Process Control Analyst II

DC Water; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

DC Water is seeking a Process Control Analyst II to ensure the integrity and availability of the PCS at Blue Plains. You will evaluate efficiency, implement new control logic, and maintain dashboards and alarm management.

The role requires collaboration with Operations, maintenance, and external vendors, plus writing technical documentation and guiding others in skills development.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressive experience related to wastewater treatment processes or equivalent.
• Experience with process control strategies or software for digital process control equipment and networks.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Systems & Control Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements process control strategies using PCS, PLCs, and HMIs.
• Maintains Process Control System network security and alarm management.
• Writes documentation and reports on process control improvements and safety.

Skills

Process control systems

PLC programming

Cybersecurity standards

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Systems & Control Engineering

Tools

Emerson Process Control system

HMI software

Job description

The Process Control Analyst II ensures the integrity, robustness, and availability of the Process Control System (PCS) at the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant. This role evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of PCS and implements new algorithms and process control dashboards. This role is responsible for the operation of the Process Control and Computer System and alarm management. The position stays abreast of state-of-the-art technology and industry practices; implements optimization and control strategies.

• Recommends policies, procedures, methods, and practices to ensure that plant meets or exceeds NPDES permit requirements and enhances the safety, quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of operations.
• Develops strategies to meet process objectives. Implements process control strategies through hands on use of the Process Control and Computer System, PLC systems, and various HMI software packages.
• Operates and Maintains the Process Control System network including security controls necessary to mitigate the vulnerabilities.
• Reviews and interprets complex design drawings, plans, and specifications for new and modified control strategies in existing facilities.
• Implements new control logic and modifies existing control logic. Manages data on both the control system database and plant process control database for integrity, permit compliance and report generation.
• Maintains standards for the Process Control Systems and is responsible for maintaining the System change management process. Updates software and software configurations as needed to maintain system integrity. Responsible for alarm notification and alarm management on the Process Control System. Develops and maintains process control dashboards.
• Must work closely with Operations and maintenance personnel on a daily basis and respond to their urgent system’s needs.
• Works with communication vendors and internal support personnel to quickly resolve problems and provide support.
• Responsible for writing documentation (examples: control narratives, SOP's, policies) as needed to support job functions.
• Identifies type and scope of work and develops work specifications; interfaces with vendors, contractors, and consultants to direct, coordinate, inspect and accept work; identifies and resolves problems associated with contract work; recommends modifications to contract scope of work and/or enforcement of contract language.
• Provides support and guidance in troubleshooting complex process problems as needed to ensure that process, systems, and/or facility modifications enhance operation of facility. System troubleshooting includes digital control software and equipment.
• Writes regular and special technical reports. Writes, presents, and publishes technical papers on wastewater treatment in national and international conferences and journals.
• Plans work activities and develops schedules. Identifies training needs. serves as a resource in teaching and guiding others in developing skills and knowledge.
• Establishes, demonstrates, and enforces high standards for safety, quality of work performed, and productivity; inspects work quality. Reports all hazards to the appropriate supervisor to ensure that safety and environmental hazards are corrected.
• Performs other duties and projects as assigned at the discretion of their supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Key Working Relationships

Interacts with co-workers throughout the Authority, government and private agencies, vendors, consultants and contractors.

Skills & Qualifications

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.

Required Experience

• Five (5) years of progressive experience related to wastewater treatment processes, or equivalent combination of education and experience. At least one (1) year of experience should include working with process control strategies or software programs for digital process control equipment and related networks.
• Experience related to Emerson Process Control system, PLC programming, and Wastewater/Industrial Plant control or equivalent systems.
• Experience related to Industrial Control Systems networks and related cybersecurity standards.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Systems & Control Engineering, or related field from an accredited college or university.

Required Skills

• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. Mastery of advanced concepts, principles, and practices of environmental sector and ability to apply them on a practical level; knowledge of conventional methods and techniques used in the environmental field.
• Excellent human relations and communication skills, including listening, reading, oral and written communication skills. Ability to control wastewater treatment processes using digital systems. Ability to write software process control programs using distributed control systems and PLC and HMI software. Ability to troubleshoot digital control system hardware. Ability to organize, prioritize, schedule, complete, and follow-up on work activities so that activities are completed within time and budget constraints. Ability to use computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and e-mail programs.

Physical Requirements

Although most work is performed under general office conditions, this position is subject to the following in the course of evaluating unit processes, construction, and modifications within the facility:

• Indoor and/or outdoor environmental conditions that include exposure to extreme cold and hot temperatures.
• Atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gasses, or poor ventilation that requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment to mitigate these conditions.
• Exposure to a variety of hazards such as high voltage, noise, chemicals, oils and other solvents, bacteria, pathogens, and toxic substances. Varies with task assignments and location.