WATER PLANT AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN

Recruitment #2209-0874NR-001

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Introduction

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big-city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed old-world charm with a breathtaking Art Museum, top-flight arts and cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose

The Water Plant Automation Technician installs, repairs, services, and calibrates process control equipment and instrumentation in the Linnwood and Howard Purification Plants; the North Point, Riverside, Howard, and Texas Pumping Stations; 11 booster stations; and any other locations where the Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) has instrumentation.

This is a first-shift position.

Essential Functions

Water Plant Equipment Maintenance and Repair

  • Perform and document maintenance calibrations, installation, fault diagnosis, and repair of electronic, electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic instruments and systems, such as pressure, level, and flow transmitters, pH, conductivity, RTDs (resistance temperature detectors), PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controllers, process analytical equipment, and security devices.
  • Configure and perform fault diagnosis on instruments using pneumatic, 4-20mA, HART (highway addressable remote transducer), MODBUS RTU (remote terminal unit), MODBUS TCP (transmission control protocol), Ethernet I/P, or wireless signals for data transmission.
  • Using a variety of test equipment, such as pressure gauges, pulse and signal generators, and digital multi-meters, test the accuracy of flowmeters, pressure gauges, temperature indicators, controllers, and other recording, indicating, or controlling instruments to locate defective components in the system.
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair plant security cameras and security systems.

Documentation and Special Projects

  • Use computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) for maintaining records of preventative and demand maintenance requests.
  • Maintain detailed equipment repair logs and documentation.
  • Work with the Water Plant Controls Engineer on projects related to the MWW automated systems. Assist with the installation of new instruments and the building of automated systems.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy here: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/derAuthors/Policies/COVID-19EmployeeVaccinationPolicy.pdf.

The Water Plant Automation Technician must be willing and able to do the following:

  • Respond to after-hours emergencies to maintain operating systems throughout the treatment plants and pumping stations.
  • Have the ability to see colors in order to use color-coded wiring systems (i.e., cannot have color vision deficiency).
  • Have the ability to work in confined underground spaces.
  • Perform physical activities in the work environment that require agility, including ascending and descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, or poles; walking and standing; and crawling, crouching, kneeling, reaching, balancing, pushing, and pulling.
  • Perform physical work, lifting and moving objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Work inside water plant and pumping environments that include occasional areas of high noise levels and are in close proximity to hazardous chemicals.
  • Wear appropriate safety equipment, including safety shoes, glasses, and hearing protection.
  • Work occasionally in adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time.
  • NOTE: Water plant section employees are considered essential and must report to work no matter the weather conditions or emergency event.

Minimum Requirements

1.  Associate degree in electronics technology or a related field from an accredited college PLUS one year of full-time experience in the electronics technology field diagnosing and repairing process control equipment and instruments, 

OR Three years of full-time experience in the electronics technology field diagnosing and repairing process control equipment and instruments.

2.  Valid driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

  • Knowledge of electrical concepts, including control wiring and programming and operation of control panels, transducers, and machines.
  • Knowledge of mechanical concepts, including fastening, piping, pressure, and flow.
  • Knowledge of Rockwell Automation’s Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC).
  • Ability to utilize computer software, including the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability to read electrical, piping, and construction prints and diagrams.
  • Ability to read and understand technical manuals when installing new equipment and instruments.
  • Knowledge of mathematics, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
  • Ability to use basic electrical and electronic test equipment for troubleshooting issues, including pressure gauges, pulse and signal generators, and digital multimeters.
  • Ability to perform maintenance calibrations, installation, fault diagnosis, and repair of electronic, electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic instruments and systems.
  • Ability to use hand tools and other mechanical equipment common to the profession.

Communication, Interpersonal, and Judgment

  • Written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information in writing.
  • Verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively and cooperatively with coworkers and vendors whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
  • Decision-making and problem-solving skills to be able to handle complex technical, electrical, and electronic issues.
  • Ability to take initiative and apply creative approaches to solving problems. 
  • Ability to be tactful and courteous and to work both independently and as a team to resolve technical issues. 
  • Ability to remain calm and stay in control in the midst of high-pressure situations.
  • Commitment to staying current with constantly changing hardware and software associated with industrial control systems.
  • Ability to follow detailed instructions and pay attention to detail.

Current Salary

The current starting salary range (Pay Grade 3MN) is $49,136-$62,244 annually. The resident wage incentive salary range is $50,610-$64,111 annually for City of Milwaukee residents. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon qualifications and is subject to approval.

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Clinic Services 
  • Onsite Employee Assistance Program
  • Alternative Work Schedules
  • Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Tuition Benefits
  • Paid Vacation
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
  • Flexible Spending Arrangement
  • Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Selection Process

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after the application deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

  • APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.  
  • Applications should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
  • If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
  • The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

EEO = 303

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.