City of Tampa

This is highly technical work involving instrumentation maintenance of automation systems and of the host control computer network at Tampa Water Production.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class performs work of more than average difficulty in maintaining all instrumentation systems in operable working order for water plant control. Under general supervision the employee exercises reasonable initiative and independent judgment in locating and repairing defects in instrumentation systems and equipment and calibrating and maintaining plant instrumentation. Due to the nature of work with electricity, the employee must be cognizant of hazards and adhere to appropriate safety precautions. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion for technical adequacy and results achieved.

Run wiring for connection of additional Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) monitoring and control points to Input/Output (I/O) racks; assists in programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s) to accept and control I/O rack points through use of laptop computer.

Calibrates and maintains plant instrumentation dealing with SCADA control and process reporting, performing all calibrations and preventive maintenance service on flow meters, pressure meters, level meters, relay circuits, digital voltmeters, communication equipment, and programmable controllers as directed in manufacturer’s service specifications.

Troubleshoots all work orders involving SCADA control and report systems, process control and PID loops, I/O and PLC circuit boards, and instrumentation failures; maintains instrumentation telemetry of remote reporting systems, i.e. pressure points, elevated tanks and repump stations, and control connection to Morris Bridge SCADA; installs new instrumentation and connects to SCADA control, i.e. basin pH meters, BC pH meter, on-line finished water pH and turbidity meters, and surface scatter turbidimeters.

Works with electrical and mechanical maintenance to isolate instrumentation for repair and preventive maintenance service; orders supplies and spare parts for repair of instrumentation and control systems.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: instrumentation and control technology; installation and calibration of electronic and pneumatic instrumentation; computer maintenance and troubleshooting; installation, maintenance and operation of PLC systems; electrical wiring and splicing techniques of fiber optic cabling to I/O racks.

Working knowledge of: computer systems and networks; computer interfacing equipment; process stability, mode characteristics, and general process control loops; occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions in working around electrical equipment, wiring and devices; practices, methods, materials and tools of the instrumentation technology and mechanical trades; programming PLC’s.

Some knowledge of: ampmeters, voltmeters, pulse counters, frequency generators, and oscilloscopes.

Ability to: maintain equipment in good repair and calibration; locate, define and repair defects in instrumentation facilities, loops, and equipment; layout, install, alter, repair, and maintain a variety of instrumentation systems and equipment; interpret and work from technical sketches, schematics, and blueprints; create and maintain records; prepare and submit clear and concise reports; maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public.

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school, supplemented by course work in instrumentation and control systems, including basic electrical skills, and three (3) years of progressively responsible related experience in installation, maintenance, and calibration of industrial electric or pneumatic electronic control systems; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s license required.

Certification in Basic Electrical Skills and Level 1 and 2 I & C Skills per Tampa Water Department training program or ability to obtain within 18 months.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.