Specialist I, Instrumentation & PCS - (26-PE-812006-076)

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.  This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority.  The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.

General

 

Job Title:Specialist I, Instr & PCSJob Code:PP0099Supervises Directly:NoNew or Revised:RevisedRegular or At-Will:RegularDate Last Revised:2/4/2025Exempt or Non-Exempt:Non-ExemptCompensation Approval Signature: Union/ Non-Union:UnionDepartment Name and Division: PE-Process Control MaintenanceSalary Schedule: District Service (DS)Cost Center Code:   812006Grade:DS11Essential Position:YesReports To:VariesEEO Code:ParaprofessionalsWork FormatIn-Person

 

Who We Are & What We Do:

At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.

Role Description:

A Specialist I, Instrumentation & Process Control Systems (PCS), is responsible for the maintenance of electronic, electrical, pneumatic and mechanical instrumentation. Fabricates, installs, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains instruments and computer control systems, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Process Control /Distributed Control Systems and maintains bus networks.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• A Specialist I, Instrumentation & PCS, performs all levels of functions associated with the maintenance of electronic, electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical instrumentation.
• Independently performs first-line diagnostics, troubleshooting, repairing and maintenance of instrumentation equipment at the major assembly level to the component level, including root cause failure analysis, in any assigned area of the plant.
• Performs troubleshooting, repairing and maintenance of PLCs and Operator Interface Terminals (OITs); using online and offline programming tools.
• Performs troubleshooting, repairing and maintenance of PCS input/output field signals and Bus Networks. Sets up and troubleshoots Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) Bus communication to PCS. Performs basic troubleshooting of PCS logic.
• Performs PCS interfaces troubleshooting of VFDs and valve actuators.
• Serves as system control and engineering technician liaison with DC Water staff, consultants and contractors.
• Responsible for asset commissioning and integration.
• Develops work plans for complex and strategic projects within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Analyses estimate of labor and materials required to accomplish PMs and CMs.
• Locates and maintains Loop Drawings and Point to Point wiring Diagrams for all Instrumentation at Blue Plains on SharePoint.
• Fully supports the use of a CMMS by displaying proficiency in using the system for work planning, requisitions, execution, and analysis.
• Conducts tailgate training sessions.
• Complies with applicable safety rules and regulations.
• Operates Authority vehicles as an essential function of the position. Maintains vehicles and/or equipment in a clean and orderly manner. Reports any operating deficiencies to the appropriate Authority personnel.
• Performs other related duties and projects as assigned at the discretion of the immediate supervisor.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Key Working Relationships: Interacts with employees in the department and throughout the Authority, contractors, and consultants.

 

Skills & Qualifications:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.

Required Skills & Qualifications

 

Required Experience:General knowledge of computer based systems and networks and the principles and practices of industrial electronics, process monitoring and control, instrumentation and equipment. Minimum Education Requirements:High School diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate and seven (7) years of experience related to water/wastewater or industrial maintenance, inclusive of four (4) years of progressive experience in instrumentation/measurement. Required Skills:Knowledge and ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, Piping & Instruments Diagrams (P&ID), PLC ladder logic and PCS control logic.Demonstrated ability to use electric/electronic test equipment including Hart calibrator and Fieldbus tools to diagnose and correct equipment and process control system problems.Required Licenses & Certifications:The incumbent must possess and maintain current or acquire within 9 months from date of hire and maintain current, certification from the International Society of Automation designation of Certified Control Systems Technician CCST II or equivalent.Must possess and maintain current or acquire within 9 months from date of hire confined space entry certification.Must possess and maintain current a valid Motor Vehicle Operating License.Required Languages:EnglishPhysical Requirements:Must be able to pass fit test for use of respirator.May work indoors and/or outdoors, frequently exposed to any or all of the following various weather conditions, high or deep dangerous places, confined space, working near moving mechanical parts, risk of electric shock, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals, etc.

Requires moderate physical activities, such as occasionally performing the following:

• Lifting, pushing, or pulling light or moderately heavy objects/materials (up to 50 lbs.) 
• Climbing up and down ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, etc.
• Balancing (to prevent falling) when standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. 
• Bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, etc.
• Crawling or moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet 
• Standing or walking for long periods

 

The incumbent is subject to being placed on call during hours and schedule identified by the Authority.The incumbent may be required to work overtime, holidays, and weekends.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

Preferred Experience: N/ANAPreferred Education Requirements:Prefer a Technical School diploma or Associate's degree in a related technology area from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of experience with water/wastewater or industrial maintenance, inclusive of two (2) years of progressive experience in instrumentation/measurement.Preferred Skills: 

*The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities. 

 

Your Experience at DC Water:

At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.

• Take pride in your work. We provide an essential service and do work that matters. A career at DC Water is an exciting opportunity to help improve the environment and make a lasting difference for the community.
• Connect to a strong culture. Everything we do is grounded in our shared values—accountability, trust, teamwork, customer focus, safety, and wellbeing.
• Be your true self. We are an inclusive organization that embraces diversity, and we recognize and celebrate employees’ individuality and unique contributions.
• Build your skills and career path. We are committed to developing a future-ready workforce by helping our employees develop skills for the jobs of tomorrow. 

 

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities”.

If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to

perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please

email complianceada@dcwater.com.