Career Center

Scada/Communications Technician I

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

The SCADA/Communications Technician I supports business critical applications through supporting the installation and maintenance of fiber optic systems and computer based electronic systems used in control and monitor of the electric power system. The technician performs database configuration and maintenance, logic programming, calibration, testing and repair of SCADA and communications equipment and other related responsibilities.  

TYPICAL TASKS:

Install, test, calibrate, and repair all types of electronic equipment from digital computer used in process controls to analog field devices. Involvement in the control and operation of the electrical distribution, transmission and generation systems.  This position requires the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to exercise independent judgement and initiative in the performance of tasks.  Assists staff with equipment applications, communications and SCADA circuit design and project work.  Considered competent in knowledge of safety practices and occupational hazards for all related power system equipment.  Work is typically performed on low-voltage circuits and near high-voltage equipment.  Development and preventative and emergency maintenance of computerized SCADA systems and peripherals, remote telemetry and data gathering systems, high voltage telemetering, communication systems, and other electronic equipment used in the process of power generation and transmission.  Assists in the development, implementation and maintenance of “C” language scripts, firewalls, antivirus programs and patch management.  Assists in the development of SCADA reports and energy accounting reports on an as needed basis and maintains and reviews all logs.  Assists in the development, implementation and maintenance of NERC CIP Standards guidelines and procedures.

Performs intermediate level computer and technical work through the application of a knowledge of electrical theory, computer hardware/software theory and experience and a competent understanding of power system equipment and operations. Executes intermediate troubleshooting and misoperations analysis and documentation.

Assists in the planning and performs installation and commissioning for all SCADA network communications programs and related equipment.  Provide training for and assists the Apprentice SCADA/Communications Technician(s) with hardware support and maintenance, applications support, system backups, backup hardware cycling, historical information systems maintenance and support, RTU maintenance, protocol applications and support and security monitoring.

Thoroughly documents all maintenance and repair records.  Must be able to work during emergencies and/or during inclement weather conditions, and without supervision.  Must be able to respond quickly to off-shift requests.  Work may be performed at remote sites, power plants, and/or at operations centers. Performs all other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles of electronics, particularly in the solid state digital field. 
• Ability to diagnose and repair complex computer and communication system troubles. 
• Must possess an advanced ability to understand, maintain and develop computer software and databases. 
• Knowledge of systems consisting of servers and workstations using LAN based         
• Knowledge of Network Bridges, Switches, Routers, Hubs, Firewalls, and TCP/IP.
• Skills in the use and care of electrical and electronic test equipment used in the various areas of the specialty such as oscilloscopes, digital logic analyzers, volt-ohm meters, communications line monitors, and other such test equipment used in the trade.
• Advanced level of computer and communications systems troubleshooting ability and an excellent ability to differentiate between computer hardware and software problems. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the standard methods, practices, tools and materials used for repair and maintenance of electronic and solid state electrical equipment. 
• Ability to interpret, redline and assist in the preliminary design of electrical blueprints, schematic diagrams, logic diagrams and service manuals. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of math as it relates to power systems and be skilled at conducting power system calculations. 
• Must have a competent level of understanding of safety practices and occupational hazards for all power system equipment and facilities.
• Capable of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other personnel, vendors and utilities. 
• Familiar with the implementation of NERC Standards as related to protective relays, SCADA and communications and well versed in the implementation of the NERC CIP Cyber Security Standards. 
• Ability to work independently and follow established policies and procedures. 
• Ability to meet the physical requirements for some climbing, such as ladders and work in   elevated areas.
• Able to gain access to and work in confined spaces for prolong period of time.
• Ability to lift or and displace up to 100 pounds.

Scada/Communications Technician II

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

This is a senior communication technician position.  The SCADA/Communications Technician II performs database configuration and maintenance, programming, calibration, testing and repair of SCADA and communications equipment and related responsibilities such as the SCADA database, SQL database, SCADA screen development, the FRCC RDL/ICCP network, SCADA development system, and automatic load shedding programs.   

