Operations Technology, Cybersecurity, and Resilience (OTCR) Intern
West Yost
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Job summary
Qualifications
- Knowledge of PLC programming and SCADA configuration.
- Strong attention to detail is required.
- Excellent writing and communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Assist with control systems design, PLC programming, and SCADA configuration.
- Help develop technical documentation and standard operating procedures.
- Participate in risk and resilience assessments.
Skills
Education
Job description
Job Category: Technical Specialist
Requisition Number: OPERA001474
- Posted : August 4, 2025
- Closed : September 5, 2025
- Part-Time
- On-site
Showing 1 location
We are a water-focused engineering consulting firm, certified as a Great Place to Work® based on feedback from our community of over 250 team members. We ranked top three in the AEC Advisors 2021 and 2022 Diversity Index Top Firms and were recognized as one of Fortune’s® Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services in 2023 and 2024. Since 1990, our mission has been to be the water firm of choice for both our clients and our team. Over the years we have built upon that mission and now integrate a host of high-quality services in groundwater, water supply, water and wastewater treatment, water and wastewater infrastructure, stormwater, recycled water, construction management, and operations technology from our multiple locations in the west. As a team, we work with our clients to understand their true needs. Our long-term relationships are based on integrity, partnership, and high-value solutions. In 2025 and beyond, West Yost is advancing water resources for future generations and living our core values every day.
This position requires an in-office presence during all hours worked.
RESUME AND COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION OF YOUR APPLICATION!
After researching our website and reviewing the OTCR sector descriptions below, which of the service areas are of most interest to you and why (please address this question within the required fields in the online application and as necessary, in your cover letter)?
DESCRIPTION
The focus of this role will mainly be 90% Operations Technology and 10% Cybersecurity and Resilience. This internship is ideal for students seeking a career in industrial automation, control systems engineering, or SCADA/PLC programming within the water sector.
West Yost provides operations technology design and implementation services, cybersecurity services, and resilience services to clients in the water and wastewater sector across the United States to help them safeguard their systems and protect public health and safety.
The Operations Technology, Cybersecurity, and Resilience group is actively bringing new talent onto our team. We are looking for a candidate who wants to improve operations technology, cybersecurity services, and resilience in the water and wastewater sector with West Yost. This internship is designed to provide you with intensive training, with the intent to transition into a full-time position at the end of your internship (consider it a working extension of the interview process). We provide extensive training, guidance, and support, as well as the opportunity to experience the industry from the inside and gain valuable work experience during your journey to becoming an Operations Technology, Cybersecurity, Resilience professional in the water and wastewater sector.
Interns will have the opportunity to learn while participating in development of the following:
- Automation programming for real time process control
- Documentation of process automation requirements
- Network and server infrastructure design
Services provided by our Operations Technology, Cybersecurity, and Resilience (OTCR) Group include:
Programming and Configuration
- Programming and configuration services are essential to help utilities consistently deliver safe drinking water to the public and treat wastewater to be safely returned to the environment. Nearly all modern control systems depend on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) configuration as well as network security design and implementation. The implementation of these systems affects electrical processes, mechanical processes, and nearly all other branches of engineering and design. Programming and Configuration Services offered by our team are included in engineering design, which serves as the fundamental method for delivering these services. We offer Programming and Configuration Services that align to the Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) methodology and implement Seismic Informed Engineering (SIE) approaches. CIE helps improve cybersecurity by adding a layer to network design, network configuration, control systems design, and control systems programming. SIE enables controls system to respond appropriately to seismic events.
Resilience
- Critical infrastructure today faces numerous challenges from cyberattacks to climate change. Our Resilience Practice focuses on supporting our clients’ capacity, building efforts to respond to and recover from any event that might impact their ability to serve their customers. We do this through conducting all-hazards and hazard-specific risk and resilience assessments and emergency preparedness planning, training, and exercising. We are pioneering the implementation of CIE and SIE within the Water sector to continue to bring cross-sector best practices to our clients.
