Automation Supervisor

General Description

The District:
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is a progressive, values-driven agency, with an international reputation for its leading-edge financial management practices, water recycling program, water use efficiency practices, water banking, urban runoff treatment, and energy generation and storage. Established in 1961 as a California Water District under the provisions of the California Water Code, IRWD is an independent special district serving central Orange County. IRWD provides high-quality drinking water, reliable sewage collection and treatment, ground-breaking recycled water programs, and environmentally sound urban runoff treatment to its customers. As an independent, not-for-profit public agency, IRWD is governed by a publicly elected five-member Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the District's policies and decision-making. Day-to-day operations are supervised by the General Manager. Additional information can be found at the District's website: www.IRWD.com.

IRWD Corporate Values
Irvine Ranch Water District believes that its values drive the character, culture, and capacity of our organization. IRWD was built on values, and we weave them into the fabric of everything we do. Values are the ingredients in our recipe for both institutional and individual success. They are a code of conduct to promote positive outcomes for others and ourselves. They are more than words on a wall or a website. We live by them every day. We pledge to keep them relevant in an ever-changing world.

IRWD's employees enjoy working in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where they form strong bonds with fellow employees. To ensure effective communication and promote a collaborative team environment, employees report to work each day in the office or in the field, depending on their positions.

The Position
Under general direction, supervise, plan, direct and oversee the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, automation maintenance, modification and repair activities of all District assets, which include domestic and recycled water treatment plants, biosolids facilities, sewer collection lift stations, natural treatment systems (NTS), domestic water and recycled water booster pump stations, domestic water production wells, membrane plants, reservoirs and their associated management systems.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on Monday, November 18, 2024. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications early. Candidates who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate work of assigned staff that performs specialized functions for operations, maintenance and integration of process automation platforms, related computer systems and networks to provide effect process automation and control of plant processes; develop, implement and monitor work plans to achieve departmental goals and objectives; plan and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; establish performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitor performance and provide coaching for performance improvement and development; recommend compensation and other rewards to recognize performance; subject to management concurrence, recommend disciplinary action to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with District's relevant policies and procedures.

Provide daily work instructions, and performance feedback to assigned staff and other project team members as assigned; provide for the training of staff in work methods, use of tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions.

Provide first response and assessment for emergency, repairs and modification to District assets. Troubleshoot and identify the source of problems and performs or requests fixes/repairs. Coordinate and work with Automation Programmers, other Departments/Agencies, equipment vendors and contractors to identify and resolve problems and perform repairs, maintenance and upgrades.

Participate in the District's standby duty program and responding to evening/weekend calls and provide onsite emergency support to operation staffs or other departments as needed.

Maintain a performance management program with relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) and tracking mechanisms. Review automation software and hardware histories and determine repair, system upgrades, and replacement needs; assess the viability of improving automation assets and design requirements; recommend to the Automation Manager the rehabilitation and/or installation of equipment in accordance with the findings; prepare equipment design specifications.

Process, track, and assign work orders to assigned Staff utilizing the District's enterprise asset management system. Notify enterprise asset management group of new equipment installation, or of changes to existing equipment installations.

Perform difficult and highly technical functions requiring an extensive understanding of automated control systems and network communication systems including their software and hardware components. Provide technical assistance and support to District users; conduct training for users on the uses and operations of SCADA, and related process automation and control systems, computer platforms and network resources.

Assist in preparing budget requests, procurement, coordination, installation and configuration of automation system and related process automation and control system installations and enhancements, servers, network hardware, specialized technical applications and software to meet District process automation and plant information requirements.

Be aware of, and in tune with current developments and regulation changes in the automation controls, information systems technologies, cybersecurity and water utility industries in order to provide updates and recommendation to management Staff.

Develop, Execute and Enforce Policy including but not limited to:
• Network Reliability and Security
• Backup and Disaster Recovery
• SCADA and PLC Programming Standards

Comply with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.

Minimum Education, Training and Experience

Education:

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to an Associate's degree in Electronics or college and technical school coursework equal to 24 semester units in the area of industrial controls, instrumentation, computer science, electricity, or other related field. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

Experience:

• Six (6) years of experience in the electrical, instrumentation and/or automation field.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience is desired.
• Experience in troubleshooting the following vendor specific systems is highly desired:
  • Modbus, Schneider/Wonderware Device Integration Server and other OPC automation protocols
  • Redline/GE/Microwave Data Systems iNET/Orbit 900 MHz radio communications equipment and protocols
  • Siemens Ruggedcom/Cisco/Hirschmann routers and switches
  • Mission Communication System
  • GE Multilin/SEL PQM and MPR
  • Allen-Bradley VFD and Soft starter
  • Windows operating systems, latest versions or releases.
  • VMware Hypervisor, vCenter and Microsoft Hyper-V
  • Schneider Wonderware System Platform, Historian, InTouch and Maple Systems
  • Schneider Unity Pro, Concept and ProWorx

License/Certification:

• Valid Class 'C' California Driver's License is required.
• Grade III CWEA Electrical/Instrumentation Technologist Certificate desired.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTION
All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.

New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination : will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Irvine Ranch Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department for a reasonable accommodation.

The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
Ability to effectively communicate both oral and written. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of office/field employees, management and vendors. Represent District in a professional manner when dealing with outside suppliers and customers. Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

Mathematical Ability
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages, fractions and decimals. Knowledge of algebra, basic geometry and basic trigonometry. Knowledge of logarithmic numbering systems.

Technology Ability
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
Ability to use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.

Physical Requirements
Will lift 50 lbs. on a routine basis and up to 75 lbs. with assistance on an infrequent basis. Must be certified annually to wear respiratory equipment. Must be clean shaven such that facial hair does not interfere with the fit of a tight-fitting respirator. Ability to exert moderately heavy physical effort in moderate to heavy work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Ability to work at heights of 55 ft. Ability to operate equipment and machinery with some requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as hand and power tools, facility and truck mounted cranes, forklifts, scaffoldings and manlifts and test meters associated with the electrical/instrumentation trade.

Environmental Adaptability
Ability to work under sometimes uncomfortable conditions with exposure to environmental factors such as electricity up to 480V, explosive environments, toxic agents, wildlife, disease, equipment, traffic, or machinery.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; anda variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive,and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWDdoes not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan.Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage.IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Elgible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in adeferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 11 scheduled paid holidaysplus one personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees may elect to participate in the District's Flex Advantage program. This program allows employees to deposit pre-tax dollars into special accounts to be used for a variety of purposes, including paying for qualified miscellaneous health care expenses and dependent care expenses. IRWD contracts with a third party administer to process payments from employee accounts using claim forms or a Flex Spending debit card.

Educational Assistance
The District will share in the pre-approved educational costs of tuition and books for employees who wish to attend college or take certification classes.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• Irvine Ranch Water District

• (949) 453-5360

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