SCADA and Controls Specialist

Position Summary
This position is under the general direction of the Waterworks Manager for the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants as well as other Public Works facilities that have Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and programming that support the overall operation and maintenance of the department. This position will support the department with planning, developing, implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the (SCADA) systems, control systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and associated communication networks. This position ensures reliable operation, monitoring, automation, and optimization of water, wastewater, and public works infrastructure systems. Provides technical expertise in control system design, cybersecurity, instrumentation, and process automation.

Essential Functions

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize SCADA systems, PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and associated control network infrastructure.
• Configure, program, and update PLC and HMI software for water treatment, wastewater treatment, pumping, distribution system, collection system, and any other Public Works facilities.
• Monitor and analyze SCADA system performance to ensure reliable operation and timely response to alarms and system events.
• Design, develop, test, and implement control system modifications and automation improvements.
• Install, configure, and maintain communication networks, including Ethernet, fiber optic, radio, and cellular telemetry systems.
• Calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain instrumentation including flow meters, pressure transmitters, level sensors, analyzers, and related process equipment.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, network diagrams, control narratives, programming standards, and asset records.
• Coordinate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and information technology personnel to support infrastructure projects and system upgrades.
• Prepare technical documentation, user manuals, and operating procedures for system configuration and maintenance.
• Assist with capital improvement projects involving automation, controls, instrumentation, and telemetry systems.
• Perform system backups, software updates, and disaster recovery planning for SCADA and control systems.
• Implement and support cybersecurity best practices for operational technology (OT) environments.
• Respond to emergency callouts and system failures to restore critical utility operations.
• Provide technical training and support to operations and maintenance staff regarding SCADA and control system functionality.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and safety requirements (e.g., NERC CIP, IEC, UL, Homeland Security).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of SCADA systems, PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial automation principles.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including Modbus, DNP3, Ethernet/IP, OPC, and related technologies.
• Knowledge of instrumentation, electrical controls, telemetry systems, and process control applications.
• Understanding of operational technology (OT) cybersecurity principles and best practices.
• Ability to diagnose complex control systems, networks, and instrumentation issues.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, P&IDs, and technical specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining system reliability.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Required Education, Experience, Licensing, and Certifications

• Associate Degree in Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation, Computer Technology, or a related field; Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Industrial Automation preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience with SCADA systems, PLC programming, industrial controls, instrumentation, or process automation.
• Possess a valid Tennessee Driver’s License.
• Must meet all requirements imposed by the Department of Energy or other Federal agencies for access to Special Areas where the City may have customers including, but not limited to the following:
• • Must be a Citizen of the United States of America.
  • Must have the ability to obtain required security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, GE, Modicon, Wonderware, VTScada, or similar automation platforms.
• Knowledge of communication protocols (Modbus, OPC, DNP3) and RTU/EFM devices.
• Experience with network security and data acquisition systems.
• Industry certifications related to control systems, networking, instrumentation, or cybersecurity.
• Experience supporting municipal water and wastewater utility operations.

This position recruitment closes at 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, October 30, 2026.