Instrumentation Control Technician

SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION, UNIFORM REQUIRED

Full-Time Position, Pay Grade 10

Salary: $24.15/hour – $38.03/hour

Department: Treatment - Operations

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Operations Manager via Technical Specialist/Senior Operator

Work Schedule: 5-day work schedule that may include occasional nights or weekends during emergencies (20% travel required)

Position(s) Supervised: None

Position Summary:

• Under general supervision, installs, maintains, troubleshoots, modifies, and improves the hardware and software components of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), local control systems, instrumentation, sensors, communication systems, and associated equipment used throughout wastewater treatment facilities

• Performs planning, design, programming, configuration, installation, testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, repair, and modification of control systems and instrumentation

• Works closely with Treatment Operations, Maintenance, Electrical, and Information Technology personnel to identify operational needs, diagnose equipment and communication problems, implement system improvements, and maintain reliable automated control of wastewater treatment processes

• Supports the operation and reliability of treatment facilities by ensuring accurate monitoring, control, alarming, data collection, and communication between field equipment and the SCADA system

• Provides technical assistance to plant personnel

Reasonable Accommodations Statement:

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statement(s):

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, configure, and modify SCADA hardware and software systems used to monitor and control wastewater treatment processes

• Maintain appropriate backups of PLC programs, SCADA configurations, HMI programs, system databases, and other critical control-system files

• Install, program, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, RTUs, VFDs, control panels, remote I/O, and other automated control equipment

• Install, troubleshoot, calibrate, test, and maintain instrumentation and process monitoring equipment, including pressure, level, flow, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorine, turbidity, and other sensors and transmitters

• Troubleshoot electrical, instrumentation, control, communication, and network problems affecting SCADA and local control systems

• PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Competency Statement(s):

• Ability to troubleshoot complex electrical, instrumentation, automation, communication, and control-system problems

• Ability to understand, troubleshoot, develop, and modify PLC control logic including PID control systems

• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain SCADA and HMI systems used to monitor and control wastewater treatment processes

• Ability to install, troubleshoot, calibrate, and maintain process instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, and control devices

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control-system drawings, equipment manuals, and technical documentation

• Ability to diagnose communication problems between field devices, PLCs, RTUs, VFDs, local control panels, and the SCADA system

• Ability to use electrical meters, calibration equipment, diagnostic software, computers, and other specialized tools to identify and correct equipment problems

• Ability to analyze SCADA data, alarms, trends, and system information to identify operational problems and determine appropriate corrective action

• Ability to understand the relationship between instrumentation, automated controls, equipment operation, and wastewater treatment processes

• Ability to work independently, exercise sound technical judgment, and make decisions affecting equipment reliability, plant operation, process control, and regulatory compliance

• Ability to communicate effectively and document technical work, system modifications, troubleshooting activities, equipment conditions, and corrective actions

  
  

Skills and Abilities:

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) is required. Technical training, coursework, or an associate degree in instrumentation, electrical technology, electronics, automation, industrial controls, computer technology, or a related field is preferred.

• Experience:   Experience in industrial controls, SCADA, instrumentation, electrical systems, PLCs, automation, electronics, or a related field is preferred. Experience working in a wastewater treatment facility, water utility, industrial facility, manufacturing environment, or similar process-control environment is preferred.

• Computer Skills: Intermediate PC experience is required, along with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, SCADA software, PLC programming/configuration software, HMI software, and other software used to monitor, program, troubleshoot, or document industrial control systems.

• Technical Skills: Ability to use electrical meters, calibration equipment, communication diagnostic tools, computers, software applications, and other specialized equipment associated with instrumentation and control systems is required.

Certifications & Licenses:

• Must have a valid Arkansas driver's license

• Must have a Class I Wastewater Operator License or obtain one during first year of employment

• Additional technical certifications in instrumentation, PLC programming, electrical systems, SCADA, networking, or industrial automation are preferred

Other Requirements:

Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and the relationship between process equipment, instrumentation, automated controls, and SCADA systems

Knowledge of electrical safety, lockout/tagout procedures, confined-space requirements, and safe work practices applicable to wastewater treatment facilities

Skill Safely operate and use tools, test equipment, calibration equipment, computers, lifts, and other equipment necessary to perform assigned technical duties

ABILITY to lift 50 pounds on an occasional basis and to bend, squat, stoop and stretch

ABILITY to withstand the sight and smell of raw sewage

ABILITY to walk or stand for extended periods of time

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
N (Not Applicable) O (Occasionally) F (Frequently) C (Constantly)				Activity is not applicable to this position Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 – 2.5+ hrs./day) Position requires this activity form 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 – 505+ hrs./day) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 + hrs./day)
Physical Demands:					Lift/Carry:
Stand		F			10 lbs. or less		F
Walk		C			11-20 lbs.		O
Sit		O			21 -50 lbs.		O
Manually Manipulate		F			51 – 100 lbs.		O
Reach Outward		F			Over 100 lbs.		N
Reach Above Shoulder		F
Climb		F			Push/Pull:
Crawl		O			12 lbs. or less		F
Squat or kneel		F			13 - 25 lbs.		F
Bend		F			26 – 40 lbs.		O
Grasp		F
Speak		F
Other Physical Requirements:
√	Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Depth)					Sense of Sound – Normal range (Hearing)
√	Sense of Smell					Ability to wear (PPE): Safety Shoes_√_ Goggles_√_
√	Sense of Balance				Mask_√_ Gloves_√_ Other: Hearing Protection
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather. Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces. Must be able to withstand the physical stamina required to perform manual labor. Must be able to withstand the sight and smell of raw sewage.

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate. 

APPLICANTS SHOULD SUBMIT A STANDARD NLR WASTEWATER

APPLICATION FORM TO:

NORTH LITTLE ROCK WASTEWATER, HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

7400 BAUCUM PIKE, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72117

If Mailed: P. O. Box 17898, N. Little Rock, AR 72117

Applications can be picked up in the HR Office or by emailing HR@nlrwu.com.