Automation Specialist

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 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 direct supervision, maintains, modifies, installs, upgrades and assists in the design of the Districts Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, automation control system, and communication systems for all domestic and recycled water treatment plants, biosolids facilities, sewer collection lift stations, natural treatment systems (NTS), domestic and recycled water pump stations, domestic and reclaimed water production wells, reservoirs and their associated management systems. Incumbent may be required to work stand-by on a rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed. Standby assignment is at the discretion of the Manager.

For the full job description and responsibilities of the position, please click here.

Applications will be accepted continuously until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received, or until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 8:00 AM on May 20, 2025. 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 without notice after the first review deadline.

This position is 100% in-office, meaning employees are expected to work from our Sand Canyon or Operation office full-time, without the option for remote work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Designs, installs, maintains, configures, programs, and troubleshoots automation, communication, and control systems, including but not limited to hardware, software, logic, scripts and configurations used in the Operational Technology environments.

Utilizes change management software to ensure critical software and documentation is routinely updated, securely backed up, and available for recovery.

Maintains and updates documentation, files, and spreadsheets as required.

Assists Cybersecurity Analyst in the implementation of, and adherence to, cybersecurity related measures on the districts SCADA systems to ensure availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data and control system functionality.

Coordinates and supports internal teams, external vendors, and system integrators in troubleshooting, repairing, commissioning, enhancing, and upgrading systems to improve efficiency and reliability.

Reviews design drawings, P&ID diagrams, shop drawings, and vendor manuals for process control and communication systems as needed

Performs site assessments and evaluations of equipment to be maintained. Performs preventive maintenance duties at schedules intervals as required. Creates preventive maintenance templates and schedule PM routines through the enterprise asset management (EAM) system.

Ensures an adequate stock of spare parts and equipment is maintained.

Requisition supplies, materials, tools, and equipment utilizing the computerized Purchase Requisition system.

Processes and tracks work orders utilizing the computerized enterprise asset management (EAM) system.

Coordinates District intra-departmental work and work with outside agencies and companies to complete assigned task(s) as required.

Monitors and responds to Automation system alerts to insure 24 hours per day/7 days per week (24/7) reliability and real-time operating environment while on standby. Participates in the department after-hours standby program.

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

Perform other related duties as assigned.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education :

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, computer science, electronics, or related field.

Experience :

Four (4) years of experience in the Information Technology, Engineering, Electrical, Instrumentation and/or Automation field.

L icense/Certificates

• A valid Class ‘C’ California Driver’s License is required.
• Must obtain “Competent Tower Climber & Rescue Certification” within two (2) years.

Knowledge of :

• SCADA, PLCs, and industrial automation principles.
• Industrial networking and communication protocols (e.g., Modbus).
• Cybersecurity best practices for control systems.

Ability to :

• Installs, configures, and troubleshoots PLCs, HMIs, OITs, SCADA systems, networks, radio communication, and associated hardware and software in the industrial control, SCADA, and operational technology environments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and work with mathematical concepts, including statistics and the fundamentals of algebra and geometry.
• Effectively use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Use good personal judgment and discretion in performing all job functions.
• Collaborate well with others to solve problems and actively incorporate input from various sources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop, and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs, up to 50lbs with assistance. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. Ability to work at heights up to 120 ft. Ability to operate equipment and machinery with some requiring complex and rapid adjustments, such as hand and power tools, scaffoldings, bucket trucks, man lifts, and test equipment associated with the electrical/instrumentation trade. Standing and walking between work areas may be required. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to operate equipment and machinery, retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Travel required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment.

These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

When in the office noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions. When working in the field, works 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.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

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 (tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, 2025) : will assess candidates’ experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate’s interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.

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.

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.

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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