Industrial Controls System Co-op
REPORTS TO: Industrial Controls System Administrator
SCHEDULE: TBD
HOURS: Up to 29 hours per week
LOCATION: Fort Thomas Treatment Plant
Position Summary:
The Industrial Control Systems Co-op will assist with the maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and related electronic equipment. This role provides hands-on experience in industrial control systems, offering support in system monitoring, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Under the guidance of experienced technicians, the co-op will contribute to maintaining reliable operations of online analyzers, remote terminal units (RTUs), flow meters, level sensors, alarms, and security systems.
Essential Functions:
Routine Maintenance & Calibration:
•Assist in conducting routine checks on pH, chlorine, and turbidity analyzers, recording findings and learning basic calibration procedures.
•Support monthly inspections of RTUs by verifying power, PLC function, and data transmission under supervision.
•Help perform preventive maintenance on SCADA system hardware, computers, and peripheral devices.
System Installation & Troubleshooting:
•Shadow experienced technicians in the installation, programming, and troubleshooting of SCADA-related equipment, including PLCs, process control software, and communication systems.
•Learn to diagnose and repair basic flow, pressure, and level monitoring devices with guidance.
Security & Access Control Support:
•Assist in maintaining security systems, including card readers, alarm panels, and surveillance equipment.
•Help ensure proper operation of automatic gate controls and access systems.
Documentation & Coordination:
•Assist in the entry of accurate records of maintenance and troubleshooting activities in work order systems.
•Collaborate with internal teams and vendors to support ongoing system improvements.
Learning Opportunities & Experience Gained:
•Exposure to industrial control systems, SCADA applications, and process automation.
•Hands-on experience with system troubleshooting and maintenance in a real-world setting.
•Opportunity to develop technical skills in PLCs, instrumentation, and networking.
•Understanding of water system operations and how SCADA integrates with infrastructure.
•This position offers a valuable opportunity for students to gain practical, hands-on experience in industrial control systems and SCADA technology while working alongside industry professionals.
•Hands on experience with access control and surveillance systems.
Qualifications & Skills:
•Currently pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, automation, Industrial Control Systems, or a related technical field.
•Basic understanding of electrical systems and troubleshooting techniques. - Preferred
•Familiarity with multimeters, ethernet cable testers, and diagnostic tools is a plus. - Preferred
•Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
•Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with the team.
•Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Additional Requirements:
•Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to field locations as needed.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
This job requires climbing heights of approximately 200 feet. Also requires balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, reaching, standing, sitting, lifting, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Heavy Work: exerting up to 50 pounds. Environmental conditions: subject to extreme heat, cold, humidity, wetness, noise, and vibration. Hazardous conditions: moving parts & equipment/tools, hazardous chemicals, high voltage electricity and working alone.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Northern Kentucky Water District employs qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which will ensure equal employment opportunity, as well as administer personnel actions in a manner to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability