Operational Technology Systems Specialist (SCADA Specialist)

Job Description:

Operational Technology Systems Specialist (SCADA Specialist)

Description

Introduction

Join Our Technology Transformation Journey
The City of Scottsdale Water Resources is seeking an Operational Technology Systems Specialist to join our dynamic team during an exciting period of technology modernization. We are leading a multi-year transformation initiative migrating from legacy control systems to cutting-edge PLC and SCADA platforms while implementing industry-leading OT cybersecurity frameworks (ISA/IEC 62443).

As part of our team, you'll gain hands-on experience with both legacy and next-generation automation platforms, work on enterprise-scale SCADA infrastructure supporting multiple water and wastewater facilities citywide and help shape the future of critical infrastructure technology for Arizona's premier water utility. If you're passionate about industrial automation, operational technology cybersecurity, and building resilient systems that protect public health, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

What Makes This Role Unique:

• Work with multiple automation platforms
• Lead implementation of OT cybersecurity controls ISA/IEC 62443 framework
• Support critical infrastructure serving 250,000+ residents across multiple water and wastewater facilities citywide
• Professional development support including ISA 62443 certification and vendor training
• Be part of a forward-thinking team driving technology innovation in the water sector

About the Position:
Provides technical support for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, operational technology (OT) cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure automation. Develops and maintains control system programming using International Electric Code (IEC) 61131-3 standards while ensuring system security, resilience, and compliance with industry frameworks including ISA/IEC 62443. Serves as a technical subject matter expert for industrial control systems, data communications, and OT security monitoring across the utility’s water and wastewater operations.

Anticipated starting salary for this position may be up to mid-point depending on candidate’s experience and internal equity. The full salary range is listed above and mid-point for this position is $47.67/hour.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• An Associate's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Process Control Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field from an accredited educational institution.
• Five years' experience in industrial control systems, SCADA programming, OT cybersecurity, or information technology with a focus on operational technology.
• Any equivalent combination of education and/or job-related experience that meets the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
• Satisfactory completion of the Scottsdale SCADA Apprentice Program will meet the required years of experience for the SCADA Specialist.
• Preferred:
  • Bachelor's degree in related field.
  • Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Rockwell Automation platforms.
  • Experience with Ignition SCADA or similar modern SCADA/HMI platforms.
  • Experience programming and maintaining Emerson control systems.
  • Experience with OT/IT convergence initiatives.
  • Familiarity with virtualization technologies and Linux system administration.
  • Demonstrated ability to support multi-vendor automation environments.

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted driver's license with no major citations within the past 39 months prior to the start date. The Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles requires that out-of-state driver's licenses must be surrendered within 10 days of relocating to the State of Arizona. Note: Graduated Driver's Licenses are considered restricted.
• Must obtain within six months of hire or promotion and maintain one Grade 1 certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) within the discipline of Water Treatment or Water Distribution or Wastewater Treatment or Wastewater Collections.
• Must obtain and maintain ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist certification within 12 months of hire or promotion.
• Every person employed by the City of Scottsdale shall reside in the State of Arizona during his or her active employment by the City, regardless of whether the employee is approved to remote work.

Essential Functions

Click here to view the job description and full list of Essential Functions.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Click here to view the job description and full list of Work Environment/Physical Demands.

For more information about Scottsdale, Arizona, visit our About Scottsdale site.

Benefits Highlights:

The City of Scottsdale offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 12 Paid Holidays, which includes 1 Floating Holiday
• Vacation Accrual; starts at 10.3 hours/month
• Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
• Medical (which includes behavioral health coverage), Dental and Vision Benefits
• City Paid Basic Life Insurance (equal to one times employee annual salary); option of Supplemental Life Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement; $2,500/year
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
• Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide; 457
• Pet Insurance
• Bilingual pay compensation

Please visit the Human Resources and Benefits Information page for more information.

Selection Process:

The application and supplemental questions are an integral part of the selection process and must be completed in full in order for you to be considered as a candidate. Please complete each section and answer all questions as thoroughly as possible. DO NOT state “See Resume” in lieu of answering. Unanswered questions, incomplete responses, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

Applicants whose education, training and experience most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to participate in a selection process that may include a panel interview. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening that may include:

• Fingerprinting search of the national FBI Database
• Criminal Background screening
• Drug Screen
• 39-Month Motor Vehicle Department Records Check

The City of Scottsdale reserves the right to change this process at any time, potentially without advance notice.

PLEASE NOTE: Years of experience are based on a work schedule of 2,080 hours per year for full-time positions and 1,040 hours per year for part-time positions, and while work experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis. Depending upon the job classification, education may not be substituted for work experience.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

When advised, reasonable accommodations will be made in order for an "otherwise qualified applicant" with a disability to participate in any phase of the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources to request an accommodation. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting HR at (480) 312-2491. Requests should be made 24 hours in advance or as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. For TTY users, the Arizona Relay Service (1-800-367-8939) may contact HR Receptionist at (480) 312-2491.

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

Full-Time Positions:
The City of Scottsdale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday and medical leave as well as insurance for medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurance. For a more detailed overview of the employee benefits, click here .

Part-Time Positions:
The City of Scottsdale offers paid medical leave for part-time staff.

Commute Solutions Program
City of Scottsdale provides free Valley Metro Platinum passes to employees for the bus and light rail systems when commuting; a vanpool subsidy is also available. Employees can decrease stress, decrease wear & tear on their vehicle, and help the environment all at the same time.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
The City of Scottsdale is considered a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). You may find more information about the PSFL program by going to the Federal Student Aid website by clicking here .

Closing Date/Time: 3/22/2026 11:59 PM Arizona

Salary:

$40.58 - $54.81 Hourly