HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants may apply online. Go to www.cityutilities.net/careers.
JOB TITLE: Instrument Control Technician/Operator
SALARY: $40.90/hour
DEPARTMENT: Natural Gas Supply & Delivery Operations
SUPERVISOR: Supervisor – Natural Gas Operations
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Under the direction of the Supervisor – Natural Gas Operations or designee, programs, repairs, calibrates, and maintains propane-air plant electronics, electrical equipment, and facilities. Maintains, repairs, and calibrates natural gas SCADA transmitters, PLCs, operators and electrical/electronic equipment. Maintains, repairs, and calibrates other natural gas electronic/electrical equipment. Operates propane-air plant as required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Programs, installs, repairs, calibrates, tests, and maintains propane-air plant electrical, electronic, computer, mechanical, and pneumatic equipment. This includes but is not limited to pumps, valves, compressors, regulators, vaporizers, burners, blenders, fuel gas analyzers, circuit breakers, motor starters, PLC’s, and variable frequency drives. Maintains and tests gas and fire detection equipment to ensure plant safety. Assists/oversees major mechanical equipment repair and maintenance at Propane-Air Plant.
- Operates Propane Air Plant and directs Assistant Operators in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner. This includes but is not limited to operation of pumps, valves, compressors, vaporizers, blender, vapor compressor, and flare. Determines allowable tank levels and safely unloads propane tanker trucks including addition of methanol. Performs required EPA/DNR Method 22 observations.
- Utilizes various software and communications protocols used throughout the gas system. This includes but is not limited to: MON, OpenBSI, CW Designer, Intellution, iFix, Proficy, NetView, WorkBench, LocalView, KepWare/KepServer, Profibus PA, Modbus, HART, TCP/IP, OPC, ACCOL, RS_232/ RS-485.
- Programs, installs, repairs, calibrates, tests and maintains all natural gas SCADA transmitters, PLCs, operators, heaters, chromatographs and all electrical/electronic equipment in Gas Operations.
- Programs, installs, repairs, calibrates, and tests pipeline odorization equipment. Insures all odorization systems are fully operational to maintain safe levels of odorant in natural gas delivered to City Utilities customers and downstream LDC’s.
- Installs, calibrates, repairs, tests, and maintains orifice measurement equipment including run switching equipment at city gates and customer locations ensuring accurate billing and gas load forecasting.
- Attends all training classes and periodic recurring training for propane-air plant operations, natural gas SCADA, and other natural gas distribution equipment.
- Responsible for maintaining inventory of consumable supplies and equipment. Assists with specifications for equipment purchases.
- Maintains compliance with all codes, standards, and operating procedures.
- Installs, programs, maintains and repairs Pressure Control room SCADA computers, software, hardware, and networking equipment. Develops or modifies existing HMI screens. Tests and implements new software.
- Assists with large customer gas billing process. Maintains and repairs gas meter mechanical to electrical interface equipment.
- Installs and maintains all electrical conduit, signal wiring, power wiring, electrical enclosures, and switches for natural gas SCADA system, propane-air plant, odorizer, and other gas distribution equipment.
- Interprets and utilizes blueprints, schematics, circuit board layouts, and equipment manuals.
- Uses and calibrates state-of-the-art instrumentation and test equipment, computer diagnostics, and hand-held programming devices.
- Installs and maintains all supervisory control and data acquisition systems including modems, transducers, transmitters, operators, power supplies, and battery systems.
- Develops programmable logic controller software. Tests and implements new programs.
- Participates in the planning and installation of various propane air plant modifications.
- Installs, calibrates, tests and repairs fire detection equipment. Calibrates and repairs propane gas detection handheld units.
- Performs other duties and functions as required for safe, reliable and efficient operation of the propane peaking facility and the natural gas distribution system in a timely manner as assigned by management.
- Works safely and participates in helping others to work safely. Stays current with industry trends and technologies.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
Associate degree in Electronics is required. Specialized course work or equivalent training may be considered in lieu of Associate Degree in Electronics. Evaluation of specialized training will be made solely by management. Qualified applicants must meet one of the following experience requirements. The term “recent” as referred to below shall mean that time period immediately preceding the applicant’s interview for this job.
- Two years’ recent experience as a power plant electrician or an electronics instrument technician, or
- Three years’ recent experience as an electronics instrument technician in an industrial plant, or
- Four years’ experience with personal computers, PLCs, programmable controllers in an industrial plant or boiler room, or
- Two years’ recent experience operating and/or maintaining propane air-peak shaving or alternate type of standby fuel system.
Licensing/Certification:
Must have a valid driver's license (minimum Class F).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Proficient in the use/programming of personal computers, PLCs, and other programmable controllers.
- Ability to:
- Communicate effectively.
- Use various vendor software in performance of duties.
- Quickly learn new software.
- Operate a propane-air plant with proper training and study.
- Continue to study and maintain propane plant operation expertise even though the plant will operate only a few days each year.
- Identify, solve, and correct electrical, electronic, and mechanical problems.
- Analyze the characteristics of faulty equipment and systematically verify the nature of malfunction.
- Have complete knowledge of plant operation, processes, design, start-up, shut-down, operating characteristics, and emergency procedures.
- Have an excellent understanding of the properties of natural gas and propane.
- Utilizing a thorough understanding of heat transfer and fluid flow dynamics, must be able to recognize unusual or hazardous conditions and take effective action to safeguard both equipment and personnel.
- Good understanding of math, numbers, and technical concepts.
- Be proficient in use of electrical hand tools.
- Understand AC & DC theory and electrical/electronic measuring techniques (testing will apply).
- Be a self-starter and detail-oriented.
Physical Requirements:
Physical requirements include: sitting, standing, grasping, bending, squatting, reaching, balancing, twisting, kneeling, pushing, pulling, climbing to heights of 20 feet, and must be able to visually differentiate between color-coded electrical and electronic equipment associated with the job. Must be able to lift (occasionally up to 60 pounds) and handle tools and other equipment associated with this position.
Working Conditions:
May be required to work outdoors in any weather conditions. Duties are performed in a normal office environment approximately 10 percent of the time.
Safety Sensitive Position:
A safety-sensitive position involves the performance of duties which may have a direct and immediate impact on the safety of the public and other public employees. This is a safety sensitive position.
Miscellaneous Requirements:
- Subject to Department of Transportation’s and/or Public Service Commission’s drug and alcohol testing requirements and Gas Operator Qualification requirements.
- Required to wear uniform clothing provided by City Utilities, including flame retardant/arc rated clothing. Management retains the right to require replacement due to wear or staining.
- Overtime may be required.
- Employee must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain the ability to respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.
- Must be able to work successfully with diverse groups of people.
TESTING:
Testing may be required.