Process Automation and Controls Technician

City of Boise (ID) • Boise, ID

31d

About The Position

Join a team that keeps Boise clean, safe, and sustainable. As a Process Automation Technician with the City of Boise's Water Renewal Services, you'll work with cutting-edge technology to monitor, maintain, and improve automated control systems at our water treatment and collection facilities. You'll help manage programs, update graphical interfaces, and support SCADA systems that treat over 30 million gallons of water daily. Be part of a mission-driven utility that protects the Boise River, supports public health, and maintains over $2 billion in critical infrastructure-including treatment plants, a biosolids farm, and 1,000+ miles of underground pipeline. If you have experience with industrial instrumentation, process control, or automation in nontraditional industries- such as craft brewing, specialty food and beverage, plant cultivation, aquaculture, vertical farming, renewable energy, or theme parks - your skills are highly valued here. Bring your expertise with sensors, PLCs, and SCADA systems to a dynamic environment where your work has a direct impact on the community. If you're looking for a stable, hands-on role where your skills make a difference, this could be it.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and
• 4 years of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining industrial instrumentation and control systems and
• experience in programming and connecting SCADA software (System Platform Galaxy and Historian), Allen Bradley PLCs and VFDs,
• or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Valid state-issued driver's license.
• Ability to obtain an Idaho Wastewater Treatment Class I License or Operator in Training (OIT) certificate within six months of employment.
• Applicants must be able to pass:
• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
• This position is required to handle hazardous materials that if mishandled, place the general public at risk of serious injury.
• Knowledge of:
• standard practices, materials, tools, and equipment used in process control systems;
• programming techniques and software used in PLC, SCADA and HMI systems;
• systems analysis and design;
• electronics, instrumentation design, and calibration;
• pumps, motors, and hydraulic systems;
• blueprints and circuit schematics reading and interpretation;
• maintenance equipment and procedures; and
• computer usage including related software.
• Ability to:
• troubleshoot electronic and pneumatic systems;
• develop, implement, troubleshoot, maintain, and effectively utilize PLC systems and related equipment;
• solve problems effectively;
• draft, read, and interpret typical electronic schematics and other programming documentation;
• maintain accurate records;
• communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and
• perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor, and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in instrumentation or related trade certification and
• 5 years of experience with automated control and instrumentation equipment including installation, calibration, and repair of said equipment.
• Experience in a Class IV wastewater treatment facility.
• Wastewater Operator Class I License or equivalent experience in wastewater operations.

Responsibilities

• Handles complex issues and problems and refers only the most complex issues to higher-level staff. Is capable of handling all moderately complex issues and problems and provides leadership, coaching, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group, as needed.
• Utilizes Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming languages and Human Machine Interface (HMI) programming to design and implement modifications to enable changes to plant process control and operations while maintaining operations division objectives. Assists operations and maintenance staff with troubleshooting, repairs, and installations.
• Works with devices integrated into the PLC/HMI environment including variable frequency drives (VFD), modulating valves, level transmitters, pressure transmitters, flow meters, and toxic and explosive gas meters. Documents new, existing, and changed programming and equipment configuration of automation.
• Creates and maintains SQL database queries to collect plant process data for EPA permit compliance reporting and for monitoring plant operations. Creates queries and trends utilized in determining timetables for future growth. Creates and updates circuit and control schematics, flow charts, process, and instrumentation diagrams to maintain accurate record drawings of plant control systems.
• Assists staff in planning modifications to the plant process control network. Coordinates with the IT department regarding control systems security, hardware, access for contractors, and troubleshooting network issues.
• Reviews engineering and process expansion plans to ensure consistency of integration control schemes and monitors compliance with established plant standards and related documentation. Participates in the control system commissioning and validation process.
• Provides expertise to operations personnel on the proper use of various software tools for process control and data collection. Coordinates with operations and maintenance personnel on the installation of new programming and equipment. Plans and installs the upgrade of equipment on a periodic basis.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Benefits

• Zero-premium healthcare
• Lifetime pensionthrough PERSI
• Generous time off: 3 weeks' vacation, 96 hours sick, 12 holidays
• Paid parental leave, studentloan forgiveness eligibility, wellnessincentives, and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED