The SCADA Specialist is primarily responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the Company’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems. The SCADA Specialist also interfaces with Control Center and field personnel in supporting and enhancing the SCADA system and when necessary, resolve system issues.
The following represents the majority of the duties performed by the position but is not meant to be all inclusive nor prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary.
1. Complies with DOT and OSHA health, safety and environmental requirements and follows safety philosophy and procedures developed by the Company including: applicable environmental, health and safety rules, procedures, and accepted safe work practices, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safety systems, and the reporting of workplace hazards and injury or illness arising from workplace activities; observes the workplace to identify conditions or behaviors that should be corrected and takes appropriate action.
2. Responsible for SCADA system implementation, integration, operation, support and maintenance that includes data analysis, screen development, database updates, point to point checkout and documentation.
3. Creates SCADA display screens including one-lines, overviews, etc. for the Control Center Technicians.
4. Provides input in determining the most appropriate and cost-effective application of available SCADA technology. Evaluates the performance of existing SCADA and supporting computer systems against performance standards and recommends corrective measures to resolve problems or recommends the need for external repair services.
5. Assists with researching prospective SCADA hardware and software components, technical support materials and information from equipment manufacturers and vendors to determine capability of equipment for current and future needs.
6. Provides technical advice and guidance to Control Center and pipeline field technicians in operation and maintenance of SCADA equipment and systems and the resolution of related problems. Manages work assignments through the
Management of Change (MOC) process for Control Center Control Room Management (CRM).
7. Creates and presents training programs on the operation and maintenance of SCADA equipment as requested.
8. Creates and maintains documentation and data archives relating to SCADA and compiles information and prepares reports reflecting operational SCADA activities.
9. Maintains and analyzes the operation of SCADA alarm management systems to identify trends, make recommendations and implement changes to configurations and documentation. Creates and maintains reports relating to SCADA alarm metrics.
Education and Experience
- An associate’s degree in computer science, management information systems or a related technical field or its equivalent in experience and five (5) years of work experience involving computer systems analysis and programming is required. A bachelor’s level of education in the same field and experience within the pipeline industry is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to actively engage in safe behavior and understand and follow the principles and methods related to pipeline and workplace safety as established by the Company.
- Knowledge of emergency and safety procedures, policies procedures, equipment operating parameters, and all applicable DOT, EPA, FERC, DHS and OSHA requirements.
- Ability to utilize various Microsoft Windows applications and a proficiency in the use of various programming and scripting languages (e.g. Perl, C, Visual Basic, and SQL) and application software is required to create new systems and to manage, record, and evaluate information.
- Ability to understand P&ID diagrams or other related documentation of piping and field instrumentation such as temperature and pressure transducers, densitometers, flow meters, provers, and samplers.
- Knowledge of pipeline operations and procedures.
- Knowledge of SCADA/HMI applications in the liquid and gas pipelines industry; Ethernet networking, field instrumentation and equipment protocols and pipeline communications and experience in OASys DNA is preferred.
- Ability to detect, isolate and resolve information system problems in a dynamic and fast paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
- Well-developed written communication skills are required to develop written specifications, instruction manuals and training materials.
- Well-developed verbal communications skills are required to exchange technical information with external vendors and internal personnel to develop equipment specifications and resolve problems.
- Ability to effectively work and cooperate with supervisors, co-workers and vendors.
- Ability to follow corporate policies and the directions of supervisors.
- Ability to refrain from causing or contributing to the disruption of the workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
