SCADA Specialist - Gas & Light

Overview

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities – Richmond Gas Works is seeking a qualified candidate for the SCADA Specialist position. The selected candidate will plan, design, develop, test, deploy and maintain programs and process control equipment within the Natural Gas Distribution System and the Gas Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) System. The candidate will perform field calibrations, troubleshooting and repairing of various support devices within the Natural Gas Gate Stations, the Regulator Vaults and individual Pressure Sites.

Additional duties include maintaining standards and testing pressure gauges, voltage meters, infrared devices and other related equipment.

As part of your professional development with Richmond Gas Works, the Utility offers an internal training program supplemented by Vendor specific training for individuals possessing an AE, AS, AT, AES, AET, AIT, APE or higher degrees. This program will be extended to applicants with a minimum of five years in industrial automation software development/Process Control.

• Participates in the design, development and implementation of the Natural Gas SCADA System, including Bristol Babcock and Emerson Control Wave Process Controllers, Automation ONSPEC Human Machine Interface (HMI) Software, EZTouch Graphic Panel Software;
  Local/Remote Networking of Process Controllers and PCs; AC/DC electrical troubleshooting;
  Independent Project Oversight, and database maintenance
• Recommends and assists with the implementation of goals, protocols, and standards for the design, security, and reliability of the Gas SCADA System
• Administers various software programs related to the Gas SCADA System, including management of all DPCs, RTUs, PACs, PLCs 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
• Leads 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 improve efficiency, productivity, gas transport safety and work processes
• 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

The selected candidate must be able to work weekends and holidays as required. Incumbents serve as an Essential employee and may be required to work when the City is closed due to emergencies, critical or hazardous conditions, or inclement weather.

• Associate degree in electrical engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science or Computer Networking, supplemented
• 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

• Requires a valid Driver's License or a valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire

• 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
• Working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming standard

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Electrical Theory and Practices:
  Digital & Analog Circuitry
• Bristol Babcock Hardware and Software
• Emerson Control Wave Hardware and Software
• Industry standards related to design, performance, and optimization of SCADA networks
• Control system expertise with network security, radio communications, wireless communications, firewalls, routers and switches, leased lines and HMI/DPC/PAC/PLC applications
• Basic principles of a Natural Gas Distribution System

Skills (some combination of the following):

• 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

Abilities (some combination of the following):

• Manage and provide technical assistance for the design, selection,…