Process Control Technician / Sr. Process Control Technician
Position: Process Control Technician/Sr. Process Control Technician
Salary: $48.00-$58.35; Sr.: $50.45-$61.32 per hour
Date Opened: May 2, 2022
Filing Deadline: Open until filled. First review of applications on May 20, 2022.
The Human Resources Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Process Control Technician or Senior Process Control Technician to fill current and future positions in the Hydroelectric Division of Operations. This position will be filled at the level that commensurate with experience and
certifications.
Process Control Technician
This is the journey level class. Employees within this class perform the full range of duties as assigned including the programming and maintenance of hardware and software related to SCADA systems. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Under general supervision performs skilled duties related to the programming, troubleshooting and maintenance of hardware and software associated with the District’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for District facilities including water and wastewater treatment plants, water distribution systems, collections system, recycled water systems, and hydroelectric power plant; provides technical advice to Operations staff on issues related to operational technologies and SCADA; and prepares various reports and records related to system compliance and control.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.
• Performs software development including SCADA screens and graphics; programs PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMIs (Human Machine Interface) based on the needs of plant supervisors, plant operators and regulatory agencies.
• Develops and modifies SCADA screens; makes changes to software to improve functions; troubleshoots programming and software issues.
• Uses computer system processors to back up and monitor software security.
• Sets up and manipulates alarms and alarm paging programs.
• Implements and troubleshoots communication strategies between remote PLCs and SCADA central locations utilizing radio, telecom, and Ethernet based systems.
• Diagnoses hardware and software problems by logical tracing of failed function from its source to its final destination.
• Monitors and implements technological advances in SCADA programs and advises management about upgrades and improves programs as necessary.
• Orders materials and components for repairs and/or modifications at facilities; coordinates with vendors to resolve issues with software and hardware; plans, coordinates and monitors special projects with outside contractors.
• Maintains accurate historical records, files, and data; assists in the generation of monthly compliance and special project reports.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of: Various software applications including those associated with SCADA. Computer programming languages. Practices and principles related to control system automation. Plant operations. Electrical and instrumentation principles. Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work. Control system theory and its practical application to control and field automation. Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
Skill/Ability to: Install, program, troubleshoot, and modify hardware and software related to SCADA systems. Apply principles of software management to organize and maintain software integrity. Troubleshoot and correct control system programming issues. Analyze and evaluate system software requirements. Keep records and prepare reports. Read, interpret, and understand technical manuals, blueprints, drawings, and diagrams. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. On a continuous basis, know and understand maintenance activities and observe safety rules; intermittently, analyze problem equipment; identify safety hazards; locate equipment; interpret work orders; remember how to operate equipment; and explain jobs to other employees. Intermittently, sit while studying or preparing reports; stand and walk while performing maintenance activities; bend and twist to adjust equipment; kneel and squat to review work; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; and lift or carry weight of 25 pounds or less. Experience and/or Education: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible experience involving the configuration and programming of
PLCs and HMI systems.
Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by college or equivalent course work in electronics, instrumentation, control systems, and/or computer systems.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
License and Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Possession of a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Grade II Electrical/Instrumentation Certificate or an Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society of America (ISA) Level I Certified Control Systems Technician Certificate within 18 months of appointment.
Senior Process Control Technician
This is the advanced journey level in the Process Control Technician series. The Senior Process Control class is distinguished form the Process Control Technician by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken and by the amount of time spent performing the duties. Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series, including providing technical and functional supervision over assigned personnel and perform the most difficult and complex duties associated with the maintenance and operation of the District’s SCADA and associated systems. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Under general supervision performs highly technical industrial control technology support functions for the District SCADA network, including PLC programing code, instrumentation, implementation of new systems, process control networks, supervisory stations, HMI, administration of Structured Query Language (SQL) servers, data acquisition, SCADA alarm management, SCADA data management and reporting, SCADA security, and SCADA governance; assists, recommends and identifies SCADA needs; manage large and complex projects.
Knowledge of: Effective report writing, documentation and research for highly complex technical work. Principles and practices of good team building, team leadership and conflict resolution methodologies. Principles and practices of project management and workflow analysis, current industrial control systems, including application to utility operations. Common control programming languages. Principles and practices of information technology, including network infrastructure, database administration, operating systems, virtualization, IT life-cycle management, system security, and web technology. Good customer service skills. Advanced principles and practices of systems and procedures analysis and design. Security systems and methodologies for network computer and communications systems. Standards and protocols for data communications and methodologies for database management. Troubleshooting techniques used in resolving operational problems in computer software and computer networks. Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances, and rules, including work safety. Basic principles of hydroelectric power generation, water and wastewater treatment, storage, and conveyance.
Skill/Ability to: Train multiple team members in the use of complex technical equipment and software. Provide functional supervision to technical staff. Diagnose problems of the most complex nature. Work independently researching and proposing solutions to technical problems of the most complex nature. Effectively work with employees from multiple departments, with contract employees and outside vendors to complete industrial control system projects. Conduct analysis of alternatives; and review a technical support plan; write control programs to meet division-specific needs for internal and external users in accordance with standards and practices. Ability to maintain reliable attendance is a condition of employment, subject to applicable medical and disability leave laws. Analyze and define problems, identify appropriate alternative solutions, consequences of proposed actions and coordinate recommendations. Interpret and explain pertinent District and Department policies and procedures. Maintain confidentiality of information. Maintain and update highly technical and complex manuals, codebooks, and computer control tables. Prepare and maintain documentation for systems procedures, such as control network troubleshooting, backup and recovery procedures. Provide on-call duties and service during off hours, nights, weekends, and holidays. Interpret and apply local, State, Federal, District and departmental laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and rules. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures. On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 50 pounds or less.
Experience and/or Education: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Two years of responsible experience similar to Process Control Technician with the El Dorado Irrigation District.
Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in electrical engineering, computer science, information systems, mathematics or a related field.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
License and Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a caseby-case basis. Possession of a California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Grade II Electrical/Instrumentation Certificate and/or an Instrumentation, Systems, or Automation Society of America (ISA) Level I Certified Control Systems Technician Certificate and/or possession of an Industrial Computing and Process Control Technology Certificate of completion from an accredited college and/or technical institute and/or completion of a formal training program from a state agency, utility, or military school with verifiable equivalent competencies is highly desired. Employees in this classification whose job duties require internet connectivity or the use of a District laptop and air card while on standby must provide and utilize, at their sole expense, a functionally reliable personal internet connection or District provided reliable air card with a District-provided laptop to facilitate District stand-by business.
APPLY: A District application must be completed