Control & Instrumentation Operator

City of Missoula; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Missoula is seeking a Control and Instrumentation Operator to operate and maintain our water supply facilities. You will work with SCADA and telemetry systems, troubleshoot electrical components, and support system upgrades for reliability.

This role offers collaboration with engineers, oversight of contracted work, and participation in operational, maintenance, and capital budgets. A formal career ladder provides annual pay progression and a pathway to lead maintenance initiatives.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of water treatment principles and practices.
• Knowledge of SCADA controls and alarms.
• Ability to read maps and drawings and interpret SCADA data.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic control equipment.
• Operate SCADA and telemetry systems to monitor water facilities.
• Assist engineers and oversee contracted work on projects.
• Participate in budgeting and develop maintenance plans.
• Follow safety protocols and maintain accurate maintenance records.

Job description

Are you a skilled professional with experience in electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems?

The City of Missoula is seeking a Control and Instrumentation Operator to play a key role in the operation and maintenance of our water supply facilities. In this position, you’ll work with SCADA and telemetry systems, troubleshoot electrical components, and maintain critical infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply for the community. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with engineers, oversee contracted work, and contribute to system upgrades for improved efficiency.

Starting Pay:

New hires start within our entry-to-market range, depending on experience and qualifications. The starting range for the position is $31.99 - $35.55/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments.

Full Pay Range: Each position also has a full wage range that reflects potential growth over time, including annual increases for longevity and cost-of-living. The full range for the position is $31.99 - $37.67/hour.

This represents the entry-to-market for each level within a formal career ladder, with pay progression tied to the advancement and increasing complexity of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Career Ladder Level I - $31.99 - $35.55/hour
Career Ladder Level II - $33.94 - $38.13/hour
Career Ladder Level III - $36.00 - $40.91/hour

This position is part of a formal career ladder tying pay progression to the advancement and complexity of assigned duties and responsibilities.

• Maintain and troubleshoot all electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic system control equipment.
• Perform de-energized electrical work on large motors and buildings; maintain motor controls and starters, including reduced voltage and variable-frequency drive (VFD); troubleshoot de-energized high voltage and print readings.
• Maintain telemetry/Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and reservoir level control components; utilize radios for transmitting data for SCADA and telemetry controls.
• Assist with various aspects of production, including overseeing contracted production work.
• Perform routine inspections and maintenance of all water production and storage facilities; identify any improper functioning equipment or operations.
• Collect well bacti samples and chlorine residual data.
• Operate, maintain, and repair chlorinators, meters, pumps, wells, boosters, generators, system transducers, Cla-Vals, valves, and flow controls; perform electrical lockouts.
• Assist with energy management.
• Participate in the development and preparation of operational, maintenance, and capital budgets.
• Maintain maintenance programs database and production records.
• Observe established safety and health protocols, including traffic control, confined space entry, and power equipment operation.
• Communicate with the public to address inquiries and complaints.
• Operate and maintain various hand tools, equipment, vehicles, computers, and other technology to perform operations and maintenance functions within the water supply facilities.
• Utilize and maintain maps, blueprints, wiring schematics, and sketches.
• Collaborate with engineers, consultants, and other operations staff to design and implement system upgrades or modifications to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications.

• Knowledge of water treatment principles and practices, including water treatment plant operations, sampling, water quality, etc.
• Knowledge of basic SCADA controls, alarms, and screen navigation.
• Knowledge of 3 phase 480VAC energy sources, including the ability to de-energize and troubleshoot power failures.
• Knowledge of, and ability to promote, department safety considerations, City safety policies, including OSHA standards and guidelines.
• Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365, and the ability to learn job-specific applications and equipment.
• Skill in safely operating various tools, vehicles, and other equipment.
• Skill in the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including arc flash requirements and regulations.
• Skill in managing multiple projects with shifting priorities and timeline demands.
• Skill in organization, time management, and prioritizing with the proven ability to have keen attention to detail and accuracy in performing work with adherence to strict deadlines.
• Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from maps, field notes, drawings, and information from SCADA systems.
• Ability to maintain current knowledge, developments, and trends related to specific areas of focus and/or assigned projects.
• Ability to maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain and foster a culture of professionalism, adhere to departmental and City standards and specifications, and support a positive team environment.
• Ability to resolve conflicts with facilitating outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Ability to learn departmental and City of Missoula practices and procedures, including Missoula Municipal Code and other federal, state, and local regulations related to water treatment and water quality.

Working Conditions

• Position requires the ability to lift and maneuver 50 lbs. or less.
• Work environment may include exposure to occupational hazards, chemicals, biohazards, construction hazards, and physical risks, including uneven terrain, adverse weather, loud noises, and working in confined spaces or open trenches, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Occupational hazards may include animals, sharp objects, spiders, illnesses, hypothermia, crawl spaces, unsanitary conditions, etc.
• Duties may occasionally involve interaction with angry customers.
• Duties may require the ability to drive and get in-and-out of vehicles repeatedly.
• Duties may require the use of fixed and portable ladders to gain access to infrastructure.
• Position may require on-call and/or overtime shifts, as needed.

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to six (6) years of water utility, telemetry, water system operations experience, electrical or another relevant field.
• Must have a valid Montana driver’s license with a verified acceptable driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Must have Class 3B Water Treatment and Class 1A Water Distribution certifications, or have the ability to obtain within one year.
• A state-issued journey-level electrician’s license, or journey-level certification in instrumentation or industrial electronics from widely recognized organizations such as the International Society of Electronic Technicians (ISCET), International Society of Automation (ISA), or the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) International, or an acceptable equivalent certification, preferred.

The City of Missoula does not sponsor employment visas (e.g., F-1, H-1B, TM). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time of application.