Process Control Analyst

Career Opportunity 

The City of Las Vegas invites applications for Process Control Analyst.  The Process Control Analyst performs a variety of duties involved in the installation, design, and programming of process control automation applications to include Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to support operations of the City’s wastewater facilities, including support and assistance in troubleshooting of the Process Control System (PCS). 

Supervision Received

Receives direction from higher level supervisory or management staff; may receive technical and functional direction from technical support staff.

TYPE OF EXAMINATION: A civil service examination will be conducted in accordance with the Civil Service Rules of the city of Las Vegas. The supplemental questions are the examination. Falsification of information may result in disqualification from a recruitment or removal from a City position. Additional information will not be accepted after the closing date. The supplemental questions are weighted 100% for placement on an eligible list, and must be worked on individually by the applicant only. The supplemental questions of all qualified applicants will be reviewed for placement on an eligible list. 

1. Performs Human-Machine Interface (HMI) programming, including designing screens; objects and Operator Interface Terminal (OIT) programs; testing and deployment of new or modified HMI applications; troubleshoot and correct programming problems.
2. Perform Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, including Defined Function Block (DFB) and structured text, ladder logic and scripting language; testing and deployment of new or modified PLC programs; troubleshoot and correct PLC programming problems.
3. Review for accuracy and provide feedback on project specifications, loop drawings, Requests for Information (RFI) and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) drawings for Capital Projects in design or construction.
4. Define Process Control (HMI and PLC) program requirements by performing analysis of existing systems, procedures, project specifications/drawings and through user meetings.
5. Prepare or modify process control strategies and other documentation in accordance with established standards and procedures.
6. Make modifications to the HMI screens and reports from process control as directed.
7. Provide process control systems technical support to Operations and Maintenance staff.
8. Participate in the training of users in the use of the process control system, to include SCADA control system operation reporting and modifications.

1. Participate in design and construction teams in order to provide technical support for HMI and PLC controls for capital projects.
2. Utilize sketches, drawings, schematic diagrams and equipment manuals in the development of control logic.
3. Coordinate with vendor and consultant staff to modify or upgrade process control systems.
4. Troubleshoot and correct SCADA hardware and software errors.
5. Participate in the research of new process control hardware and software.
6. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Experience:

Three years of increasingly responsible Process Control (HMI & PLC) programming and systems analysis experience.

Experience with waste water applications is desirable.

Experience in commissioning process control systems is desirable.

Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in computer science, electrical engineering, or process control systems or a closely related field. 

License of Certificate: 

Possession of a Controls System Technician certificate, at any level, issued by the International Society of Automation (ISA), within 6 months of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter. 

Possession of an Aveva System Platform certificate, designation at any level, issued by Aveva Inc., within 6 months of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter. 

Possession of a Schneider Electric Unity Pro Certificate, Version 10 or higher, and/or Control Expert Version 13 or higher; designation at any level, issued by Schneider Electric Inc., within 6 months of the date of appointment, and maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge of:       

Basic control system and instrumentation theory.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) guidelines for process control system.

Principles, practices, and methodologies used to develop and modify Human-Machine Interface (HMI) programs and screens with graphic displays utilizing objects and scripting language.

Principles, practices, and methodologies used to develop and modify Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) utilizing Defined Function Block (DFB), structured text and ladder logic. 

Process control (PLC and HMI) testing techniques, methodologies and documentation.

Process control performance monitoring and tuning; including Process Integral Derivative loops.

Use of design specifications, schematic plans, instrumentation loop diagrams and Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID’s) in developing process control software.

Process control (PLC & HMI) troubleshooting tools, techniques, and methodologies.

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) hardware, software, and communication protocols.

Human-Machine Interface (HMI) programming and application platforms.

Principles and practices of systems documentation, job planning, prioritizing and scheduling techniques.

Skills in:

Developing Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications utilizing objects and scripting language.

Developing Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programs utilizing Defined Function Blocks (DFB), structured test, and ladder logic.

Creating and maintaining process control (PLC & HMI) test procedures, programming standards and control strategies.

Planning and executing development, maintenance and modifications to the process control (HMI & PLC) system.

Interpreting and creating schematic and wiring diagrams, engineering and loop drawings, technical specifications, Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) and reports.

Providing commissioning services during new construction or modification to the process control (HMI & PLC) system.

Providing technical guidance and training to wastewater facility operators and other division staff on operating, using, and maintaining the process control (HMI & PLC) system. 

Communicating with users, technology staff, design engineers and contractors.

Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Competencies:

Core Workforce Competencies

Professionalism – Demonstrates core values by being honest, respectful and positive.

Effective Communication – Expresses verbal and written thought in a clear and understandable manner.

Customer Focus – Demonstrates genuine concern and satisfies external and/or internal customers based on the CLV core purpose and values.

Adaptability – Able to effectively modify behavior to suit changing workforce demands.

Problem Solving – Solves problems by considering all causes, solutions and outcomes.

Productive Partnerships – Develops, maintains and strengthens partnerships with others.

Technical and Safety Expertise – Possesses a depth of knowledge, skill and ability in a technical (job) area.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Location:  Office, field or wastewater treatment plant environment and, at times, construction site environment.

Hazards:   May be exposed to smoke, waste, hazardous or infectious materials, some exposure to dust and noise; loud machine noise; electrical hazards; exposure to computer screens; travel from site to site.

Physical Conditions:

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which include the following: 

Maintaining physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include:

--      Walking, talking, sitting for extended periods of time; and

         --      Operating assigned equipment;

         --      Using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls;

         --      Reaching with hands and arms.

Maintaining effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

         --      Making observations;

         --      Adjust focus;

         --      Communicating with others;

         --      Reading and writing; and

         --      Operating assigned equipment.

Maintaining mental capacity which allows the capability of:

--      Making sound decisions;

--      Effective interaction and communication with others; and

--      Demonstrating intellectual capabilities.

Depending on the assignment, may require ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit all plant areas; or the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move), light to medium weights to 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information.