Field Engineer - Automation and Controls

The Position

The Water & Engineering Technology department is seeking a Field Engineer - Automation and Controls. This position performs skilled technical work in the development, operation, and maintenance of automation and control system solutions for operating the water resource recovery facilities and remote pump stations. Develops and operates automation and control systems used for collecting, monitoring, and reporting automation data for real time control of treatment processes including hardware and software development, coordinating treatment process equipment interfaces, system installation, start-ups and commissioning, administration, and management of the process control systems including failure response, troubleshooting, correction, and system upgrades.

Note: Candidates who are selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to self-schedule their interview. Please be sure to check your email for status updates.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. Clean Water Services (CWS) may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

- Supports operational integrity and functionality of the process automation and control systems for the CWS water resource recovery facilities and remote pump stations, including all associated remote telemetry monitoring and control units. Implements local and remote alarm notification and control parameters, system upgrades and/or modifications, research design, configuration, testing, and documentation.

- Maintains operational functionality and integrity of the control system data historian and associated reporting systems. Validates trending and database collection meet process control operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and regulatory reporting needs.

- Develops, installs, configures, and maintains process automation and control systems and network infrastructure; optimizes the process automation and control systems equipment and network functions required for 24/7 performance; implements disaster recovery ‘best practices’ technology to reduce unscheduled downtime events; deploys ‘best practice’ for treatment process control system security as outlined by regulatory agencies; troubleshoots automation related hardware/software problems; repairs or replaces components as necessary; maintains automation and control system documentation, operating instructions, and standards; supports research, and testing of new technologies for improved systems performance, security, efficiency, maintenance, growth, and administration.

- Provides automation client end user support, including training and assisting staff in the use of automation hardware and software; assists end users with operational questions or concerns related to process automation and control system equipment and devices; and acts as support to operations staff in diagnosing and solving process control-related issues and events.

- Provides ongoing equipment loop function performance checks, performs operation readiness testing, troubleshooting, commissioning, and startup support in construction for water resource recovery facilities and remote pumping station projects.

- Coordinates with the Senior Field Engineer to determine process automation goals, project priorities, and operational parameters to achieve the treatment standards required for adherence to regulatory guidelines. Coordinates with workgroups in the development of appropriate solutions to specific process requirements and standardizes procedures for improved process control efficiency and operational performance.

- Drives a CWS or personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE OF:

- SCADA systems, DCS (Distributed Control Systems), PLCs, and other industrial control systems

- Protocols such as Modbus, OPC, PROFIBUS, and Ethernet/IP

- Industrial networking, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, wireless communication, and Fieldbus networks

- Process controls, including a detailed understanding of the process

- P&ID and instrumentation/control equipment in wastewater treatment or an industrial process environment

- Process control information systems, including instrumentation and process control hardware, software, and methods using control theory and dynamics

- Visual Basic and proprietary vendor programming

Principles and practices of project development, scheduling, and management

SKILL IN:

- Relational database systems (Oracle, MS SQL Server)

- PLC’s with any of the following – Allen Bradley (Micrologix Series – RSLogix 500, CompactLogix RS-Logix 5000) and/or Siemens (TI 505)

- SCADA software packages – GE Proficy HMI iFIX, Wonderware, RS View

- Use and implementation of machine-level device communications (Remote I/O, Ethernet/IP, Profibus)

- Implementing process control methodology in PLC and SCADA platforms

Programming languages

ABILITY TO:

- Optimize parameters and measurable outcomes while minimizing the risks of hazards

- Develop PLC and SCADA programming control systems

- Analyze complex computer application problems and take corrective actions

- Understand and interpret P&ID, specifications, maps, plans, and reports pertaining to complex projects and plant expansions

- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including a variety of CWS staff and other government officials, community groups, and the general public

- Operate effectively in a team environment

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

The following are the minimum qualifications for this position.

3 years of experience using programming languages and tools, performing industrial process control systems design, or related work;

College or equivalent professional coursework in computer science, computer programming, industrial controller programming, industrial instrumentation and controls, control system engineering, or related fields.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must possess and maintain a valid state issued driver’s license.

Additional Information

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should contact Human Resources at 503.681.3600 or TDD 503.681.3601.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Clean Water Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, age, uniformed service, sexual orientation or disability in the admission or access to the recruitment process or any aspect of employment.

Clean Water Services offers eligible employees the opportunity to choose benefits and plans that meet both individual and family needs. In addition to a competitive salary, Clean Water Services offers employees a comprehensive benefit packet that includes health coverage, health reimbursement account, life and accidental death insurance, flexible spending account, Oregon Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS/OPSRP), deferred compensation, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, tuition reimbursement, goal sharing bonus, and more. Further information for full-time regular non-represented employees can be found here (Download PDF reader).

Depending on hours worked and duration of the position, temporary employees may qualify for an offer of medical benefits, deferred compensation, and employee discounts. Temporary employees are eligible for sick leave at the rate of .0334 per hour worked upon beginning employment and may carry over up to 40 hours into the next calendar year.