Systems Analyst - SCADA/PLC

City of Hillsboro; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hillsboro is seeking a Systems Analyst to maintain and enhance process control systems (SCADA and DCS), PLC programming, and field instrumentation for Water Operations and Distribution. This role supports the Joint Water Commission and City Water Department, with potential cross-training opportunities and collaboration across Information Services.

Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience with industrial controls, real-time programming, and project management, plus a bachelor’s

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with industrial control systems, SCADA and PLC programming.
• Experience supporting water treatment or process control environments is a plus.
• Strong technical project management skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, program, troubleshoot, calibrate, repair and install SCADA/DCS, PLCs, field instrumentation, and related hardware.
• Configure and support SCADA data and tagging for reporting.
• Assist with system upgrades, documentation, and regulatory alignment.
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and external agencies for project delivery.

Skills

Control systems

SCADA programming

PLC programming

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IS/Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation PLC

AVEVA Wonderware SCADA

Job description

About this Opportunity

The City of Hillsboro is looking for a Systems Analyst with hands-on experience in industrial control systems, SCADA and PLC programming, and strong technical project management skills. The Systems Analyst in this position will be part of the City's Information Services team, an internal support department that partners with City departments to successfully achieve their operational and service mandates. This position will be part of a two-person team that supports and manages the communications and information technologies that support and operate the Joint Water Commission's (JWC) Water Treatment Plant and the City of Hillsboro’s Water Department's data and process control system for Water Operations and Distribution. This position will also include the opportunity to train with and work alongside the current SCADA/PLC Systems Analyst position prior to their retirement. Relevant experience from other industries that use industrial automation and process controls is welcome.

What You Will Be Doing

This position is responsible for the maintenance, programming, troubleshooting, calibration, repair, and installation of Process Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), field instrumentation, variable frequency drives, connections to communication network systems, HMI computer workstations, and hazardous chemical distribution systems. The City of Hillsboro’s Water Department provides water to over 92,000 customers and is the managing agency for the Joint Water Commission, which serves over 400,000 customers in Washington County, Oregon. The work includes onsite system configuration and programming as well as regular field visits to troubleshoot equipment at water treatment sites, reservoirs, and distribution sites.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, repair and replacement of Process Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), control and instrument loops, field instrumentation, chemical analysis systems, variable frequency drives, connections to communication network systems, hazardous chemical distribution and detection systems, and HMI computer workstations in accordance with industry standards.
• Installs DCS and SCADA systems, process instrumentation, PLCs, PLC based control and instrument loops, communication network systems, HMI computer workstations, hazardous chemical distribution/detection systems, and chemical analyzer equipment.
• Programs, configures, and troubleshoots PLCs and SCADA/DCS software to support reliable system operations, monitoring, and data collection.
• Establishes, configures, and maintains SCADA data and tags for industrial reporting systems to meet operational and strategic reporting needs.
• Updates databases with information regarding assigned work orders, equipment calibration, repair and parts inventory and orders parts.
• Reviews technical documentation and schematics for conformity to accepted industry standards in instrumentation principles, practices, procedures, and terminology. Evaluates and specifies instrumentation.
• Supports outside contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies in the verification and third-party certification of instrument data.
• Participates in long range planning to determine future SCADA improvements and expansion.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Qualified candidates will possess high-level of competence in Control Systems applications, real-time programming, and Control System Engineering practices and standards.
• Project design and planning experience, including experience gathering business requirements, project management, and cross-functional stakeholder management.
• Technical experience in the maintenance, programming, troubleshooting, calibration, repair, and installation of Process Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), field instrumentation, variable frequency drives, communication network systems, HMI computer workstations, and hazardous chemical distribution systems.
• Experience configuring and programming PLCs and developing, maintaining, or troubleshooting SCADA systems. Experience with Rockwell Automation PLC platforms and AVEVA Wonderware) SCADA software is preferred.
• Experience installing, debugging, administering, and maintaining PLC Control Systems
• Designing and maintaining water distribution control hardware and systems as well as high level SCADA monitoring systems.
• Possesses strong technical and project management skills as well as subject matter expertise in process control systems.
• Possesses an excellent work ethic and ability to work alone.
• Ability to communicate with fellow employees and teams who have widely diverse roles and communication styles including treatment plant operators, field crews, engineers, computer support personnel, network engineers, Water department management, and Information Services management.

For full job classification details please visit Information Systems Analyst.

Current / Upcoming Projects

• SCADA Master Plan development
• Water Treatment Plant SCADA and architecture upgrade
• City SCADA software and architecture upgrade
• PLC and Communication upgrades
• Willamette Water Supply Project integration

Acceptable Experience and Training

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Services, Engineering related degree, or a closely related field; and five years of information technology experience with three years related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

LICENSE(S) / CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid, current Driver’s License and safe driving record
• Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation
• CIJIS certification or the ability to pass CIJIS certification

Experience to Highlight in Your Application

Resumes and cover letters are not accepted for this recruitment.

Please describe your hands-on experience with both PLC programming and SCADA systems. Include the platforms you have used and examples of programming, configuration, integration, troubleshooting, or system upgrades. Experience in industries outside water treatment is welcome.

When providing examples, explain your specific role, the actions you took, and the outcome. This will help reviewers understand your qualifications and determine which applicants advance.

Why Join Us

• Citywide impact - Support the technology that helps deliver reliable drinking water to customers throughout the region.
• Meaningful modernization work - Help modernize SCADA architecture, PLC communications, and water treatment and distribution controls.
• Collaborative team - Work alongside technical professionals who value shared knowledge, thoughtful problem-solving, and reliable public service.
• Benefits and professional growth - Expand your industrial controls expertise while taking advantage of the City’s employee benefits and retirement programs.

When you join our team, you'll enjoy

• Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off for vacation, personal, sick leave, and holidays
• Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to boost your future savings
• City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Extra perks like bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
• Free TriMet annual Hop pass and SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center recreation access for you and your immediate family
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness

To learn more about our robust benefits package, please visit Benefits Page.

Recruitment Timeline

• Job Posting Date: 11/4/2026
• Application Deadline: 11/29/2026
• Application Review: 12/15/2026
• Interview I: 1/6/2027 - 1/8/2027
• Interview II: 1/20/2027 - 1/22/2027
• Final Candidate Selection: January 2027

Note: Timelines subject to change based on City needs.

Work Schedule & Location

This is an onsite position in Hillsboro, Oregon. The anticipated regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional work outside regular business hours to support system needs. The work also involves regular travel to City and Joint Water Commission facilities, including remote field locations.

Commitment of Equity

Hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.