Utility Technology Specialist (Apprentice)

Responsible for installation, troubleshooting, and repairing devices, equipment, and software used in system automation and monitoring of the City’s utility systems. Maintains SCADA systems, central computers, remote terminal units, and radio communication for the Public Utilities Departments. Operate GPS equipment to include software, exporting GPS points, and delivering GPS points in different formats for use in design and mapping. Specifically, the Automatic Metering Interface (AMI) and the City’s Electric Outage Management System (OMS).  May assist with Auto Cad responsibilities as needed.

Apprentice: Entry level, high school graduation or equivalent 
                     PG 22 $21.19 - $22.81

Specialist: Associate degree & 2 years SCADA/utility technology experience or 4 years SCADA/utility technology experience
                   PG 25 $24.55 - $27.75
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Responsible for the installation, troubleshooting, and repairing of devices, equipment, and software used in system automation and monitoring, such as the AMI and Electric Outage Management System;
• Responsible for maintaining and updating Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for the city’s public utilities department, including installing and maintaining hardware and software, including designing and building GUI;
• Coordinates with IT to schedule maintenance of central computers that monitor the water, wastewater, electric, and gas systems of the city;
• Installs and maintains remote terminal units (RTUs) which communicate with central computers;
• Monitors critical utility data such as water levels, flow rates, gas pressure, voltages, power factor, and amps, and creates related reports and charts;
• Maintains master radio for communications between central computers and RTUs;
• Troubleshoots utility software problems, including discussing problems with software company as needed; Compile data and analyze reports to ensure the accuracy and consistency of all outage management operations;
• Ensures connectivity between OMS, AMI, GIS, and SCADA servers;
• Work closely with the IT and GIS Specialist on the implementation of new features, updates, and upgrades of OMS and AMI systems with other systems such as but not limited to SCADA and GIS;
• Works closely with the IT department to ensure utility technology complies with cybersecurity protocols and initiatives to protect the utility technology systems;
• Update Maps and utilize GIS data to ensure the accuracy of the metering system and electric outage information;
• Provides internal user support, including assistance with end users’ mobile devices using OMS;
• Provides training to internal personnel on the use of outage management applications;
• Maintains knowledge of system automation and monitoring and related equipment and software;
• Assist with acquiring GPS field data using a Trimble or like unit, to include exporting GPS data of City assets into different formats for use in design and mapping; and
• Responds to after-hour calls related to SCADA issues as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This is a non-supervisory position

Qualifications 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with a good attitude. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Associate’s degree in computer technology or utility related field and at least two-years related experience in technology or utility field; or at least four years of SCADA and utility technology experience. Any equivalent combination of education, certifications and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities could be considered.

Knowledge Of

Methods, practices, and equipment used in information technology related to data automation and metering; methods, practices, equipment used to gather gps data, and equipment used to install and troubleshoot devices and software; Database building; and standard office practices and procedures.

Skill/Ability To

Ability to determine and solve problems related to information and utility technology systems; analyze and evaluate data; operate equipment used in installation and operation of AMI and OMS software; troubleshoot  device and software problems quickly; operate Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Access, One Note and PowerPoint; AutoCad; Mapping software; prepare concise and accurate reports; perform  mathematical calculations; read and interpret manuals, policies and procedures; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; type and enter data efficiently, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Texas driver’s license.   

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to operate office equipment, including telephone and computer keyboard, reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand and walk; and the employee may be required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds, such as equipment and supplies/materials. The employee may be required to crouch, kneel, crawl, push, or pull wiring, and/or equipment. The employee may be required to use a ladder to access work areas.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee frequently faces difficult and stressful situations.  The employee has frequent contact with other employees both within and outside of the assigned department.  The employee is constantly required to change tasks frequently and to perform tedious exacting work.  The employee is frequently required to work under time pressures to meet deadlines, to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work closely with others as part of and/or leader of a team.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, there may be loud noises.