Communications & Control Technician (Electronic Technician)

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority•Winthrop, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications & Control Technician participates in the development, installation, enhancement, and maintenance of the MWRA's Deer Island instrumentation and control systems. The role supports SCADA-controlled and monitored water and wastewater facilities, data communications equipment, programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, SCADA computers, network equipment, remote terminal units, and communications hardware and software for remote headworks sites. The technician performs calibration, troubleshooting, repair, and preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on instrumentation and control systems. The position may also perform duties of lower-graded Unit 2 titles, including Instrumentation Specialist. The employee follows MWRA safety, operating, and emergency response policies; is on call for emergencies on a rotating basis; and is considered essential during certain emergencies or inclement weather. The position works under the general supervision of the Instrumentation Operations Supervisor and exercises close supervision of technicians and support staff.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Electronic Engineering or a related field, an electronics technician certification from a community college or trade school, or an ISA Control Systems Technician Certification.
At least two years of experience maintaining and servicing computer-controlled programmable logic controllers and/or other automated process control systems, including one year as a team lead or supervisor. Successful completion of the MWRA-sponsored supervisory training program and receipt of its certificate may substitute for supervisory experience.
At least one year of experience calibrating, repairing, and maintaining instrumentation and data communications equipment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid Massachusetts Class D motor vehicle license or a driver's license from another state.
Must complete Confined Space Entry Training within six months.
Ability to troubleshoot to the board level using electronic test equipment and computer-driven diagnostics.
Ability to install and repair PLC CPUs and associated I/O cards.
Strong initiative and work ethic, and excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Windows-based HMI application software.
Familiarity with AutoCAD or an equivalent CAD design program.
Familiarity with computer interface software associated with the various PLCs in use.
Working knowledge of Windows operating systems.

Responsibilities

Assist with the development, installation, enhancement, and maintenance of control and monitoring systems.
Install, repair, and service direct-to-line and time-division-multiplex digital channel banks, CSU/DSU high-speed data modems, and other data communications equipment.
Coordinate with the phone company and other vendors to arrange data line installations and repairs.
Calibrate and maintain primary instrumentation devices used to control and operate SCADA-controlled and monitored water and wastewater facilities.
Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain programmable logic controllers.
Work with HMI screens, SCADA PCs, network equipment, programmable logic controllers, and remote terminal units as directed.
Maintain communications hardware and software associated with remote headworks sites.
Follow MWRA safety, operating, and emergency response procedures and policies.
Install, repair, and service analog and digital control instruments and related computer-based systems and equipment as required or assigned.
Inspect, calibrate, and troubleshoot electronic, electromechanical, pneumatic, and computer-based control systems using precision measuring instruments and electrical testing equipment.
Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on analog and digital instrumentation and control systems, equipment, and support systems according to vendor specifications.
Read and interpret instrumentation and control drawings, diagrams, and control logic sequences.
Perform related duties as required.
Be available for rotating emergency on-call coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Exercise close supervision of technicians and support staff.