SCADA Network Specialist

• Perform preventive & corrective maintenance and troubleshooting of all electronics and communication systems across the Division’s water and sewer facilities.
• Diagnose and repair failures in SCADA equipment and instruments, including RTUs, FIUs, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), fiber optic communication links, network switches, relays, power supplies, and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Ensure the proper functioning of process controllers, including updating control logic parameters as necessary.
• Conduct Preventive Maintenance Inspections of equipment and facilities to ensure proper operation and compliance with specifications. Specifically, SCADA equipment, including RTUs, FIUs, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS’s), fiber optic communication links, network switches, power supplies, HMIs and all process monitoring devices.
• Install, modify, and repair medium and low voltage electrical equipment, instrumentation, and communication systems in various locations, including water treatment plants and sewage pumping stations.
• Install and configure new 4-20 mA, and 0-5VDC instruments and ensure compatibility with SCADA systems.
• Assist in the installation of components for the SCADA network, including communication links, such as radios, cellular modems, power supplies, and fiber optics.
• Install, configure, and troubleshoot a wide variety of antennas used with Very High Frequency (VHF) radios and cellular modems.
• Evaluate the effects of proposed equipment on existing systems and perform modifications as required.
• Perform inspections at existing new facilities to ensure the equipment is working properly and meets design specifications.
• Ensure the functionality of SCADA systems and communication links using specialized monitoring and troubleshooting equipment and techniques.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs using ladder logic and functional control block programming to ensure system performance.
• Deploy, maintain, and monitor HMI graphics, alarm management screens, and historical trends to ensure accurate data presentation and ongoing system performance.
• Work in collaboration with the Information Technology Division (IT)to identify and mitigate cybersecurity as well as physical threats.

• Maintain accurate records on the testing, calibration, and repair of instruments and equipment. Specifically, when testing 4-20mA instruments, VHF & Spread Spectrum radio’s as well as cellular modems.

• Maintain accurate records on the testing of VHF antennas and the associated coaxial cables and poly phasers.
• Use industrial test equipment (e.g., amp meters, voltmeters, oscilloscopes) to monitor, calibrate, and verify the performance of electronic and instrumentation systems.
• Serve as the emergency response technician for critical equipment failures reported by the Operations Division, ensuring rapid resolution and minimal disruption.
• Supports Operations Division with day-to-day equipment failures, Variable Frequency Drives, electrical malfunctions, generator failures and nuisance alarm management.
• Provides next-level troubleshooting and repairs to assist/extend Operations capabilities as well as training.
• Maintain comprehensive records of data, including database tags, alarm management screens, deployed graphics, and modification of drawings.
• Prepare record drawings for modifications to existing systems and update as necessary.
• Assist the IT Division with the installation and maintenance of SCADA network components and communication equipment and links.
• Collaborate with Consultants, team (Technical Support - Project Management) members, and vendors to ensure the proper functioning and upgrades of electrical equipment, SCADA equipment and communication systems.
• Regularly provide training and ride-along mentoring for Operations Instrumentation Technicians.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and industry standards when performing electronic, instrumentation, and communication tasks.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations while working with medium voltage systems and specialized SCADA equipment.
• Assist with the annual maintenance program of generators within the Department of Public Works, Utilities.
• Perform additional related tasks as assigned by management.
• Serves as after-hours support team for SCADA communication outages, address cybersecurity threats and instrument/automation failures., Reports To: SCADA Team Leader. As directed, employee may temporarily report to other supervisory personnel.

Supervises: May provide supervision and direction to employees or contractors as assigned or needed to complete work.

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology, electronics, industrial automation, instrumentation, or a related field is preferred and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of SCADA systems, industrial control systems, and electronic instrumentation, preferably in water/wastewater or utility environments or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Licenses or Certifications: Valid driver’s license. Special Requirements/Qualifications: Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and manuals. Working knowledge of safety regulations, codes, and best practices related to medium and low voltage systems. Work is subject to frequent interruptions. Employee is subject to call back in emergencies. Employee may be on-call during non-business hours for SCADA communication outages, cybersecurity incidents, and automation failures. THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION, AND EMPLOYEES IN THIS POSITION ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven experience with the operation, maintenance, and repair of SCADA systems, RTUs, FIUs, PLCs, HMIs, and related instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of analog and digital signal processing, including working with 4-20 mA signal loops and associated calibration techniques.
• Proficiency in programming and troubleshooting PLCs using ladder logic and function block programming.
• Familiarity with communication systems including fiber optics, VHF radios, spread spectrum radios, cellular modems, network switches, and antennas.
• Experience with the installation and configuration of instrumentation in industrial environments, including and all process monitoring devices, including flow meters, and level sensors.
• Skilled in using industrial test equipment such as voltmeters, amp meters, oscilloscopes, and signal simulators.
• Ability to evaluate and modify electrical and communication systems to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure.
• Understanding of industrial cybersecurity principles, with the ability to identify and address threats in collaboration with IT personnel.
• Experience supporting or working within IT/OT network environments including SCADA network integration and troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex electronic and communication system issues under time-sensitive conditions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document work, update diagrams, and prepare reports.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams, consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and support less experienced technicians.

Pulled from the full job description

• 457(b)
• Childcare
• Tuition reimbursement
• Pet insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Parental leave
• Health insurance, www.GovernmentJobs.com/Careers/CharlesCountyMD Health Insurance Charles County Government PAYS 70% of cost: Blue Choice Advantage and HMO Open Access plans, including prescription and vision coverage. CareFirst and Delta for dental coverage.

Flexible Spending Account Provides medical and dependent care options.

Supplemental Income Products Accident Policy, Critical Illness Policy, and Hospital Indemnity Policy.

Long Term Disability Insurance No charge to employee. The benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability, up to $5,000/month.

Life Insurance No charge to employees (valued at 1.5x the annual salary, not to exceed $250,000). Supplemental insurance and dependent life insurance are available for an additional cost. Term and whole life policies available.

Pension Plan (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan) 401(a) Plan - Must work minimum 37.5 hrs/week. Participation is mandatory.

Deferred Compensation Plan 457(b) Governmental Plan - Available to all employees, regardless of hours worked.

Employee Leave

• Charles County Government full-time employees earn annual, sick, and paid time off (PTO).
• The County currently recognizes 20 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Away from work programs like paid parental leave and FMLA are available to employees.

Transfer of Sick Leave New hires may be eligible to receive credit for up to 400 hours of sick leave from their previous employer when they begin employment.

Work Schedules

• Most work weeks are 37.5 hrs, and some positions may offer the opportunity for flexible work schedules or allow telework.

Additional Fringe Benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement for full-time employees upon completion of probation period
• Discounted, Onsite Childcare at a County Government facility.
• House Keys 4 Employee Program offers assistance to full-time employees who are first-time homebuyers.
• Free, Employee Wellness Programs
• Legal Resources (prepaid benefit)
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (free, short-term counseling)

Benefits eligibility is for employees who work 30 hours or more per week unless otherwise noted. Effective: March 1, 2026