OT Field Control System Specialist - THIRD COAST EMPLOYEE SERVICES, LLC

Objective

The OT Field Control System Specialist works with field personnel to develop, enhance, and troubleshoot RTU and PLC programming/configuration for a variety of devices, including Omni, Autopilot, TotalFlow and Bristol RTU, ROCLink, RSLogix, etc.  They also work with field technicians to diagnose, troubleshoot, and enhance field communications equipment.  They are expected to do site visits to evaluate communications equipment, establish working relationship with field personnel, and determine the path forward for conversion of new pipeline assets.  The OT Field Control System Specialist also acts as a primary contact between the field personnel and the SCADA Team for special projects and field changes that impact the SCADA system.  

Primary Responsibilities

Site setup, maintenance, break-fix

• Work with local resources to configure and install modem/routers as needed.
• Replace and maintain network hardware at field sites and offices for SCADA OT environment including terminal servers, routers, switches, firewalls, etc. consistent with the appropriate standard setup for each client and ensure secure communications between devices.
• Set up regularly scheduled site visits
• Assist in new meter installations
• Assist in RTU configuration, installation, and replacements.
• Perform functional testing and checkout of SCADA field devices.
• Work with field personnel to troubleshoot erroneous measurement data.
• Poll for missing meter data in the Measurement system.
• Work with field personnel on communications equipment changes and upgrades.
• Facilitate point-to-point verification including scheduling with field technicians, vendors, and/or control center personnel. (i.e., commissioning of a new site)
• Assist field personnel to remotely access field devices.
• Work with field personnel and communications providers to troubleshoot and resolve communications outages.
• Maintain strict change control procedures and documentation.

Cybersecurity

• Monitoring, endpoint security, and handle incident response for any irregular/malicious activity via SOC
• Support requirements for critical pipeline TSA SD-02 Compliance for systems under our control, including annual 3rd party penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.

Communications

• Support network circuits for redundant, secure communication between sites and data centers.
• Work with VSAT and cellular providers to ensure optimized and secure communications

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and/or work experience
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required.
• Ability to work independently and in a small team environment as the job requires.
• A positive service-oriented organization attitude is required.
• Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and concentrate on detailed information in a fast-paced and demanding work environment.
• Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining focus and calmness with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to follow defined procedures.
• Have a strong personal initiative and desire for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Experienced with PLC programming and protocols required.
• Good understanding of TCP/IP networks and troubleshooting required.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of networking, data radio systems, TCP/IP and other relevant systems.
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and professionalism when dealing with internal and external customers.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, vendors, and internal operations staff across business units when troubleshooting complex issues.
• Technical knowledge of SCADA systems is required.
• Ability to comprehend and analyze complex data, including large data sets.
• Possess excellent organizational and planning skills and have the ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and be able to respond to changes in priorities to achieve maximum effectiveness.
• Excellent communication skills and proven team player with the ability to work effectively in cross functional teams and to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Experience with polling software such as AutoSol (ACM) and KepWare (KepServer) products.
• Experience with SCADA software such as GeoSCADA (preferred), ClearSCADA, Cygnet, etc.
• Strong working knowledge of change management processes
• Strong knowledge of business practices and processes in Oil & Gas industry
• Must have intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Willingness to step outside “comfort zone” and learn and participate in other areas of the department when needed.
• Willingness and ability to participate in an on-call rotation during non-business hours as needed.
• Willingness to work irregular hours and both planned and unplanned overtime as the job requires.

 Working Conditions

• This position could be based at home, with some requirements to visit working offices for meetings related to project work.  Requires frequent site visits throughout the US.
• Up to 25% of anticipated travel to field offices throughout the US.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• Physical requirements of this position are:
  • Light work.  Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Job is rated for light work.
• The visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception and field vision for this position include:
  • The worker is required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or structures.
• The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position include:
  • The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
  • Required to be on-call during periods of enhanced support or scheduled after-hour on call rotation.

Key Attributes

• Inquisitive – want to understand “how” it works.
• Initiative – vocal and articulate. Interacts with peers and business partners to explore new and better ways of doing things. Does not wait to be told what to do. Evaluates consequences before making decisions.
• Investigative – A detective; able to dig in and get the facts of a situation. Doesn’t hesitate to research a problem to find the best answer.
• Innovative – Generates creative solutions, tries different and novel ways to deal with problems and opportunities.
• Passionate – truly likes this type of job and looks forward to the challenges. 
• Collaborative – Works well and enjoys working with others in a small group.