SCADA Specialist - Streetlights Division

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities – Electric Utility Streetlights division 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 Electrical Distribution System and the Electrical Distribution Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) System. The candidate will also perform field calibrations, troubleshooting and repairing of various support devices within the Electric Sub-Stations. Additional duties include maintaining standards and testing gauges, voltage meters and other devices.

The selected candidate must be able to work, weekends and holidays as scheduled.    Incumbents serves as an Essential employee, which means that the incumbent is required to work when the City is closed due to public emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather.

• Participates in the design/development and implementation of the Electrical Distribution 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 Electrical Distribution SCADA System
• Administers various software programs related to the Electrical Distribution 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 Electrical Distribution 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 Electrical Distribution 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 devices within the Electrical Distribution System
• Offers training to Electrical System Controllers and others as required

 As part of your professional development with Electric Utility Streetlights, the Utility offers an internal training program supplemented by Vendor specific training for individuals 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 of experience in industrial automation software development/Process Control.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or an instrumentation/control related field 
• Three (3) years of process control experience in a Natural Gas Distribution or similar system with an emphasis in SCADA technology
• 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 OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record and a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver’s License within 30 days of hire
• This position is required to be part of a 24/7 On-call Rotation to help meet Departmental needs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AN D 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

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

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.

Salary : $67,163 - $105,643