About the Department

Performs technical support to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and HMI (Human Machine Interface) for water, wastewater, gas and wastewater treatment plants. Programs Remote Terminal Units as well as other related application software systems using a broad range of electronic and electrical equipment. 

Environmental Factors 

Position functions in an internal office environment with no notable hazards or adverse environmental conditions and outside in the field subject to all weather conditions, occasional odors, fumes, gases and dust. 

Physical Factors 

Light to medium physical work which involves installing RTUs and radio antennas; rewriting control circuits; pulling wire; changing gas and water transducers; working in PRV vaults; and changing components in the RTUs, including radios, power supplies and batteries; frequent use of a personal computer, telephone and small hand tools; considerable flexibility to structure daily activities between sitting, standing and walking. 

Work Situation Factors 

May be required to work outside normal working hours, holidays and weekends to identify, locate and correct SCADA system problems; on-call status for emergency situations Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. 

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT EMPLOYEES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the interview process.

Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications. 

Full-Time; Regular; Non-Exempt

Position is graded at RN22.

Position Duties

• Performs SCADA system custom programming using International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC) 61131 standards for Programmable Logical Controllers (PLC), such as Structured Text, Ladder Diagram and Function Block Diagram programming languages for remote control and monitoring of Utilities water, wastewater, and gas regulating sites. 
• Assigns SCADA RTU positions in the communications hierarchy; configures hardware for the new position; loads new SCADA programs into the RTU and verifies program operations and functionality. 
• Programs SCADA radio for the correct frequency; tests and aligns radio signal. 
• Installs, modifies, and makes major repairs to SCADA microcomputer hardware and software systems; installs SCADA hardware, peripheral components and software, following design or installation specifications. 
• Programs, configures, and maintains customized MS Access and MS SQL SCADA-user databases; extracts historical data from SCADA archives per user requirement; provides applications support for all Utilities databases. 
• Designs, produces, and maintains graphical displays that comprise the SCADA system user interface. 
• Support and trains users in applications; controls access and system security; establishes plans for preventive maintenance and use of SCADA equipment. 
• Maintains records and reports for LAN system for maintenance review and planning for future upgrades; monitors and reports LAN system problems to the Information Technology Division for resolution. 
• Inspects remote well and telemetry sites to identify, locate, and correct SCADA system problems. 
• Provides Master Station software maintenance, including recordkeeping and maintaining access codes and user clearances. 
• Assumes the responsibility of the SCADA Systems in the absence of the assigned Supervisor. 

Minimum Qualifications

Associate Degree in Computer Technology or related field AND four (4) years experience in hardware/software operations.  Previous experience in SCADA operations is highly-desirable.  A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.  

Licenses/Certification(s) 

Valid Class D driver's license is required.  Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. 

 

Other Qualifications

Knowledge of:  Principles, practices and processes to support, maintain, install and use a SCADA system; typical municipal water/wastewater, and natural gas production and distribution systems; characteristics and application of an Access database, Excel spreadsheets, Bristol Babcock Network 3000 communications protocol or equivalent; radio communication network principles; approaches and systems which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization-wide; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position. 
 
Ability to: Program, install, configure and troubleshoot SCADA microcomputer hardware and software systems; use a personal computer and various software applications; conduct tests, analyze results, detect errors and take corrective action, both in the office and the field; utilize Emerson Open Enterprise SCADA user interface software; perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives. 
 
Skills in:  reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working  independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.