TYPICAL TASKS:

Provides software tools for the control and operation of the electrical distribution, transmission and generation systems.  Develops, implements and maintains “C” language scripts, firewalls, antivirus programs and SCADA system patch management.  Demonstrates the knowledge, skills and experience required to be a SCADA/Communications systems network administrator.  Performs ma technical work through the application of knowledge of electrical theory, computer hardware/software theory and experience and a comprehensive understanding of power system equipment and operations.  Executes troubleshooting and misoperation analysis and documentation.  Assists Engineers with equipment applications, communications and SCADA circuit design and project work.  Provides technical communication assistance to substation and power plant technicians and electricians.    Work is typically performed on low-voltage circuits and near high-voltage equipment.  Advanced development, administration and preventative and emergency maintenance of computerized SCADA systems and peripherals, remote telemetry and data gathering systems, high voltage telemetering, communication systems, and other electronic equipment used in the process of power generation and transmission.  Develops SCADA reports and energy accounting reports on an as needed basis by maintaining and reviewing all logs.  Develops, implements, documents and maintains NERC CIP Standards guidelines and procedures.

Plans, administers and performs installation and commissioning for all SCADA network communications programs and related equipment.  Assists SCADA/Communications Technician(s) I with hardware support and maintenance, applications support, system backups, backup hardware cycling, historical information systems maintenance and support, RTU maintenance, protocol applications and support and security monitoring.  Develops new technologies and equipment and provides solutions to complex technical problems in the administration of the SCADA/Communications systems.

Thoroughly documents all maintenance and repair records.    Considered an expert in safety practices and occupational hazards for power systems and related equipment.  Work may be performed at remote sites, power plants, and/or at operations centers.   Performs all other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Independently manage assigned projects in SCADA, Communications, Database work, and Fiber Optics from creation to completion with minimal supervisory support.
• Knowledge of the principles of electronics, particularly in the solid-state digital field. 
• Ability to diagnose and repair complex computer and communication system troubles.
• Ability to understand, maintain and develop computer calculations and databases. 
• Knowledge of systems consisting of servers and workstations using LAN based communications.
• Knowledge of Network Bridges, Switches, Routers, Hubs, Firewalls, and TCP/IP.
• Skills in the use and care of electrical and electronic test equipment used in the various areas of the specialty such as ASE Test sets, Fiber Power Meters, Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR), volt-ohm meters, communications line monitors, and other such test equipment used in the trade.
• Advanced level of computer and communications systems troubleshooting ability and an excellent ability to differentiate between computer hardware and software problems. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the standard methods, practices, tools and materials used for repair and maintenance of electronic and solid state electrical equipment. 
• Ability to interpret, redline and assist in the preliminary design of electrical blueprints, schematic diagrams, logic diagrams and service manuals. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of math as it relates to power systems and be skilled at conducting power system calculations. 
• Competent level of understanding of safety practices and occupational hazards for all power system equipment/facilities and to report unsafe practices.
•  Capable of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other personnel, vendors and utilities. 
• Ability to use personal protection equipment properly and safely as directed or assigned.
• Able to work in adverse weather and operating conditions.
• Able to climb ladders and stairways and work in elevated areas.
• Able to gain access to and work in confined spaces for prolong periods of time.  
• Ability to work during emergencies and/or during inclement weather conditions.
• Able to respond quickly to off-shift requests.
• Ability to lift or and displace up to 100 pounds.

Scada/Communications Technician I

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent with supplemental course work in the area of the specialty.
• Three (3) years of directly related experience.
• Formal training in the following areas; Electronics, Control Systems, programming, Windows or UNIX, and Networking or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities and other competencies necessary for success in the target position (such as computer science, electronics, networking and/or power systems with computer hardware, software, technical communications protocol experience and demonstrable ability to perform power system calculations).
• Microsoft and Cisco certifications or equivalent experience is desired. 
• Experience in the operation, maintenance and administration of fiber optic equipment and cable installation, application software or equivalent experience is desired.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the State of Florida.

Must be able to see color to discern color-coded wiring or must be able to see all colors.

Scada/Communications Technician II

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Six (6) years directly related experience in the SCADA/Communications profession.
• Formal training in the following areas is desired: Electronics, Control Systems, programming, Windows or UNIX, and Networking.
• Microsoft and Cisco certifications or equivalent experience is desired. 
• Experience in the operation, maintenance and administration of fiber optic equipment and cable installation, application software are necessary or equivalent experience is desired.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities and other competencies necessary may be considered.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid appropriate driver's license issued by the State of Florida.

Must be able to see color to discern color-coded wiring or must be able to see all colors.

About Kissimmee Utility Authority

KUA owns, operates and manages the municipal electric system established by the City of Kissimmee in 1901. KUA is the sixth largest utility in Florida. KUA's 300 employees serve approximately 77,000 customers in Kissimmee and surrounding areas.

Connections working at Kissimmee Utility Authority