Plant Automation Sys Admin II

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

390 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14620

Opening:

Worker Subtype:Regular

Time Type:Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:40

Department:100450 Sustainability & Energy Svcs

Work Shift:UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:UR URG 112

Compensation Range:$70,197.00 - $105,295.00

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

GENERAL PURPOSE

Engineers, plans, creates, manages, and documents all Utilities & Energy Management network infrastructure, software, servers, and communication. Maintains, manages, and ensures smooth communication between energy network infrastructure and all utility meters that drive our energy usage. Maintains servers used for BAS, plant control systems, PI data collection system, and other UEM applications, and writes procedures for troubleshooting & restoration of these systems. Provides direction to Energy Operations Group supervision team to carry out network, server/software, and communication related tasks related to BAS issue remediation and project coordination. Works with plant instrumentation group to manage network equipment, cybersecurity, software updates and backups for the plant's control systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Maintains, manages, and troubleshoots utility meters for electricity, steam, hot water, and domestic water.

Ensures accurate data collection and reporting, addresses discrepancies or malfunctions promptly, and implements regular maintenance schedules.

Performs system diagnostics to ensure optimal performance and reliability of all metering equipment.

May supervise and guide Mechanical Automation Technician(s) to ensure efficient and standard-compliant task performance.

Develops and leverages data analytics to improve utility management and optimize energy consumption.

Operates isolated control networks within the plants and multiple critical plant control systems.

Maintains all plant servers, client workstations, and network infrastructure in cooperation with the plant instrumentation group.

Regularly installs server/workstation updates, maintains server/workstation/network switch hardware, configures and monitors backups, and performs test backup restorations.

Monitors assets connected to the networks and sets up intrusion detection monitoring.

Performs recurring cybersecurity assessments of the networks and all connected devices.

Develops detailed documentation for the networks, including response procedures for hardware failures, network interruptions, malicious devices on the network, cyber-attacks/malware, etc.

Implements advanced analytics to predict and preempt potential system issues.

Patches servers in response to University IT security audit reports.

Manages critical Building Automation Systems (BAS) monitoring and controlling HVAC equipment across the University.

Administers and maintains all BAS servers, including regular updates, configuration of service accounts, and OS version migrations.

Ensures regular backups of servers and performs periodic test restorations to verify backup integrity.

Patches servers periodically in response to security audit reports from University IT security.

Works with vendors to upgrade BAS application software and acts as the primary contact for server issues.

Creates full documentation of service accounts, communication configuration, backup restoration procedures, and troubleshooting methods.

Applies continuous improvement processes to enhance system efficiency and reliability.

Acts as the University's expert on BAS network communication over serial and IP-level connections, with specific knowledge of BACnet, Modbus, Siemens P2, OPC, etc.

Defines and coordinates BACnet configuration between vendors and EOG staff.

Uses tools such as LinkRunner network testers and Wireshark to troubleshoot communication issues and conflicts between multiple vendors' devices.

Determines firewall exceptions required for applications/devices and submit requests to University IT for changes.

Creates and maintains full documentation of communication configurations. Writes and maintains scripts for testing communication and verifying system functionality.

Administers and maintains operating systems, applications, and hardware for various systems, including the PI data collection system, Energy Management Information System, Fault Detection and Diagnostics systems, ESRI GIS, and network storage/backup repository.

Regularly updates systems, configures service accounts, performs hardware maintenance, and migrates to new OS versions.

Configures communication/firewalls and ensures regular backups and periodic test restorations.

Advises internal owners of each application on IT/communication requirements and acts as the application administrator.

Creates comprehensive documentation of service accounts, communication configuration, backup restoration procedures, and troubleshooting methods.

Facilitates the integration of systems by consulting on new system designs and performing integration work.

Supports various functional areas within UEM on projects and systems.

Acts as the primary UEM point of contact during the migration of UEM devices in the medical center to the new VRF network.

Performs network troubleshooting and submits firewall requests for metering.

Consults on network/device requirements during the design phase of projects.

Writes scripts for data analysis/manipulation and develops system documentation.

Analyzes network traffic during project commissioning or troubleshooting.

Fosters cross-functional collaboration to enhance system integration and operational efficiency.

Engages in ongoing professional development to stay current with industry trends and technologies.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in related discipline such as Computer Science, Network Administration, Cybersecurity, Statistics, Science or Engineering and 3 years of related experience required

Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Additional experience with lower education levels required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Network & server administration skills required

Fundamental of electrical, mechanical, and controls systems required

Ability to work calmly and communicate clearly in high-stress situations required

Strong attention to detail & documentation skills required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

CompTIA A+ or CCNA within 1 year required

CCNP within 2 years required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

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