Electrical Design, Instrumentation and Controls Design
- The Electrical Practice Area concentrates on the safe distribution of electrical power to support SCADA improvement projects. It involves recommendations for energy efficient equipment such as the use of distributed energy resources (DERs), premium efficient motors, Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s), LED Lighting and Time of Use (TOU) Utility analysis. Services provided are Short Circuit/Arc Flash Studies, Electrical Construction Management Support, Electrical Equipment Condition assessments and CCE to accomplish our objective of providing the highest quality of Electrical Engineering Design. Projects involve the Electrical Distribution Systems design in the form of one-line diagrams, circuit layouts and specifications for electrical distribution equipment.
- The Electrical Practice Area provides instrumentation and control expertise based on decades of water & wastewater process design and practical start-up experience. OTCR’s approach is different for two important reasons:
- We actively apply CIE within our engineering practice.
- We apply the unique perspective of engineers who program and programmers who design to ensure that process operation is reliable, and the project is constructable.
- Our Technology Planning practice is aimed at conducting an assessment of a utility’s SCADA system and helping the utility plan for upgrades to the SCADA system. Our methodology involves conducting a baseline assessment of the existing system by means of site visits, review of existing documentation, etc. Following the baseline assessment, we work through conceptual alternatives with utility staff prior to developing formal recommendations for improvements. Once utility staff agree with the baseline assessment, alternatives, and recommendations, work begins on developing a detailed implementation plan. The implementation plan consists of identifying required projects including scope of work, costs, and durations as well as developing a comprehensive project schedule for implementation of all the identified recommendations. At the conclusion of the project, the utility is able to input budgetary costs for replacement in their Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Project Management
- Through active project management, we build lasting relationships with clients and deliver quality products. Project management focuses on delivering projects within the allotted scope, schedule, and budget. At West Yost, Project Managers use tools such as Microsoft Project to manage their projects and communicate with clients.
QUALIFICATIONS
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES (include such things as):
- This person functions as an integral support, team member, and Operations Technology Specialist in-training.
- Assist with control systems design, PLC programming, and SCADA configuration.
- Assist with key tasks that include commissioning, upgrades, and troubleshooting issues.
- Assist with development of technical documentation such as Control Strategies and Standard Operating Procedures.
- Assist with development of SCADA Master Plan technical memorandums, including assessment of existing conditions, identification of conceptual alternatives and recommendations, and development of implementation plans.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES (includes such things as):
- Assist with developing risk and resilience assessments and emergency preparedness plans.
- Assist with electrical engineering including drafting and design.
- Assist with technology architecture design reviews.
- Assist with assessments of client operations technology environments.
- Assist with review of current processes, systems, and/or features and design/develop future state environment.
- Assist with developing policies and procedures for clients.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of PLC programming and SCADA configuration.
- Knowledge of high level programming languages (e.g., Python).
- Understanding of how to troubleshoot Windows server applications and operating system problems, communication equipment.
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships.
- Ability to consistently meet deadlines and see projects through completion.
- Strong belief system grounded in ethical behavior.
- Strong attention to detail.
NICE TO HAVES (Any of the following):
- Familiarity with water/wastewater operations and/or engineering
- Knowledge of and/or familiarity with detecting, isolating, and resolving automation, computer, and communication system problems.
- Services related to cybersecurity, IoT, Networking, Servers, and systems with a water/wastewater operations scope.
- Experience with, knowledge of, and/or familiarity with controls and power distribution layouts, panel layouts, hardware specification.
- Knowledge of physical security technology and practices.
REQUIRED EDUCATON AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Math, or related degree, in progress or completed.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- Strong interest in industrial control systems, automation, or SCADA/PLC programming is highly preferred.
- Emphasis on environmental/water resources engineering a plus
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Proven ability to managing multiple priorities and deadlines
- Must effectively communicate with all project team members
- Able to problem solve and troubleshoot as the need arises
PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS (Any of the following):
- Security+
- Network+
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices/sites.
Our commitment to quality begins with our hiring practices. We employ the most talented team members in our industry from all backgrounds. We are highly selective of the individuals we choose to represent the firm, seeking only those individuals whose technical abilities and commitment to client service matches our vision for excellence. We are dedicated to our number one asset, our employees. Because we are employee-owned, we are responsible for and rewarded by our own success. Come to West Yost where, with our support, you’ll do the best work of your life.
Network Plus
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 notice from the Department of Labor.
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