IT/GIS Specialist

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Information Technology (IT) & Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this position performs routine to complex technical work related to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for the Kenosha Water Utility’s water and wastewater operations.   These duties include, but are not limited to, programming, installation, inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of SCADA hardware, software and other associated equipment.  The incumbent also provides IT and GIS support to KWU divisions in the absence of or in conjunction with other IT/GIS Specialists.  This position also responds to emergency calls during the regular work day and will be required to participate in an on-call rotation to respond to emergencies which occur outside of normal business hours.

Duties:

• Conducts regular and emergency inspections of SCADA facilities and infrastructure to identify need for maintenance, repair or replacement; coordinates the scheduling of such activities to minimize disruption of utility operations.
• Installs, maintains, and repairs a variety of electrical and electronic/electro-mechanical equipment, and other computerized process control equipment/devices used in a SCADA system such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), remote terminal units (RTUs), Variable Frequent Drives (VFDs).
• Serves as point of contact on SCADA system issues; responds to field, plant and emergency calls regarding malfunctioning or damaged equipment, and to determine necessary repair or replacement.
• Develops new and maintains existing HMI (Human Machine Interface) screens using Inductive Automation’s Ignition software for both water and wastewater operations.
• Uses test equipment and meters to check, test, troubleshoot and calibrate station electrical controls, instrumentation, motor starters, switchgear, alarm systems, supervisory equipment operation.
• Utilizes computers and related applications to program and set up equipment for required operations.
• Configures and codes control programs, documentation forms, flow charts and diagrams to adapt utility operations to electronic monitoring and to meet operational needs. Prepares test data; performs testing; modifies and revises programs.
• Implements and monitors system upgrades and enhancements.
• Prepares and maintains records on status of work accomplished, including time, materials and equipment used.
• Maintains parts and equipment inventories.
• Reads and interprets plant and lift station instrumentation, electrical drawings, ladder diagrams, blueprints, sketches, maintenance manuals, or other related documentation.
• Must be willing to support and promote the use of “open source” software for KWU operations.
• Provides direction and instruction to staff assisting this position.
• Prepares a variety of related documents and reports.
• Prepares specifications, cost and material estimates; makes recommendations for upgrading or replacing equipment.
• Assist all KWU divisions in using GNU/Linux and “open source” software in the most secure, effective and efficient manner.
• Assists other IT staff in providing help desk support and with tasks related to GIS.
• Attends meetings, seminars and conferences.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associates of Science degree from an accredited institution with a major in electronics, instrumentation or other related field, or graduation from a trade school specializing in computer programming, IT and automation;
• Minimum of four (4) years of work experience with SCADA systems or similar instrumentation and controls, preferably in a utility environment; experience with Inductive Automation – Ignition software highly desired;
• Experience in using “open source” platforms and software (i.e., GNU/Linux Operating Systems, Centos, Ubuntu).
• Formal training and experience with programming languages such as Python, SQL, Java, HTML, PHP.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training and related work experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Knowledge of SCADA software applications in water and wastewater operations; incumbent will eventually be required to possess knowledge of Inductive Automation- Ignition SCADA platform running in a GNU/Linux environment.
• Knowledge of the principles of process control, electronics, electrical equipment, programmable controllers and related devices; ability to program and troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs) and remote terminal units (RTUs).
• Knowledge of the tools and testing equipment used in the installation, maintenance, calibration and repair of communications, computing and telemetry equipment.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and procedures associated with job duties.
• Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools.
• Ability to perform various basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret an extensive variety of technical information such as schematics blueprints, maintenance manuals, or other mathematical or diagrammatic formats.
• Ability to apply principles of logic or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to respond to after-hours emergency calls.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability establish and maintain effective working relationships, including the ability to plan, assign, provide instruction, and review the work of other staff assisting with projects.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to advise and provide interpretation regarding the application of policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, initiate, resourcefulness and creativity in developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.
• Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Will be required to participate in on-call rotation to respond to emergencies which occur outside of normal business hours, which may include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

Apply online at link included