M & O

CONTROL SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN I/II/III

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under regular supervision (CST I), general supervision (CST II), or direction (CST III), performs a variety of skilled maintenance duties involved in the installation, repair, maintenance, and programming of instrumentation, electrical/electronic equipment, telemetry systems and equipment, and wiring in water and/or wastewater treatment plants, sewage lift stations, water distribution facilities, and hydro-electric plants.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Control Systems Technician I – This is the entry level class in the Control Systems Technician series. Positions at this level have prior experience in electrical and mechanical repair and maintenance in an industrial facility including some experience with instrumentation but are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Control Systems Technician II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Individuals at this level are expected to become fully knowledgeable of the assigned area, learn the full range of maintenance and repair functions, and learn to perform complex programming of software utilized by the control system. Certification as Grade 1 Plant Maintenance is required within 18 months.

Control Systems Technician II – This is the journey level class in the Control Systems Technician series. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform complex programming of PLCs, utilize basic functions of Wonderware, and write simple programs. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Control Systems Technician II level are normally filled by advancement from the Control Systems Technician I level. Positions at this level require two years of experience comparable to a CST I with the City of Escondido and certification as a Grade 2 Plant Maintenance Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist.

Control Systems Technician III – This is the advanced journey level class in the Control Systems Technician series. Positions at this level require demonstrated ability to perform the most advanced functions related to the maintenance and repair of equipment at all facilities, to perform complex programming of PLCs and Wonderware, and to provide instruction and assistance to users. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Control Systems Technician III level are normally filled by advancement from the Control Systems Technician II level. Positions at this level require two years of experience comparable to a CST II with the City of Escondido and certification as a Grade 3 Plant Maintenance Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Installs, services, tests, repairs, maintains, and replaces electrical/electronic equipment in water and/or wastewater treatment plants including conduits, ducts, raceways, transformers, electrical and electronic circuits, telemetering equipment, and fixtures.
• Installs, maintains, repairs, and calibrates all direct and remote instrumentation and related equipment required in pumping, metering, and treatment including audio tone links for telemetry and supervisory control, electromechanical and electronic transmitters and receivers, differential pressure producing flow meters, timers, and alarms.
• Performs field maintenance, installation, and repair on switches, panels, motors, generators, light and power circuits, telemetry equipment, measuring devices, flow transmitters, timers, alarms, and other related devices.
• Checks, repairs, and calibrates pneumatic controls and instrumentation; maintains records of calibrations.
• Performs preventive maintenance at all facilities; tests for defects; removes, replaces, and repairs worn or deficit wiring outlets and fixtures; interacts with Operators to ensure equipment is fully operational; trains Operators in the electrical portions of equipment.
• Learns and applies various programming languages necessary for utilizing the SCADA system including programming PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and the software (Wonderware) that is used as an interface.
• Specifies, programs, diagnoses, repairs, and tunes Distributed Control Systems, Programmable Logic Controllers, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System, and Computer Based Monitoring and Controls System.
• Reviews blueprints and works with engineers and contractors on various aspects of the plant upgrade; provides recommendations for changes or additions; designs systems; plans electrical installations; builds special electrical and electronic equipment.
• Trouble shoots new equipment and works with appropriate vendors to learn functionality and how to maintain and repair.
• Maintains records of instrument repair and parts inventory; orders parts as necessary.
• Specifies, installs, diagnoses, and repairs office information systems.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Basic theories, fundamentals, and principles of electricity and electronics related to the repair and operation of power devices, pump motors, switching equipment, process control instrumentation, and tone and digital telemetry.
• Methods, materials, tools, and testing equipment used in the installation, maintenance, servicing, calibration, repair, and programming of electrical and electronic equipment used in water and/or wastewater treatment plants, sewage lift stations, water distribution facilities, and hydro-electric plants.
• Methods, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of communications, computing, and telemetry equipment used in pumping and treatment facilities including PLC’s, SCADA, WAN, LAN, and telemetry systems.
• Radio telemetry principles.
• Computer and microprocessor operation and applications.
• Process control hardware and software.
• Cathodic protection systems.
• Sophisticated and complex instrumentation and equipment.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Laws, rules, codes, and regulations relating to electrical system and electronic maintenance and repair work.
• Design and installation principles related to electrical/instrumentation equipment.
• Electrical and electronic schematic diagrams and blueprints.
• Time, materials, and labor cost estimating for maintenance and repair projects.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of specialized work assignments requiring substantial skill and knowledge of electrical and electronic systems.
• Install, maintain, repair, modify, and operate electrical/electronic systems.
• Inspect, detect problems, troubleshoot, and take appropriate action to correct electrical and electronic failures and faults.
• Calibrate and test a variety of systems and instruments including hazardous gas monitoring instruments.
• Evaluate new technologies applicable to the facilities.
• Design and install new electrical/instrumentation equipment and PLC control systems.
• Perform PLC and SCADA programming, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Skillfully use the tools and testing equipment required for electrical and electronic repair work.
• Read and interpret a variety of charts and gauges.
• Perform strenuous manual labor, often exposed to difficult and hazardous conditions.
• Prepare cost estimates and estimates of materials and equipment needs.
• Maintain detailed records and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Read, interpret, understand, and work from plans, schematics, technical manuals, diagrams, blueprints and drawings.
• Analyze work problems and make corrections that will facilitate the completion of assignments.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Control Systems Technician I/II/III

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work or trade school training in electrical, electronics, or instrumentation technology or a related field.

Control Systems Technician I

Experience: Four years experience in electrical or mechanical repair and maintenance in an industrial facility including some experience with instrumentation. Experience with computers is desirable.  One additional year of experience may be substituted for the required college level course work or trade school training in electrical, electronics, or instrumentation technology or a related field.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain within eighteen months of appointment, certification as Grade I Plant Maintenance issued by the CWEA.  Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver’s License.

Control Systems Technician II

Experience: Two years of experience comparable to a Control Systems Technician I with the City of Escondido.

License or Certificate: Possession of certification as a Grade 2 Plant Maintenance Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Control Systems Technician III

Experience: Two years of experience comparable to a Control Systems Technician II with the City of Escondido.

License or Certificate: Possession of certification as a Grade 3 Plant Maintenance Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Inside and outside environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, high voltage, electrical and radiant energy, toxic materials, and inclement weather; work in or with water.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to walk, stand, stoop, bend, crawl, climb, and kneel; to perform heavy, moderate, or light lifting, pulling, and carrying; and to operate assigned equipment and vehicles.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: August 2011
Revised by JP/Department

Date: January 2006
Revised by MH/Department