SCADA Operations Manager

City of Vancouver•Vancouver, BC

2d•CA$117,909 - CA$147,377•Onsite

About The Position

The SCADA Operations Manager is accountable for strategic leadership and secure operations and maintenance of critical Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) for the Engineering Services Department. This role performs analytical, advisory, and leadership functions, acting independently as senior subject matter expert, asset manager and lead for SCADA and related operational technologies. Engineering’s SCADA systems support water, sewer, fire protection, neighbourhood energy, landfill, and other essential municipal services. These systems are geographically distributed, highly complex, and critical to public safety, environmental stewardship, emergency response, and service continuity. The role requires a high duty of care, responsiveness, confidentiality, and responsibility for ensuring system resilience, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery. This position is responsible for reliable implementation and operation of critical infrastructure systems, including development of design and operation standards, preventative and proactive maintenance plans and capital replacement programs and is responsible for budget planning and cost control.

Requirements

Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Engineering; or Technology Diploma in Computer Systems or Instrumentation; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
Registration or eligibility for registration with Engineers and Geoscientist of BC (EGBC) as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) or with the Association of Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) as Technologist
Minimum of 8 years experience managing SCADA, Operational Technology and/or Industrial Control Systems (ICS), preferably in the municipal field
Experience in hiring, developing and managing professional and technical staff, preferably in a Collective Bargaining environment
Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License
Extensive knowledge of Operational Technology, electrical instrumentation, controls and automation and data communication systems, including but not limited to: Industrial controllers and field sensors, Industrial servers and networking equipment, firewalls and cybersecurity, Programmable Logic Controls (PLCs), Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Radio communication equipment and networks, SCADA software and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), Data management and alarms management
Considerable knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems used in the water and wastewater industry, energy systems, landfill management or industrial thermal generation and/or plant processes
Considerable knowledge of Industrial Communication Protocols including MODBUS, DNP3, and BACnet
Extensive knowledge of programming and configuring SCADA serial/ethernet radios and configuring Industrial networking equipment including layer 2/3 switches and firewalls
Extensive knowledge of electronics, electrical, IT and personal computers and server-based machines including Windows and Linux based operating systems
Ability to program and configure SCADA systems, including Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram Language, .NET, Visual Basic
Ability to commission and support OT infrastructure, including SCADA and Industrial Control Systems
Knowledge of Asset Management principles as they apply to the life cycle management of SCADA and OT infrastructure and long-term planning
Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams and managing diverse stakeholder groups on complex OT programs and project portfolios
Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and engage an effective work team; coach and manage employees and staff that are not directly reporting to you to meet tight timelines and project schedules
Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships with external agencies, communities and partners
Strong conflict resolution skills with the ability to reconcile differing perspectives, develop consensus, and secure cooperation and support from both stakeholders and team members
An excellent track record in resolving complex automation and technical communication issues
Sound financial and budget management skills, including long-term planning and cost control
Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects and processes with competing schedules and resources
Ability to develop, document, review and revise formal working procedures and techniques
Ability to innovate, lead and implement change in the workplace
Familiar with the Canadian Electrical Code and National Building Code
Proficiency using Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint
Ability to respond to after hours calls in a timely manner

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with GE iFIX, VT SCADA, Motorola radios and RTUs, Intellution ACE and Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs would be beneficial

Responsibilities

Directs and oversees the operation, maintenance, commissioning, lifecycle management, and enhancement of Engineering Services’ Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
Leads a team of sub-professional and technical staff engaged in OT and SCADA engineering, operations, maintenance, software development, and communications technology
Provides expert technical and strategic advice to internal departments and divisions on SCADA operations, maintenance, implementation and capital renewal/upgrades
Identifies issues and finds technically sound, economically viable solutions that meet stakeholder business objectives, mitigate risk and aligns with adopted policies, framework and corporate drivers
Develops scope of work and technical requirements for contractual agreements and equipment purchases, include RFP, ITT, RFQ and works with Technology Services, Supply Chain Management and Legal Services
Leads the design review and acceptance process for SCADA infrastructure projects delivered by internal or external forces, ensuring commissioning with documentation and handover requirements
Represents the City in various regional, provincial and/or national Operational Technology and SCADA industry organizations
Responsible for developing and maintaining SCADA and OT design, operations and maintenance standards in accordance with, SCADA and industrial control systems technical standards, applicable design codes, specifications, guidelines, regulatory requirements and corporate objectives
Develops, collects and manages the retention of record drawings, system schematics, operating manuals, product information, and maintenance records
Prepares technical specifications and system requirements
Establishes, tracks, and analyzes operational performance goals and metrics to drive continuous improvement exercises and initiatives
Uses judgment and ingenuity to adapt standards and procedures to address complex, or high-risk situations
Leads and directs human resources activities including recruitment, assigning responsibilities, performance and attendance management, conflict resolution, discipline, coaching and mentoring
Provides on-going review and decision making with respect to staffing levels, employee engagement and performance management
Works collaboratively with staff to resolve complex technical, operational and design issues
Builds and sustains effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, external agencies, and regulatory bodies, with regular and transparent communication and engagement
Prepares and reviews reports, recommendations, technical memoranda, and technical specifications; delivers presentations to a variety of audiences
Develops, implements and monitors project and program management procedures and practices, quality measures, and best practices through formal coaching, mentoring, and skills and knowledge transfer to section staff
Responsible for operational management of SCADA systems, including hardware and software assets, licensing, lifecycle planning, budgeting, security administration, and user access control
Leads asset management planning, including capital replacement strategies, preventative maintenance programs, and standardization initiatives across departments and SCADA systems
Creates and administers support services model for SCADA operation, alarm response and escalation of urgent after-hours maintenance requests
Identifies and implements efficiency opportunities through centralized infrastructure, shared services, and standardized platforms
Contributes to long-range financial planning, asset management and capital and operating budget development with respect to SCADA infrastructure and systems
Develops, maintains, and updates emergency response and recovery plans related to SCADA and ICS systems
Leads routine and proactive reviews of business processes, engineering standards and specifications, and project and program management standards, based on technical expertise and lessons learned
Other duties/responsibilities as assigned