What are the responsibilities and job description for the INDUSTRIAL CONTROL AND AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN position at Western Virginia Water Authority?
JOB POSITION: INDUSTRIAL CONTROL AND AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN
Division: Wastewater Operations
Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: 108
Job Code: 720
Reports to: Industrial Electrician Superintendent
Date: 11-04-25
Revised Date: 11-04-25
Last Reviewed Date: 11-04-25
SUMMARY OF JOB
Performs highly skilled technical work installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and
programming industrial automation, process control, and instrumentation systems
that support water and wastewater treatment operations. Work is performed
according to National Electrical Code/State/ County/City/Water/Wastewater
regulations. Ensures continuous, safe, and efficient functioning of electrical and
control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, telemetry, and field instrumentation.
Graduation from high school/GED equivalent supplemented by course work in
electricity/electronics plus five (5) or more years related experience. Master
Electrician's license required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned or scheduled.
* Lead, train, and mentor Industrial Electricians and maintenance staff, serving as
a technical expert in electrical and control systems.
* Perform installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, equipment,
and controls used in water and wastewater treatment facilities.
* Install, configure, and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs),
human-machine interfaces (HMI), and SCADA systems.
* Diagnose and repair electrical, control, and instrumentation issues to minimize
downtime and maintain safe, efficient operations.
* Calibrate and maintain process instrumentation such as flow meters,
transmitters, analyzers, and sensors.
* Design, modify, and install electrical circuits, wiring, and components according
to NEC and NFPA 70E standards.
* Working knowledge of medium voltage systems
* Coordinate with engineering, IT, and operations teams on control system
design, integration, and equipment upgrades.
* Read and interpret blueprints, electrical diagrams, and technical manuals.
* Requisition tools, materials, and parts as needed, maintaining accurate work
and material records.
* Participate in on-call rotation and respond to after-hours electrical or control
system emergencies.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversees the work of assigned employees. Assists responsible supervisor in
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing
work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing
complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the
knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* Strong knowledge of electrical and electronic theory, control circuits, PLCs,
motors, pumps, and valves used in industrial or water utility environments.
* Skilled in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining complex electrical and control
systems safely and efficiently.
* Ability to read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
* Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to oversee, train, and support
other personnel.
* Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities with logical thinking and
attention to detail.
* Effective communication skills-able to document work clearly and interact
professionally with team members and other departments.
* Committed to working safely, maintaining good attendance, and completing
assignments with minimal supervision.
* Works well independently or as part of a team, with a proactive attitude and
strong work ethic.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
* Associate's degree or certification in Industrial Electronics, Instrumentation,
Mechatronics, or Automation Technology; or equivalent combination of
education and experience.
* Three (3) years of experience in industrial control, automation, or
instrumentation maintenance.
* Proficiency with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Modicon) and
SCADA systems (VTScada, Ignition, Wonderware, etc.).
* Ability to interpret ladder logic, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and schematics.
* Valid Virginia driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
* Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license or have the ability to obtain one
within 60 days of employment date. No more than six (6) demerit points on
driving record if required to drive Water Authority vehicles.
* Master Electrician's license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.
* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to
walk, stand, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and
arms; talk and hear.
* Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. If
corrective lenses are noted on driver's license, the lenses must be worn when
operating Authority vehicles.
* Repetitive movement using equipment is involved.
* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to
stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb (ladders/stairs), balance or crawl.
* Employee must be able to stand for an extended amount of time at the jobsite.
* Employee must be physically able to walk several miles during the day.
* Employee must be physically able to regularly reach overhead.
* Employee must regularly push/pull up to 30 pounds.
* Employee must regularly lift, carry and/or move up to 30 pounds and
occasionally 50 pounds. Assistance is required on weight amounts above those
listed. Failure to do so could result in injury and denied Worker's Compensation
benefits.
WORK ENVIRONMENT ENCOUNTERED IN THIS JOB
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.
* Employee will be regularly exposure to moderate or high noise level, extreme
outside weather conditions, uneven, steep, slippery terrain conditions, dusty
conditions and wet and/or humid conditions.
* Employee will be subject to exposure to moving mechanical parts and heavy
equipment operation.
* Employees will be subject to roadway hazards, i.e. traffic.
* Employee will be subject to outside hazards, i.e. poison ivy, bees, spiders, dirt,
animals.
GENERAL STATEMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to in
this job position. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties
or tasks performed by personnel so classified.
The following will identify the selection guidelines for job placement:
* WVWA application
* Rating of education, experience, training and qualifications
* Reference checks
* Interview with WVWA management team
* Applicant must pass a pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol test
* A criminal background check and social security number verification will be
performed. The results must match information provided by the applicant on the
WVWA application
* Job related test might be required and would be administered to all applicants
applying for the position
Division: Wastewater Operations
Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: 108
Job Code: 720
Reports to: Industrial Electrician Superintendent
Date: 11-04-25
Revised Date: 11-04-25
Last Reviewed Date: 11-04-25
SUMMARY OF JOB
Performs highly skilled technical work installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and
programming industrial automation, process control, and instrumentation systems
that support water and wastewater treatment operations. Work is performed
according to National Electrical Code/State/ County/City/Water/Wastewater
regulations. Ensures continuous, safe, and efficient functioning of electrical and
control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, telemetry, and field instrumentation.
Graduation from high school/GED equivalent supplemented by course work in
electricity/electronics plus five (5) or more years related experience. Master
Electrician's license required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned or scheduled.
* Lead, train, and mentor Industrial Electricians and maintenance staff, serving as
a technical expert in electrical and control systems.
* Perform installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, equipment,
and controls used in water and wastewater treatment facilities.
* Install, configure, and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs),
human-machine interfaces (HMI), and SCADA systems.
* Diagnose and repair electrical, control, and instrumentation issues to minimize
downtime and maintain safe, efficient operations.
* Calibrate and maintain process instrumentation such as flow meters,
transmitters, analyzers, and sensors.
* Design, modify, and install electrical circuits, wiring, and components according
to NEC and NFPA 70E standards.
* Working knowledge of medium voltage systems
* Coordinate with engineering, IT, and operations teams on control system
design, integration, and equipment upgrades.
* Read and interpret blueprints, electrical diagrams, and technical manuals.
* Requisition tools, materials, and parts as needed, maintaining accurate work
and material records.
* Participate in on-call rotation and respond to after-hours electrical or control
system emergencies.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversees the work of assigned employees. Assists responsible supervisor in
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing
work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing
complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the
knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* Strong knowledge of electrical and electronic theory, control circuits, PLCs,
motors, pumps, and valves used in industrial or water utility environments.
* Skilled in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining complex electrical and control
systems safely and efficiently.
* Ability to read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals.
* Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to oversee, train, and support
other personnel.
* Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities with logical thinking and
attention to detail.
* Effective communication skills-able to document work clearly and interact
professionally with team members and other departments.
* Committed to working safely, maintaining good attendance, and completing
assignments with minimal supervision.
* Works well independently or as part of a team, with a proactive attitude and
strong work ethic.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
* Associate's degree or certification in Industrial Electronics, Instrumentation,
Mechatronics, or Automation Technology; or equivalent combination of
education and experience.
* Three (3) years of experience in industrial control, automation, or
instrumentation maintenance.
* Proficiency with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Modicon) and
SCADA systems (VTScada, Ignition, Wonderware, etc.).
* Ability to interpret ladder logic, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and schematics.
* Valid Virginia driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
* Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license or have the ability to obtain one
within 60 days of employment date. No more than six (6) demerit points on
driving record if required to drive Water Authority vehicles.
* Master Electrician's license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.
* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to
walk, stand, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and
arms; talk and hear.
* Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. If
corrective lenses are noted on driver's license, the lenses must be worn when
operating Authority vehicles.
* Repetitive movement using equipment is involved.
* While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to
stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb (ladders/stairs), balance or crawl.
* Employee must be able to stand for an extended amount of time at the jobsite.
* Employee must be physically able to walk several miles during the day.
* Employee must be physically able to regularly reach overhead.
* Employee must regularly push/pull up to 30 pounds.
* Employee must regularly lift, carry and/or move up to 30 pounds and
occasionally 50 pounds. Assistance is required on weight amounts above those
listed. Failure to do so could result in injury and denied Worker's Compensation
benefits.
WORK ENVIRONMENT ENCOUNTERED IN THIS JOB
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.
* Employee will be regularly exposure to moderate or high noise level, extreme
outside weather conditions, uneven, steep, slippery terrain conditions, dusty
conditions and wet and/or humid conditions.
* Employee will be subject to exposure to moving mechanical parts and heavy
equipment operation.
* Employees will be subject to roadway hazards, i.e. traffic.
* Employee will be subject to outside hazards, i.e. poison ivy, bees, spiders, dirt,
animals.
GENERAL STATEMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to in
this job position. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties
or tasks performed by personnel so classified.
The following will identify the selection guidelines for job placement:
* WVWA application
* Rating of education, experience, training and qualifications
* Reference checks
* Interview with WVWA management team
* Applicant must pass a pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol test
* A criminal background check and social security number verification will be
performed. The results must match information provided by the applicant on the
WVWA application
* Job related test might be required and would be administered to all applicants
applying for the position