Two Operational Technology (OT) Technician's I

Halifax Water; Halifax; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Halifax Water is seeking an OT Technician I to operate, maintain, and configure ICS across our water and wastewater facilities. You will monitor SCADA, program PLCs, calibrate instrumentation, and support security for the ICS environment.

The role requires two years of instrumentation/SCADA experience, electrical safety knowledge, and willingness to obtain required licenses. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Halifax.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of instrumentation and SCADA systems experience including PLC programming, networking, systems integration, HMI applications, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics and diagrams.
• Willing to obtain Nova Scotia Water Distribution Operator Certificate – Level 2 and a valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Monitor SCADA systems for alarms, operational status, and communication issues.
• Maintain and operate ICS equipment including controllers, sensors, actuators, and VFDs.
• Program, configure, install and maintain PLCs, DCS, HMIs, and related I/O modules.

Education

Grade 12 + Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologist certificate

PLC programming, SCADA, HMI training

Instrumentation and SCADA experience

Tools

Rockwell Automation

DeltaV

VTScada

PLC programming

Modbus/Ethernet/IP

Job description

Operational Technology (OT) Technician I

Term | Full Time

Competition #

Department

Corporate Services

Primary Function

• Operational Technology (OT) Technician I is responsible for the operation, maintenance, interrogation, and configuration of the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) throughout Halifax Water. Duties also include installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various instrumentation, radio communication equipment, automated controls, and any other ICS related equipment within Halifax Water. This role will support water and wastewater staff in ICS and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) as it pertains to their facilities. The OT Technician I will contribute to enhancing the security and resilience of the entire Industrial Control System. The role involves working with control systems, sensors, actuators, variable-frequency drives (VFD’s), and control panels to ensure the efficient and safe operation of industrial processes.

Duties & Responsibilities

Maintain strong knowledge and understanding of arc flash and electrical safety.

Monitor SCADA systems for alarms, operational status, and communication issues. Analyze information using trends and reports to suggest actions and repairs.

Support operations in testing, maintenance, and controls of booster pumping equipment and control equipment for the operation of the water and wastewater systems.

Responsible for operation, daily maintenance, and emergency response for water booster stations.

Select, install, calibrate, monitor, maintain and ensure the accuracy of various instrumentation throughout Halifax Water’s distribution, collections, and treatment facilities. Instrumentation pertaining to, but not limited to flow, pressure, level, pH, free chlorine, and turbidity.

Select, install, monitor, program, configure, and troubleshoot VFDs, actuators, pump controllers, and chemical injection pumps.

Program, configure, install, and maintain various Programable Logic Controller (PLC) systems and Distributed Control Systems (DCS). Install, maintain, and configure various analog and discrete I/O modules, network adapters, and other equipment in PLC and DCS applications.

Install, configure, maintain, and repair radio telemetry equipment located at heights, by using aerial work platforms, or climbing reservoirs and towers. Maintain documentation of all radio telemetry systems and equipment.

Modify, program, and configure HMI (Human Machine Interface) displays, tag databases, and alarm notification for various SCADA software systems.

Repair and implement security features for computers, switches, firewalls, telemetry devices and any other networking equipment within the ICS environment.

Practice, follow, and maintain all cyber security recommendations on ICS networking infrastructure and equipment.

Install, repair, and maintain collectors and repeaters within the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network. Utilize AMI software to configure devices and resolve communications issues.

Assist the engineering department in the commissioning of electrical and controls for treatment plants, water distribution, wastewater collections, and other SCADA installations. Test and configure equipment at new facilities to be monitored on the SCADA system.

Develop, maintain, review, and organize electronic and paper CAD documents pertaining to electrical and instrumentation for ICS and SCADA systems.

Responsible for performing rotational standby duty, including after-hours work, unplanned and emergency responses, as per operational requirements.

Perform other related duties as may be assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Technical Services Supervisor

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Education:

Grade 12, plus additional Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologist, or equivalent technical certificate from a recognized educational institution.

Specialized training in PLC programming, SCADA, and HMI applications.

Experience:

A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in instrumentation and SCADA systems including PLC programming, networking, systems integration, HMI applications, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics and diagrams.

Other Requirements

Must be willing to obtain Nova Scotia Water Distribution Operator Certificate – Level 2

Must have a valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License.

Must be willing to undertake and maintain the following safety training:

First Aid

Globally Harmonized System (GHS) (Formerly WHMIS)

Additional safety training as identified based on legislative and operational requirement

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Will be expected to work both as a team member and independently.

Strong knowledge of electrical and electronic principles, including electrical circuits and components.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical ability to perform duties with use of ladders, scaffolding, and mobile elevated work platforms. Be able to work at heights, confined spaces, excavation sites, and hazardous locations. Work in water and wastewater environments, with exposure to hazardous chemicals, gases, and materials. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Knowledge of MODBUS based remote terminal units, Rockwell Automation, and DeltaV control systems is considered an asset

Knowledge of VTScada, Pi, or other HMI/Historians is considered an asset.

Knowledge of instrument calibration, configuration, and setup is considered an asset.

Knowledge of network protocols, such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and Profibus, is considered an asset.

Experience in a manufacturing or process control environment is considered an asset.

Knowledge of cyber security best practices in an operational technology environment is considered an asset.

Must have strong computer skills.

Conditional Items Required for Employment:

• Satisfactory background check
• Satisfactory pre-employment testing

Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.

Halifax Water’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve, at all job levels. Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success, and the success of our community. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, LGBTQ+ community, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities andIndigenous persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter.