Systems Specialist

Position Summary

The Systems Specialist is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and oversight of the Water Treatment and/or Water Reclamation Plant(s) distributed control network of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, Human‑Machine‑Interface (HMI) devices, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), databases, data communications systems, telemetry, and other automated processes. Under direction performs work of considerable difficulty in organizing, analyzing and controlling computer operating systems software, database systems software, and related libraries to facilitate the automation of water treatment and/or water reclamation operations and performs related work as required.

• Operates and maintains automation systems for the Division of Water Treatment and/or Water Reclamation’s treatment plant (Plant) distributed control network of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) processors, SCADA computers, Human Machine Interface (HMI) devices, Variable Frequency Drives, (VFDs), databases, data communications systems, and other automated processes.
• Troubleshooting, repair, and/or replacement of complex electrical & electronic controls, relay logic, instrumentation, process meters, gas detectors, and their associated interaction with PLC’s (including the division’s distributed control network and the electrical grid (including the Plant’s backup electrical generation system)).
• Develops, writes, and implements software policies and procedures to preserve the system's integrity.
• Assists in preparing and monitoring budget.
• Installs new versions of system software and implements hardware upgrades to maintain system current with industry standards.
• Implements tables, table spaces and procedures pertaining to the file management of databases and operating systems files.
• Performs and/or manages upgrades and new installations.
• Implements application and database security arrangements to control access to user data and applications programs.
• Oversees cyber‑security.
• Develops and maintains documentation of system configurations.
• Maintains function and upgrades of security camera and Plant access systems.
• Purchases and writes proposals and cost justifications for software acquisitions.
• Tunes and configures operating systems and database systems.
• Performs capacity planning to determine what hardware and software changes are needed to provide better service.
• Reviews new products and determines future feasibility.
• Determines long‑term needs to drive strategic planning.
• Schedules and prioritizes jobs and they relate to the utilization of computer resources.
• Answers end‑users questions to specific problems and provides information about system capabilities.
• Provides technical information to answer programmers’ questions about software problems.
• Trains users in how to physically operate equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Interfaces with software and hardware vendors to acquire current releases and system corrections.

• Automation systems, PLC’s, SCADA systems, Human‑Machine‑Interfaces, switches and instrumentation devices, VFD’s, databases, data communications systems, telemetry, and other automated processes.
• Computer code configuration scripts and PLC ladder logic.
• Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Word), multiple web browsers, the internet and intranets.
• Treatment plant processes.
• Hand tools and measuring devices used in the troubleshooting of electrical and electronic circuitry, fiber optic cables, CAT6 communication cables & wireless radio telemetry systems.
• Operating systems and installation procedures.
• Database systems and installation procedures.
• Software design.
• Hardware systems.
• Systems interrelationships.
• Local area networks.
• Backup and recovery procedures.
• Water treatment and water reclamation operations and maintenance.

• Analyzing and correcting computer hardware and software problems.
• Verbal and written communication.
• Operating a personal computer.
• Writing computer programs and system interfaces.

• Scan and interpret vast quantities of computer code, configuration scripts, and PLC ladder logic…