEFERRED COMP: Five optional Deferred Compensation Plans which allow pre-tax contributions up to $23,500/year.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY: CIGNA - LTD provided for employee. Pays a portion (60%, maximum of $8500 per month) of employee's salary should he/she becomes disabled.
CAFETERIA/125 PLAN: Optional participation by the employee. Can be used for medical expenses, non-employer sponsored premiums and/or dependent daycare.
VEBA PLAN (HRA): MidAmerica. Health reimbursement plan to be used for post-employment medical expenses. Contributions of $20 per pay period are made by the City.
PAID VACATION: Upon completion of six months of continuous service, an employee will have 40 hours of vacation time. The employee will accrue an additional 40 hours in the first 6 months following the introductory period. (96 hours in years 2 – 4; 120 hours in years 5 – 6; 128 hours in years 7 - 8; 136 hours in years 9 - 10; 144 hours in years 11 – 12; 152 hours in year 13; 160 in years 14 – 19; 180 hours in years 20 – 24; 200 hours in years 25 and beyond.)
PAID HOLIDAYS: Nine holidays and three personal leave days. If hired on or after April 1st, personal leave will be available October 1st.
MEDICAL LEAVE: Accrual of 8 hours per month which is cumulative to a maximum of 1,106 hours.
The semi-monthly premiums for the High Deductible Plan: ($3400/$5900 deductible)
- Employee only $ 29.78
- Employee 2/4 $ 85.22
- Employee and Family $173.97
- Employee only $121.30
- Employee 2/4 $228.04
- Employee and Family $354.94
VISION INSURANCE: EyeMed Vision coverage is available to employees and dependents. The employee is responsible for the full premium. Employee only - $7.09; Employee/Spouse - $13.88; Employee/Children - $14.61; Family - $21.48. All rates are monthly payroll deductions.
LIFE INSURANCE: Securian/Ochs Life Insurance coverage provided for employee ($50,000), spouse ($10,000), and dependents ($5,000 each), with premiums paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance available for employee and dependents through payroll deduction.
RETIREMENT PLAN: Mandatory Ameritas Retirement Plan. 7% of gross earnings, City contributes 8%. Effective on date of employment. Four year vesting schedule. Voluntary after-tax contributions up to 10% - not matched by City.
DEFERRED COMP: Five optional Deferred Compensation Plans which allow pre-tax contributions up to $23,500/year.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY: CIGNA - LTD provided for employee. Pays a portion (60%, maximum of $8500 per month) of employee's salary should he/she becomes disabled.
CAFETERIA/125 PLAN: Optional participation by the employee. Can be used for medical expenses, non-employer sponsored premiums and/or dependent daycare.
VEBA PLAN (HRA): MidAmerica. Health reimbursement plan to be used for post-employment medical expenses. Contributions of $20 per pay period are made by the City.
PAID VACATION: Upon completion of six months of continuous service, an employee will have 40 hours of vacation time. The employee will accrue an additional 40 hours in the first 6 months following the introductory period. (96 hours in years 2 – 4; 120 hours in years 5 – 6; 128 hours in years 7 - 8; 136 hours in years 9 - 10; 144 hours in years 11 – 12; 152 hours in year 13; 160 in years 14 – 19; 180 hours in years 20 – 24; 200 hours in years 25 and beyond.)
PAID HOLIDAYS: Nine holidays and three personal leave days. If hired on or after April 1st, personal leave will be available October 1st.
MEDICAL LEAVE: Accrual of 8 hours per month which is cumulative to a maximum of 1,106 hours.