CONTROL SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN

Effective: 1/12/01
Range G-71
Respirator Class: 3

DEFINITION
Perform a variety of skilled tasks in the maintenance of electrical, electronic, pneumatic and mechanical instrumentation; fabricate, install, troubleshoot, repair and maintain instruments; assist in modifications and maintenance of the Plant Operations Department computer control system; diagnose and correct telemetry problems in programmable logic controllers software and network hardware; maintain programs and documentation for all programmable logic controller cabinets.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receive general supervision from the Plant Engineers.
• Exercise technical supervision over control system modifications made by contractors or District staff.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Determine suitability of new applications and equipment to District uses and needs. Install new or upgrade existing control system equipment.
• Diagnose telemetry and field instrument problems including identifying source of problems and implement corrective actions.
• Integrate new applications and modify computer programs and equipment to optimize plant operations, operator convenience, and off-line tasks; design, fabricate, maintain and install electrical and electronic assemblies to enhance computer, telemetry, and instrumentation systems.
• Assist Plant Operators in the use of the District's computer control system; provide guidance in running daily plots, checking DDC loops, validating telemetry inputs and outputs, and assuring proper computer control system operation.
• Review and/or create District instrumentation drawings, plans, and specifications for technical content, accuracy, and proper and desirable computer control system interface.
• Modify and maintain programmable logic computer program files and update for plant changes.
• Provide technical supervision, inspection and coordination over control system modifications made by contractors or District staff.
• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of repairing and maintaining plant instrumentation.
• Purpose and operation of instruments.
• Electrical, electronic and pneumatic theory.
• Principles and practices of computer programming PLC's.
• Theory and operation of digital computers, PLC's and plant instrumentation.
• Mathematics including algebra, statistics, elementary calculus, trigonometry, logarithms, and geometry.
• Safety hazards and appropriate precautions applicable to work assignments.

Ability to:

• Intermittently analyze data reduction from planned tests, identify wiring and micro circuits, interpret schematics, observe changes, problem solve programs, and explain to operators how programs work.
• Intermittently sit while inputting data entry, bend while reaching for books and tools, crawl around in control room, write or use keyboard to communicate through written means, perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation, use feet to operate foot controls, and lift or carry weight of 25 pounds or less.
• Diagnose PLC and computer hardware and software problems and control and instrument problems.
• Troubleshoot electronic circuits.
• Design instrument, analog control, and telemetry installations and simple electronic circuits.
• Perform flow and instrument related calculations.
• Assist District personnel in the use of the District's computer system.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Learn and observe all appropriate safety precautions as required by the District including, but not limited to, Cal/OSHA General Industry Safety Orders, the District's Respiratory Protection Program, and District Safety Directives.
• Work shift, on-call, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

• Four years of experience as an electronic technician or instrument technician, including one year in the maintenance of software and hardware in a process control environment.

Education:

• Equivalent to an Associate of Arts degree or Associate of Science Technology degree with major work in instrumentation, computers, or electronics; or ISA certification as a Control Systems Technician level II.