Industrial Controls Systems Engineer - SCADA Administrator

Why It's a Great Opportunity: In this role for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Administrator you will be responsible for the system administration needs of multiple utility SCADA systems at water and wastewater treatment facilities and their associated collection and distribution systems. You will  coordinate and execute system updates, upgrades, and network communications across the utility industrial network. You will also coordinate with the Pierce County IT Department to ensure updates across the business and industrial networks are completed without service interruption. Keeping the water and wastewater systems working for Pierce County residents is what this role is all about.

Tour of the WWTP
https://youtu.be/uXvDxaieS90
   
Tour the New Expansion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ83_KNfII8 
   
Drone Footage of the Plant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1FbDOmENGY

Why It's a Great Department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!
 
Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be Successful in the Role: Success in this role comes from being equally comfortable understanding the big picture and diving into the technical details needed to keep industrial control systems operating at their best. You'll bring experience with SCADA systems, industrial networks, and operational technology, along with strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose issues and implement solutions. Curiosity, a continuous learning mindset, and the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical partners will help you thrive. This role is focused on programming, configuring, troubleshooting, and improving systems rather than managing projects or overseeing the work of others.

Your Future in this Role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Administer and support utility wide SCADA system operation for the County’s wastewater treatment facilities, water systems, and collection system.
• Manage SCADA System expansions/updates/upgrades and coordinate SCADA network communications.
• Collaborate with engineers and system integrators on existing SCADA system needs as well as new design requirements.
• HMI/SCADA programming/design.
• Understanding the diverse array of protocols utilized for transmitting, collecting, storing, and managing data within SCADA ecosystems.
• Provide troubleshooting and technical support in order to ensure that technology adheres to system development methodology and policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Perform emergency response and triage for Plant operations for all SCADA systems.
• Maintain up to date documentation for technical processes, procedures and training materials for applications, databases, and systems.
• Work cross-functionally and effectively with the County’s IT Department to ensure SCADA integrity and continuous operation of the utility industrial networks.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.   

• Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of this position may substitute on a year for year basis.
• 5 years of Operational Technology (OT) Controls systems programming.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related degree.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license is required.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and specify the Job Number and Title. 
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.  

Our Recruitment Practices: This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.