SCADA Specialist - Gas & Light*

About the role

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities – Richmond Gas Works is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the SCADA Specialist position. The selected candidate will be responsible for planning, designing, developing, testing, deploying and maintaining programs and process control equipment within the Natural Gas Distribution System and the Gas Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) System.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the design/development and implementation of the Natural Gas SCADA System, including 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;
• Independent Project Oversight, and database maintenance;
• Administers various software programs related to the Gas SCADA System, including 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 Gas 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 Natural Gas 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;
• Installs and routinely calibrates flow, pressure, temperature and other devices within the Gas Distribution System;
• Offers training to Gas Controllers and others as required.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in electrical engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science or Computer Networking supplemented with Three (3) years of process control experience with an emphasis in SCADA technology or in Natural Gas Distribution or similar system;
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification;
• Valid Driver's License or a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire;
• Preferred Training and Experience: Experience Developing/Servicing a Gas SCADA System or equivalent, Completion of software development classes for Process Controllers, Completion of software development classes for HMIs, Ability to communicate and present information using written reports, group presentations and effective public speaking skills, Ability to direct, coordinate and provide input related to the evaluation of the work of others, Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access), 10 years of experience developing/maintaining a Distributed SCADA System in Gas or Water Distribution System, Working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming standard.

Skills

• Typing and explaining performance metrics and SCADA optimization to a non-technical audience;
• 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;
• 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.