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ASSISTANT AUTOMATION / CONTROLS ENGINEER MONROE TOWNSHIP UTILITY DEPARTMENT

General Description:

Under direction, this position is responsible for assisting in the implementation, maintenance and support of the automation/process control infrastructure within the department. Provides expert assistance and collaborates in creating engineering plans, designs, monitoring, building and commissioning of automation/process control systems. Understands and applies new technological systems and multiple vendor products to develop and support innovative systems solutions that match operational and business requirements. Assists in the development of standards, practices and policies related to the installation, maintenance and operations of automation/process control systems. Develops, deploys and maintains standards and custom programming and configuration code for the automation/process control and utility information technology (IT) infrastructure, which includes 24/7 on call and site maintenance and repair as required. Performs quality assurance checks of automation and process control systems, manages direct reports and performs other related duties as required.

NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Duties Include But Are Not Limited To:

  • Works collaboratively with design engineers, operations personnel, and other internal staff on the design, review, information gathering, inspection, and commissioning / start-up of projects that include process control equipment or systems;
  • Develops programming and configuration code for process control systems, makes changes to existing programs, reviews work performed by outside contractors, and coordinates control system issues between project engineering, the instrumentation contractor, and Utility management;
  • Reviews control logic strategies and implements programming changes to optimize control strategies for treatment and pumping processes and automates where appropriate;
  • Performs/coordinates maintenance activities on process control equipment/systems;
  • Performs upgrades, adds new facilities, and provides replacement of hardware/software;
  • Troubleshoots and resolves control system issues;
  • Investigates new technological developments and processes. Researches, recommends, and implements systems to enhance Systems functionality and reliability;
  • Advises, instructs, and/or assists operating company personnel on proper operation and maintenance of Process Control and IT equipment or Systems. Provides Technical instruction as required.
  • Works with operations personnel to implement appropriate policies, standards, practices, and guidelines for all phases of Process Control implementation and maintenance;
  • Works with members of operating company to enforce compliance with mandatory Process Control policies and procedures;
  • Makes recommendations to change standards and methods to improve processes and results;
  • Coordinates with the Township’s IT Manager to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, regulations and requirements;
  • Performs other routine and on-call duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

  • Ability to be on call as needed (evenings, holidays, weekends, etc.)
  • Strong knowledge of P&IDs, control elementary drawings, ISA instrument specifications and loop diagrams;
  • Working knowledge of industrial control systems platforms including PLC/DCS/HMI programming/design/configuration;
  • Knowledge of process computers and data collection methods. Understanding of PC Networking technology, telemetry methods and historical archiving databases;
  • Strong knowledge of project management and application development methodologies and tools;
  • Knowledge of business applications, Microsoft Office products and productivity tools (e.g. MS Word, MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes);
  • Demonstrative knowledge of engineering concepts and their application in water/wastewater equipment and systems operations;
  • Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation process control equipment and systems;
  • Demonstrated ability to configure programmable process controllers PLCs / RTUs (Allen – Bradley, Modicon, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Emerson);
  • Demonstrated ability to configure HMI with Iconics, Intellution, or Wonderware;
  • Ability to develop Process Control Functional descriptions.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex process control problems related to water / wastewater systems;
  • Proficient with identifying, planning, scheduling, conducting, and coordinating detailed phases of Capital Projects;
  • Proficient with data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and radio telemetry;
  • Ability to execute projects from conception to start-up within budget and project schedule;
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changes in priority efficiently;
  • Good verbal and written communication skills, including presentation expertise and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly;
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail;
  • Ability to follow safety precautions in the operation of assigned tools and equipment;
  • Excellent interpersonal, people and people management skills (e.g. listening, coaching, facilitating, tact/diplomacy, employee relations, development, motivation, team building);
  • Ability to organize assigned work, provide instruction, develop effective work methods and supervise performance;
  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task, be self-motivated, detail-oriented and able to function efficiently within a fast paced and sometimes stressful environment;
  • Ability to rapidly assess options and likely consequences when under time pressure to make decisions or solve problems;
  • Ability to deal effectively and patiently with the general public, other Township employees including management and municipal officials in a pleasant, tactful, professional and efficient manner;
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented environment with the ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships;
  • Ability to read, write, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

  • Ability to lift, carry or drag up to 50lbs.; and
  • Position requires walking or standing for long periods; climbing stairs and bending, kneeling, crouching and crawling; reaching, holding, grasping and turning objects.

LICENSE, EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

  • Must possess a valid NJ Driver’s License;
  • Five years (5) of experience in the maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, repair and installation of a Process Control System and Utility IT systems;
  • Experience with systems (SCADA and DCS), configuration and programming of PLCs/RTUs (Allen-Bradley, Modicon, Rockwell automation, Siemens, Emerson) and HMIs (Iconics, Intellution, Wonderware), control and instrument loops;
  • Experience with data communication systems, protocols, wired / wireless network systems, and radio telemetry;
  • Experience with OPC, Visual Basics, and SQL applications;
  • Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree or equivalent. Significant additional experience and/or certifications or other education and training may be substituted for formal education.

Successful candidate must be eighteen (18) years of age or older and reside in New Jersey unless otherwise exempted by law. Will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical, background / reference check and motor vehicle record check.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the Township undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Wages:

Depending on qualifications (DOQ).

Application Procedure:

Interested parties may obtain applications from the Division of Health & Human Resources located at Monroe Township Municipal Complex, 1 Municipal Plaza, Monroe Township, NJ 08831 or by visiting www.monroetwp.com. Completed applications should include a cover letter with resume attached and submitted to the Division of Health & Human Resources. Application Deadline: Will be posted until the position has been filled.

THE TOWNSHIP OF MONROE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)