26-003 Utility Systems IT Technician, Full-Time

The City of Dover Information Technology Director is looking to fill the position of Utility Systems IT Technician.  This position is responsible for the programing and maintenance of utility system’s programmable logic controllers (PLCs). They are responsible for the technical support of public utilities management, commonly denoted as Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA), systems. SCADA systems include but are not limited to water, storm water, sewer, waste water, traffic light, and street light infrastructure. Expertise in the use of common SCADA applications, client operating systems and mobile devices, knowledge of PLC programming, and base level knowledge of networking is needed. Job scope does not include repair of utility systems assets being monitored.

This position is required to work collaboratively with the utility supervisor, operators, vendors, and industry experts in ensuring alarm and utilization data received from PLC is sent to appropriate municipal staff. Work with supervisor to ensure inspection, maintenance, and performance testing of alarms. Under the direction of supervisor, train and assist staff with applications and devices employed for daily management and on-call support of SCADA systems.

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, non-exempt position.  Hourly rate is $26.26 to $38.03.  Position is open until filled.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Except as specifically noted, the following functions are considered essential to this position. The listed examples may not include all duties found in this class) :

1. Responsible for the troubleshooting, maintenance, testing and documentation of all municipal Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Support PLC ladder logic, function-block and related programming for control systems. Ensure calibration of monitoring and metering equipment so that SCADA system accurately reflects current state of assigned municipal infrastructure.

2. Work collaboratively with supervisor in ensuring public utility (SCADA) systems are highly available, accurately reflect current infrastructure state and secure from cybersecurity threats or non-malicious operations work.

3. Monitor and maintain SCADA applications that operate as head-end monitoring and management system for utility system PLCs and field-deployed reporting devices. Ensure proper operation of and maintain appropriate alarm notification protocols. This includes proactive network, server, operating and application security and system updates; document administrative work, monitor backups of SCADA system.

4. Collaborate with assigned staff or outside vendors to support the following SCADA maintenance work; master meter maintenance in water system to support annual flow testing work, traffic control counts and cameras, streetlight node management and alerting, HVAC system controls, asset management.

5. Available after-hours (outside Monday - Friday 8am – 4pm and holidays) during critical system outages or for pre-scheduled information systems maintenance, as needed. Onsite response time of thirty minutes or less from primary residence.

6. Maintain utility systems current asset inventory, condition / risk and maintenance programs using municipal systems. Ensure supporting documents (i.e. work and asset management history, calibration data, system maps) are follow naming conventions, are well organized, easy to use and accessible to those who need it. Leverage geospatial location where prudent. Integrate systems where possible.

7. Enable the use of secured mobile technology to support efficient and responsive fieldwork by assigned utility systems operational and management staff and overall Community Services department staff.

8. Utilize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to train applicable staff on utility systems management, operator- level use of SCADA systems and mobile devices.

9. Monitor and alert on the health of SCADA communication systems from head-end applications to remote sites; maintenance may include configuration of radio communications, installation of antennae, assembly of cabling, connectors and surge protection, contracting of outside service for repairs and other related items.

10. Maintain accurate inventory of PLCs and associated parts deemed vital to utility operations throughout the change management process, i.e. repairs, parts, support and service.

11. Attend conferences, classes and online training to stay informed of leading trend and practices with respect to public utility, traffic light, street light and overall SCADA management; camera, security access, alarm systems as well as associated technologies. Obtain or maintain SCADA application certifications where available and support assigned work.

12. Exercises discretion and maintains appropriate confidentiality concerning municipal related matters.

13. Perform or assist colleagues in performing duties; provides direct training, guidance and feedback as needed.

14. Seek information from the Utility Systems IT Administrator or their supervisor regarding questions of procedures and information related to the City's information technology and telecommunication systems.

15. Maintain familiarity with and executes safe work procedures associated with assigned work.

16. Attend to many items requiring attention simultaneously, and / or in sequence.

17. Perform other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS : Knowledge of and experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), i.e. Allen-Bradley. Knowledge of client and mobile device systems, i.e. Microsoft Windows, Android, Apple iOS. Experience with leading infrastructure management systems offered by General Electric Digital, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell or Tyco preferred. Knowledge of SCADA applications, i.e. Intellution I-Fix and associated alarm systems preferred. Knowledge and practice with BACnet communications protocol to implement non-proprietary solutions valued. Experience with McCain Transparity or other traffic management applications. Experience with ExacqVision, Hanwha, GRIDSmart or other closed-circuit television systems. Experience with Desigo or other building HVAC management system. Experience with VUEWorks or other asset management system as well as ESRI ArcGIS desktop and online applications preferred. Knowledge of Cisco and Cambium networking equipment.

Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively. Working knowledge related to water, waste water, storm water and traffic operations. Well-developed skills to troubleshoot, prioritize, escalate and find technical solutions quickly and effectively, often using online and vendor resources. Experience with testing procedures and safe practices to minimize service loss and ensure high service integrity. Base-level knowledge of networking and communications, radio and cellular, systems. Skilled in the use of common business applications. Extensive knowledge of computer hardware and software, including mobile technology, operating systems and applications; mobile device management, systems documentation, data governance and change management. Knowledge of the functions, organization and infrastructure of municipal government with focus on public utility operations.

Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, document work and collaborate with others; demonstrated oral and written communication; ability to maintain electronic and written records and prepare reports. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with department heads, employees and vendors and to deal with service problems courteously and tactfully.

EDUCATION / LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in Process Automation Control Systems or related field. Two years’ experience involving Industrial Process Control Systems or two years’ experience involving Industrial Electrical Power Systems; OR any equivalent combination of education, experience and training which proves possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work. Microsoft client operating system, application management and / or network technology certifications beneficial. Must maintain valid motor vehicle operator’s license.