WWTP Instrumentation and Controls Specialist en City of Bremerton, WA

About the Department

The salary indicated above includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years). Additionally, a cost-of-living increase of 2.70% has been approved for 2026.

Install, repair and maintain the instrumentation and controls for the following sites: Westside and Eastside Treatment Facilities, sewage pump stations, CSO (combined sewage overflow) sites, and remote odor control stations. Analyzes and resolves network problems as needed.  Provides desktop support for networked personal computer systems, printer, peripherals and their related software applications.  Administers and maintains the wastewater treatment plant’s portion of Cartegraph (asset managing software).  

Position Duties

(Note – this list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.)
 
Program, maintain and trouble shoot PLC’s (programmable logic controllers); PanelView HMI’s (human machine interface) for both treatment plants, pump stations, odor control and overflow sites.

Maintain, install, and repair all instrumentation and control systems.

Familiar with programming software to include but not limited to: Aveva System Platform, Historian, Trending, PLC communication drivers, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell: RSlogix 500, RSlinx, Studio 5000, Facotry Talk View Studio and DeviceNet.  Siemens software:  TIA portal, Simatic WinCC.  FasTrac software:  Fastrak Softworks 505 workshop, trending, logger and simulator.  Cmore panelview software.  Other software needed to take care of the entire SCADA network.  

Familiar with process control systems for level control, flow control, D.O. systems, chlorine monitoring systems and temperature control systems, with the ability to troubleshoot, repair and calibrate. 

Proficient knowledge of motor control systems for single phase 120/240v and 3 phase 240v and 480v systems. 

Installs, programs and troubleshoots Allen Bradley SLC 500, CompactLogix, MicroLogix, Pico PLC's (programmable logic controllers) and Siemens S7 series 1200 and 1500. 

Installs programs and troubleshoots Allen Bradley PanelView HMI's (human machine interface), Siemens PanelView HMI's, and communication to various PLC's (programmable logic controllers).  Installs, programs and troubleshoots telemetry systems including PLC to PLC communication over fiber, copper, WiFi and cellular with the ability to troubleshoot and calibrate.

Install electrical control cabinets for sewage pump stations, treatment plant processes, and CSO sites in accordance with state and national codes and standards. Designs, installs and maintains control circuits for motors, control valves and with PLC control and communications to SCADA systems. 

Reviews and corrects consultants' plans and specifications for process control, instrumentation, and electrical systems. Inspects work done by others and instructs others on use of equipment.

Calibrates and checks instrument loops. Performs instrumentation startups.

Performs administrative tasks, such as preparing specifications, purchasing, specifying and inventory control. Prepares cost estimates for jobs. Creates and maintains documentation, manuals, and records in printed and electronic format. Creates work orders and enters labor hours, materials used/purchased into the WWTP work order system (Cartegraph).  Works closely and coordinates with the City of Bremerton Asset Manager and is responsible for the organization and management of the WWTP inventory.

Develops and maintains the CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) for all wastewater equipment; spare parts inventory; asset control; machinery history, and preventative and corrective work order databases.  Provides technical assistance and network support for maintaining and upgrading the WWTP and lift station SCADA systems. Researches and evaluates new technology components for addition and/or modification of existing network.

Administers and coordinates all servers and Microsoft server programs; DHCP; System Management Server; SQL servers and other Microsoft programs.  Ensures continuous uninterrupted operation of the WWTP computer network for SCADA alarm, data collection/retrieval/reporting.

Diagnoses and resolves systems, hardware and network problems relating to interfaces between hardware and software components.  Work with City departments, CenturyLink, Comcast, Astound and other vendors to ensure system reliability.  Provides assistance in troubleshooting problems and training department personnel in the use of the CMMS program.  Installs, upgrades and supports server-hosted software applications.  Diagnoses and resolves software and hardware issues.  Maintains network servers, workstation and peripherals, repairing problems onsite or arranging for repairs through outside vendors.

Other Duties
-   Regular attendance is an essential requirement
-   Performs related work as assigned and/or required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES (Entry Requirements)

Knowledge of:
•Wastewater process control systems.
•Motors, motor starters and motor control systems.
•National Electrical Code (NEC) and Instrumentation
•Electrical theory as applied to the installation and repair of electrical circuits and systems.
•Aveva System Platform and other computer programs for HMI Systems.
•Programmable Logic Controllers and human machine interfaces.
•SCADA and telemetry systems.
•Inventory management and maintaining equipment databases
•System analysis and troubleshooting techniques
•Network Administrative skills

Ability to:
•Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams and charts.
•Communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.  
•Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair process control/instrumentation equipment; VFD’s and VSD’s; telemetry and SCADA systems and other electrical circuitry. 
•Enter and work in a confined space per City and OSHA regulations.
•Qualify and operate sewage lift stations.
•Calculate complex mathematical problems and equations.
•Work with a wide variety of tools and equipment in assembling materials with little or no supervision.
•The ability to get along with others and be part an effective team member.
•Ability to program with Aveva HMI programs including System Platform 2023; SCADA Phone alarm callout program; Aveva trending program and the INSQL historian program, with the ability to update the system as needed for present and future changes.
•Ability to design and program VFD (variable frequency drives), VSD (variable speed drives), and Soft Starters including Allen Bradley, Siemens, and others, with the ability to program, troubleshoot, and repair. 

