Description
Summary:
The Ipswich Electric Light Department maintains over 3,500 utility poles, 1,000 transformers, and over 100 linear miles of circuits, which are connected via 3 substations. The distribution infrastructure serves over 7,000 advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) endpoints throughout 33 square miles of system territory. In addition, the ELD owns transmission and generation assets including 1.25 miles of transmission lines, a 1.5 MW wind turbine, and a 5MW reciprocating power plant. The Department strives to provide its customers with high reliability, fair and reasonable rates, improved carbon intensity, and exceptional customer service. The Department’s priorities include system resiliency, customer satisfaction, employee wellbeing, operational effectiveness, and sustainability.
In collaboration with and at the direction of the Operations Manager, the SCADA & Systems Technician provides technical support and oversight for the Department’s critical information systems, including SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition), AMI (Advanced Meter Infrastructure), GIS-based OMS (Operations Management System), and other systems that support the day-to-day operations of the ELD. Specific responsibilities include the installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of software and hardware components supporting these systems, coordinating with system vendors to support deployment of new systems and the development of integrations between systems, and maintaining cognizance of the Department’s technical and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Responsibilities:
- Monitors SCADA system, AMI, OMS, and other systems’ performance and implements updates and upgrades to software and hardware components as needed.
- Plans, organizes, and directs new information system deployments and integrations between existing systems.
- Identifies opportunities for process improvements and system enhancements, proposing and implementing solutions to optimize performance of SCADA and other systems.
- Work closely with engineering, operations, and IT teams to implement projects that enhance the performance and capabilities of SCADA, AMI, OMS and other systems.
- Provides technical support and training to administrative and operations staff on issues related to SCADA, AMI, OMS, and other systems and supporting technologies.
- Develops and implements cybersecurity programs for all Department personnel; identifies potential technical and cybersecurity vulnerabilities and recommends policies and procedures to address perceived threats.
- Assist in developing and implementing redundancies and emergency response procedures related to system failures or disruptions.
- Coordinates with vendors and external service providers for the procurement, installation, and maintenance of hardware and software for SCADA and other information system.
- Provides advice and recommendations on the management of service contracts to help ensure the quality and timeliness of vendor-provided services.
- Participates in industry forums, workshops, and user groups to share knowledge and learn best practices from peers.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager.
Preparation, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Engineering or related discipline, and five (5) years of relevant experience in information systems management, and/or public service
- Familiarity of the materials, methods and techniques of electric utility operations applicable to a municipal setting.
- Ability to manage project assignments under time constraints; to analyze complex issues and develop relevant and realistic plans, programs, and recommendations
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to interact confidently and effectively with a wide variety of individuals and officials
- Strong willingness and desire to learn new skills and to develop professionally
- Ability to learn, use, and apply technologies and software including Microsoft Office
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Desired:
- Advanced degree or relevant credentials (e.g. PE, GIS, PMP, etc.)
- Familiarity with public procurement processes, including requests for proposals
- Awareness of available grant opportunities and working knowledge of the application process
- Proven knowledge, passion, and experience in the field of public service, utilities, and sustainability
- Lean Six Sigma or comparable process improvement framework experience
Working Conditions:
- Position generally works out of an office environment with moderate noise levels.
- Frequent periods at computer terminal or on telephone.
- Occasional periods spent outside subject to weather conditions, or in hazardous environments (e.g. electric substation control rooms) while inspecting or directing work.
- Occasional exposure to loud noise, odors, fumes, gases and airborne particles.
- Frequent driving, walking, standing, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, talking, hearing, reaching, inspecting by feel, sound, vision, or smell; occasional requirement for sustained uncomfortable physical positions and operation of tools and equipment. Lifting of 20 pounds and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as storage totes, small tools etc.
- Flexible scheduling including occasional nights, weekends, travel and remote work may be required (<10%)
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, as defined under the American With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.