WATER PLANT AUTOMATION CONTROLS ENGINEER

Introduction

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce committed to providing exemplary service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

The Water Plant Automation Controls Engineer programs and troubleshoots control systems, operator interfaces, servers and reports for the Milwaukee Water Works SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system.

Essential Functions

Design, Programming and Maintenance

• Design and layout new systems or replacements for obsolete PLCs (programmable logic controllers) using the latest control platform, including new or re-written programs. Integrate with the supervisory system by creating necessary HMI (human-machine interface) tags and alarms.
• Coordinate contractors and operations staff during maintenance and modifications to the control system.
• Modify and expand programming and graphical user interfaces when new equipment or instrumentation is added to the system, including VFDs (variable frequency drive), analog, or digital instrumentation, whether connected via current loop, Ethernet IP, Modbus, or ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange).
• Assist in the layout, connection, routing and testing of new systems, including communications switch setup, graphics creation, adding tags to PI (Plant Information) or SQL (structured query language) databases, adding trends, reports and documenting the system.

Technical Support and Documentation

• Provide technical support and troubleshoot all equipment related to automated systems; coordinate with engineering staff at the treatment plants on the proper integration and installation of the automation systems at pumping and booster stations, water storage facilities and pressure and flow control sites.
• Train and instruct operators, electricians and instrument personnel in the use of automated systems.
• Monitor and maintain automation systems, including processor faults, errors, warnings and the loss of communication and field device warnings.
• Conduct firmware upgrades of automation controllers for security updates and compatibility with new HMI platforms to be integrated.
• Monitor and maintain HMI servers used for SCADA; ensure that best industry practices are used to manage the SCADA servers.
• Create Excel reports for SCADA system and resolve Excel reporting issues.
• Maintain, update and add data to PI or SQL databases to store tag data for production reporting systems and trends.
• Conduct software patches and updates for Rockwell's Factory Talk HMI platform and control network.
• Conduct and coordinate complex pre-planning to anticipate downtime and recovery processes.
• Create and maintain SCADA documentation, including guides for Operators and process control procedures.
• Create and maintain spreadsheets, technical notes and documents for SCADA management and tracking.
• Maintain equipment records with the TMA (The Maintenance Authority) computerized maintenance management system.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

• Must respond to after-hours emergencies to maintain operating systems throughout the treatment plants and pumping stations.
• Water plant section employees are considered "essential" and must report to work no matter the weather conditions or emergency event.
• Must work in adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• The pre-employment medical requirements for this position include:
  • Drug Test - Non-DOT
  • Physical Exam
  • Audio-Gram
  • Vision Exam

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering with an emphasis on control systems or related coursework PLUS one year of full-time experience programming, repairing and maintaining control systems.
OR
Associate degree in electronic technology automation, electronic engineering technology or a related field PLUS three years of full-time experience programming, repairing and maintaining control systems.
OR
Five years of full-time experience programming, repairing and maintaining control systems.

Valid driver's license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates' education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

• Knowledge of control systems, including ladder logic control strategies.
• Ability to program Rockwell Automation PLCs and PACs (programmable automation controllers) using ladder logic and function block programming.
• Knowledge of basic computer programming, including loops, conditionals and subroutines.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Windows to the system level, including the ability to work with services and the registry.
• Knowledge of IPv4 (internet protocol version 4) networking, including subdomains and net masks.
• Knowledge of serial and Ethernet communications protocols, including Modbus TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) and CIP (control and information protocol).
• Knowledge of instrumentation communication, including HART (highway addressable remote transducer) current loops and other analog data transfer methodologies.
• Ability to utilize computer software, including Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to read electrical, piping and construction prints and diagrams.
• Ability to use basic electrical test equipment for troubleshooting issues.
• Ability to read and understand technical manuals when installing new equipment and instruments.

Communication, Interpersonal and Judgment

• Written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information in writing.
• Verbal communication skills to effectively interact with co-workers and vendors.
• Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and fairly with coworkers and residents whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills to handle complex technical issues as they arise.
• Ability to remain calm and stay in control during high-pressure situations.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team to solve technical issues.
• Ability to remain current with constantly changing hardware and software associated with industrial control systems.
• Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

Current Salary

The current salary range (PG 2LN) is $86,739-$105,223 annually, and the resident wage incentive rate for City of Milwaukee residents is $89,341-$108,380. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit http://city.milwaukee.gov/Benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO = 203

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.