Skill in:
•Personal computer -- Microsoft Excel, Word, Aveva Products and specialized programs.
•Electronic test equipment, process calibrators volt meters, loop control meters, and various types of sensors.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electronics or related field and five years’ experience in design, programming, maintenance and repair of instrumentation and control systems such as PLC’s, VFD’s, HMI software and process calibrators, etc. or any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the work.

Special Requirements
•Valid Washington State Driver license.
•Must be able to obtain a Washington State CPR/First Aid Certificate within 12 months of hire. 
•Certified Crane Operator for small telescoping movable cranes. 
•A Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Group I license is desired. 
•EL07 electrical licensure is desired

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
•Climbing. Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion.
•Balancing. Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling and walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
•Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
•Kneeling. Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
•Crouching. Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
•Crawling. Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
•Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
•Standing. Particularly for sustained periods of time.
•Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
•Pushing. Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
•Pulling. Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
•Lifting. Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
•Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
•Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
•Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Heavy work. Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
•The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as: operates machines, such as lathes, drill presses, power saws, and mills where the seeing job is at or within arm's reach; performs mechanical or skilled trades tasks of a non-repetitive nature, such as carpenter, technicians, service people, plumbers, painters, mechanics, etc.
•The worker is required to have visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment.
•Be able to discern fine detail for equipment repair and to accurately determine colors. Use both power and hand tools. Required to work in all areas of the Wastewater Utility.  Often transitions from indoor to outdoors.  Some portion of the WWTP are hot, cramped and/or may contain offensive odors.  Some surfaces are slippery and/or have open grates.  Due to size, location and various levels within the, ESTP, odor control stations, and lift stations, the ability to sit, walk, climb stairs and ladders and agility is required.  Must be able to work with various tools of the trade, both hand and powered.  Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.  Must be able to work in confined spaces. 

WORKING CONDITIONS
•The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
•The worker is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level.
•The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.
•The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions. One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
•The worker is frequently in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, manholes, small enclosed rooms, small sewage and line pipes, and other areas that could cause claustrophobia. 
•There are many health and safety hazards in the wastewater facilities, including exposure to water-borne diseases and other biological hazards associated with working in or around raw sewage, working near high-voltage equipment, contact with a variety of combustible corrosive and toxic chemicals and gasses such as chlorine, methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, acids and caustics.  Work is performed while sitting in an office environment 50% of the time Position is required to work in all sections of wastewater facilities, lift stations, and odor control stations and often transitions from indoors to outdoors in all weather conditions.  Some portions of the plants, lift stations, and odor control stations are hot, cramped and/or may contain offensive odors.  Some plant surfaces are slippery and/or have open grates.  Due to the size and various levels within the wastewater plants, lift stations, and odor control stations, the ability to climb stairs and agility are required.  Shift work may be required.  Holiday work required.  Works on call with 24 hour call back as assigned and have the ability to respond within 30 minutes of the call-out.  

Other Qualifications

The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
 
Applicants can apply on-line at http://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs, or application packets may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, or by calling (360) 473-5348.
 
Required Application Materials: City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be returned to the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. The City of Bremerton is NOT responsible for errors of any kind with faxed or e-mailed application packets. Original signature is required on paper application forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training.

Important Application Note: Please do not attach copies of certifications to your application unless they are listed as a requirement for the position. You are welcome to mention relevant certifications on your resume. 
 
Appraisal of Experience and Education/Training: At this initial review, application packets may be evaluated entirely on the basis of information you provided in the completed City application form. Applicants should include all relevant information on the City application. Applicant’s education, training, and experience will be assessed. The passing score is 70%. The top qualifying candidates will be invited to participate further in the examination process. Meeting or exceeding qualifications does not guarantee the applicant will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.
 
Oral Examination: A panel will evaluate the applicant’s training, experience, and ability to perform the job. Placement on the eligibility list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows:
 
Appraisal of application packet regarding Experience and Education/Training - Passing Score 70% - Weight 40% Oral Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60%

Applicants must achieve a score of 70% or better on each portion of the exam in order to be placed on the hiring list.
 
Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score.
 
Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW.
 
NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Applicants with disabilities who will need special accommodation for examination must advise Human Resources no later than one (1) week prior to the scheduled examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made. (360) 473-5348.
 
LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification is non-exempt under the laws of Fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions.

Representation: The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and the Teamsters Local 589.

Civil Service: The classification is excluded from the City's Civil Service System.

Appointment and Removal Authority: The position is filled by appointment by the Department Head.  Removal is by action of the Department Head in conformance with Human Resources Policies.  

This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee.  It is subject to change by the City, with the approval of Human Resources, as the needs of the City and requirements change.