General DescriptionIrvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for a
Senior Automation System Administrator in our Automation Department.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, August 26, 2024. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.
The District Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.
The Position The Senior Automation System Administrator plays a crucial role in overseeing Automation projects, system integration, lifecycle management, architectural design, and standards development. This multifaceted position entails leading system integrators and contractors, as well as supervising Automation Programmers. Additionally, it involves coordinating with stakeholders across various departments to execute projects to maintain and enhance the Automation Infrastructure. Key responsibilities include developing project proposals, managing contractors, coordinating system changes with Operations, and integrating business, technical, process, and compliance requirements into Automation Systems to improve efficiency, security, and reliability.
Summary of DutiesLeading Automation Programmers:
- Lead, supervise, train, develop and oversee Automation Programmers, providing guidance, assigning work, and oversee the day-to-day performance of employees to ensure high performance and customer-service oriented work environment.
Integration of Business, Technical, Process, and Compliance Requirements:
- Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business objectives, technical constraints, process, and compliance requirements. Incorporate these considerations into project development and specifications for the Automation Systems.
Lifecycle Management:
- Oversee the entire lifecycle, replacement, and upgrade of software and hardware of Automation Infrastructure, from conceptualization, design, development, installation, deployment, witness testing, commissioning, startup, training, operating, maintenance, and patching to decommissioning. Incorporate elements from ISA112 SCADA System Lifecycle.
Lifecycle Roadmap:
- Initiate and manage capital replacement projects for aging or obsolete automation technology and infrastructure, prioritizing projects based on lifecycle assessment and business needs. Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance Departments, and stakeholders on capital projects, ensuring alignment with organizational long-term goals and objectives.
Project Management:
- Develop project proposals encompassing cost estimates, scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements. Present proposals to management for approval and act as a Project Manager to oversee the execution of approved projects.
Managing System Integrators and Contractors:
- Assume responsibility for overseeing system integrators and contractors throughout all phases, from selection and onboarding to execution and project completion.
- Provide technical training on automation standards, procedures, requirements, and guidelines to staff, system integrators, and contractors . Ensure system integrators and contractors have sufficient competence and training before granting work authorization in the production environment.
- Coordinate with Operations to obtain authorization to proceed with any changes that may impact the availability of the Automation System.
- For projects executed by the Engineering Department, provide technical support and coordinate closely between the Engineering team and system integrators to ensure alignment with the schedule and project requirements throughout various phases of the project.
Architectural Design and Standards Development:
- Continuously assess and enhance standards and specifications to align with evolving business, process, compliance, technical, and cybersecurity requirements to ensure that the Automation Infrastructure remains up to date with industry standards and best practices. Lead Automation Programmers in implementing the most recent industry standards and best practices to formulate the SCADA Master plan and long-term strategic plan, encompassing system architecture, control narratives, operational philosophy, programming standards, graphical user interface standards, procedures, and guidelines for SCADA, PLC, and communication systems.
Security and Compliance:
- Collaborate with Cybersecurity Analyst to evaluate and implement robust security measures and protocols to safeguard Automation systems against cyber threats and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Optimization Strategies:
- Develop and implement optimization strategies to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and performance of the Automation System. Utilize data analysis techniques to identify areas for improvement and lead Automation Programmers to implement targeted solutions to optimize control processes.
Root Cause Analysis:
- Conduct root cause analysis for system failures or performance issues. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to determine the underlying causes and develop strategies to prevent recurrence.
Success Criteria and Performance Metrics:
- Define success criteria and key performance indicators (KPIs) for projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives. Establish metrics to measure project success, such as project delivery timelines, budget adherence, system uptime, and user satisfaction. Regularly monitor and evaluate project performance against established metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
Continuous Improvement:
- Stay abreast of emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in SCADA systems and automation lifecycle management. Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains.
Additional Requirements:
- After-hours accessibility will be required as needed to meet District needs.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications Education: - A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, automation control system integration, or a related field. For degrees obtained outside the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.
Experience: - Minimum of five (5) years of experience with Automation/SCADA systems and a minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience, preferably in the water and wastewater industry required.
- Proficiency in SCADA software platforms such as Wonderware or Ignition.
- Proficiency in Schneider Modicon PLC and its associated software, including ProWORX NxT, Schneider Electric Control Expert (formerly Unity Pro), and Concept.
- Strong understanding of automation systems, PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and communication protocols (e.g., Modbus).
- Solid knowledge of cybersecurity principles and practices, especially as related to SCADA systems.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
License/Certifications: - A valid California driver's license is required.
- Relevant certifications: ISA Certified Automation Professional, CompTIA Security+, Project Management Professional (PMP) are a plus.
Additional Information IRWD Corporate Values Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.
IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.
The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees and management. Represent District in a professional manner when dealing with outside suppliers and customers. Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well-established policies, procedures and standards, as well as the ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple and difficult requests from others.
Mathematical Ability
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide and calculate percentages, fractions and decimals. Ability to convert water equivalents.
Technology Ability
Proficient with the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Keyboarding abilities sufficient to perform the job.
Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
Ability to use good judgment in performing influence functions such as supervising, managing, leading, teaching and directing assigned staff. Ability to use good judgment in decision making with customers.
Physical Requirements
Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stand and stoop. Occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs.
Environmental Adaptability
Ability to work in an environment that may expose employees to toxic or other materials in the field. Exposure to elements of the weather and animals.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.
Retirement Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.
Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.
IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.
Medical InsuranceIRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Dental InsuranceIRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Vision InsuranceIRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Life InsuranceElgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.
Deferred CompensationParticipation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.
Paid VacationEligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment and are eligible to use paid vacation time after 6 months of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.
Paid HolidaysThe District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.
Sick LeaveEligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.
Flexible Spending AccountsEligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.
Educational AssistanceThe District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.
Closing Date/Time: Continuous
