INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALIST (P0ROVISIONAL)

City of Buffalo, NY

$85K — $103K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • 5-7 years of relevant experience in automation technology and control systems
  • Proficient in SCADA and PLC systems installation and maintenance
  • Strong knowledge of networking hardware and communications technologies
  • Excellent analytical and technical problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

  • Facilitate integration of process control systems and SCADA equipment
  • Collaborate with IT and security teams to meet cybersecurity protocols
  • Implement and monitor advanced technologies for sewage processes
  • Provide technical support for hardware, software, and data communication
  • Maintain accurate records of equipment performance and repairs

Benefits

  • Full-time position with stability in a critical infrastructure role
  • Opportunity to lead projects impacting community health and safety
  • Engagement in a technically advanced environment fostering skill development
  • Contribute to sustainable practices in waste management
Full Job Description
Salary : $85,064.00 - $103,971.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: POSTING
Department: BUFFALO SEWER AUTH
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Fee: $0.00

RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ANYONE APPLYING FOR THE BUFFALO POLICE ENTRY LEVEL EXAMINATION. NO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT-SUMMER LIFEGUARDS: Due to the nationwide lifeguard shortage, residency is NOT a requirement for the seasonal lifeguard position in the City of Buffalo. Applicants from any nearby municipality are encouraged to apply.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW.

FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.)

Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
This is a technical and administrative position at the Buffalo Sewer Authority responsible for the design, coordination, and integration of a wide variety of instrumentation and process control systems used in the collection and treatment of combined sewage to ensure its conveyance and discharge in conformance with regulatory standards. The incumbent coordinates the integration and implementation of various process systems such as Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCADA), Programmable Logic Controller (PLC's), Microwave Radios, Electrical Power Logic Monitors, Servers, Routers, and Switches, as well as various software systems related to the process network (Graphical User Interfaces, Applications and Databases). This position differs from lower-level positions in the Engineering, Maintenance, and IT Departments due to the required higher degree of technical knowledge and broader integration skill set across all areas listed within a security sensitive environment to ensure the overall safety and integrity of the collection and treatment of combined sewage. The position requires the ability to exercise a high level of independent judgement and leadership. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Treatment Plant Administrator or Principal Sanitary Engineer and direct supervision of the Senior Instrumentation and Control Systems Specialist who may require the employee to do other related work, as required.

Examples of work (Illustration Only)

Facilitates the integration of various process systems such as Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCADA) equipment, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC's), Microwave Radios, Electrical Power Logic Monitors, Servers, Routers, and Switches, as well as various software systems related to the process network (Graphical User Interfaces, Applications and Databases);
Works closely with the BSA's IT Department and Security Officer to ensure all BSA's cyber security protocols are met;
Incorporates advanced technologies keeping abreast of industry standards to ensure the safe and secure collection of combined sewage;
Provides technical support of the SCADA system, hardware, software and data communication works;
Implements algorithms to monitor, control and portray processes;
Integrates programs for PLC's;
Installs and maintains process network equipment and systems;
Implements guidance for the collection, use and dissemination of data;
Integrates data and control systems to the instrumentation equipment used to monitor and control a wide variety of processes such as temperature, pressure, level, flow, vibration and speed;
Maintains accurate records of equipment maintenance and repair required to keep department functioning using a Computerized Maintenance Management System;
Prepares Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID's);
Monitors project progress to ensure conformity with plans and specifications, adherence to timelines, and approves payments and/or recommends corrective action as required;
Oversees integration of Microwave Radios;
Maintains Electrical Power Logic Monitors and Servers;
Assists with the integration of Routers and Switches;
Participates in staff activities in relation to agency-wide planning and implementation;
Conducts oral and written presentations as required;
Exercises independent judgement and leadership;
Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications

Promotional
(A) Continuous and permanent status in the Buffalo Sewer Authority as a Senior Instrument Technician, Senior Sanitary Engineer, Senior Engineer, Assistant Treatment Plant Superintendent, Assistant Computer Systems Engineer Coordinator for one year
OR
(B) Continuous and permanent status in the Buffalo Sewer Authority as a Shift Superintendent or an Assistant Computer Programmer for three (3) years.

Open Competitive
(A) Master's Degree from a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education, in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Science or Information Technology or a closely related field plus three (3) years' experience in the installation, configuration, programming or maintenance of computers and network equipment associated with the implementation of Supervisory Control Data Acquisition equipment (SCADA) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLCs) to automate and remotely control industrial process control systems;
OR
(B )Bachelor's Degree from a college, university or technical institute accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education, in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Science or Information Technology or closely related field plus four (4) years' experience in the installation, configuration, programming or maintenance of computers and network equipment associated with the implementation of Supervisory Control Data Acquisition equipment (SCADA) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLCs) to automate and remotely control industrial process control systems;
OR
(C) Associate's Degree from a college, university or technical institute in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Science or Information Technology or a closely related field, plus six (6) years' experience in the installation, configuration, programming or maintenance of computers and network equipment associated with the implementation of Supervisory Control Data Acquisition equipment (SCADA) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLCs) to automate and remotely control industrial process control systems
OR
(D) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined within the limits of A, B, and C above.
Special Requirements for both Promotional and Open Competitive (cont'd.)
A minimum of one 1 years' experience in the installation, configuration, programming, and/or maintenance of computers and network equipment associated with the implementation of SCADA and PLCs to automate and remotely controlled industrial control systems is required for all candidates.
Special Requirements for both Promotional and Open Competitive:
Possession of a current and valid Class D New York State Driver's License at time of appointment and maintained throughout employment.
*Applicants must consent to screening requirements of the New York State License Event Notification Service (LENS). This provision is in accordance with Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 382.703(a) and cannot be performed without the consent of the applicant.
NOTE: Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time experience requirements.
NOTE: A New York State Professional Engineering License may be substituted for one year of experience but may not be used to reduce below the one (1) year minimum Special Requirement.

Additional Information

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Comprehensive knowledge of industry standards and technologies related to the safe and secure collection and treatment of sewage;
Comprehensive knowledge of instrumentation equipment including electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic systems;
Comprehensive knowledge of mathematics; thorough knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing the collection and treatment of combined sewage in Buffalo;
Thorough knowledge of industry standards technologies as they relate to electrical equipment and systems including motor controls and Variable Frequency Drives (VFD's);
Thorough knowledge of network technologies, hardware, and configuration including servers, routers, switches, security and user access management;
Comprehensive knowledge of technologies used to extend computer resources; thorough knowledge of databases, database management and reporting services; Thorough knowledge of various programming languages and techniques, including web application development, object-oriented programming and data structure development;
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of electronics including radio telemetry, digital communications and networking;
Thorough knowledge of control concepts including open/close loop, proportional band, integral and derivative;
Thorough knowledge of programming concepts for SCADA systems including graphics development, historical data logging, alarm and event control, trending and reporting, and communications to field devices;
Ability to write technical reports; ability to communicate orally and in writing; Organizational ability;
analytical ability;
ability to create and interpret schematic drawings;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse constituency;
Ability to exercise independent judgment;
Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
This position is not eligible for benefits.

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