Control Systems Specialist

Job description

Position Purpose

Functions as a subject matter expert for controls systems support required for the operations of a surface water treatment plants, wells, wastewater treatment plants and remote facilities in the potable water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Under the direction of SCADA – Control Systems Superintendent, this position will be responsible for the maintenance and troubleshooting to support reliable operations of all plant and remote-facilities control systems.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

Responsible for ensuring the Utility SCADA standards are maintained and the control systems are in compliance with Veolia, Industry, State, and Federal cyber security rules, guidelines, policies, and best practices. Proactively evaluate, enhance, and develop preventative maintenance activities for instrumentation and control devices in the systems. Responsible for management of data acquisition originated from SCADA, or similar data source to ensure data quality and availability for the operation / business needs.

Execute preventative maintenance and corrective maintenance activities. Key member of the Veolia New York Smart SCADA upgrade project team. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the control systems hardware/software, communication networks, and historical database systems. Responsible to maintain control system Emergency coverage. Some night and weekend emergency work is required. Participate in the Veolia NY OPS Emergency Response Team.

Troubleshoot systems; perform root cause analysis, identify resolution options, implement best alternatives. Oversee vendors for work performed on control systems and related devices, such as: RTU modules, VFD’s, Chemical pumps, Flowmeters, WQ instrumentation, etc. Support operations, engineering, and corporate departments in defining control system requirements balancing cost, efficiency, and security. Travel – Must respond to remote locations to troubleshoot, repair, and improve control systems as required to maintain continuity of service for customers and regulatory compliance.

Maintain and repair the control system communications, including plant fiber optic, routers, switches, firewalls, cellular modems, and serial radios. Develop operational procedures, reports, etc. Supporting operations and to ensure regulatory compliance and the requirements of both internal and external clients. Coordinate with the Utility M&S control system group with regards to SCADA standards, significant system changes, problem-solving assistance.

Keep proper and timely updates and communication. Coordinate with Veolia’s TS group with regards to Industrial Control System cyber security, network maintenance, and computer system maintenance. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background

B.S. degree in Engineering or related technical field or 5+ years of experience (as described below). Experience in water or wastewater treatment plants and system facilities, preferable but not required. Experience with PLC/HMI systems required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Network and remote communications including radio, cellular, and TCP/IP networking a plus. Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills coupled with a strong technical background. Exercise discretion and independent judgment. Familiar with basic electric AC/DC circuits, control wirings and PLC controls programming. Knowledge of widely used control system packages such as Rockwell, GE Proficy, GeoSCADA or similar required.

Be available to support operations whenever needed (occasional nights and weekends). Must be able to read and write. Ability to learn new water industry technology and teach.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to walk on uneven terrain; climb ladders, hills and stairs; enter confined spaces to where SCADA equipment is located, moderate lifting up to 25 pounds; sit, stand and walk for long periods at a time. Must be able to speak, see clearly and hear. Must be able to smell gases.