Utility Operational Technology Specialist

Salary:

$64,099.00 - $117,899.00 Annually

Location :

Wichita Water Works, KS

Job Type:

Full-time

Job Number:

Utility Ops/Tech Spec

Department:

Public Works and Utilities

Division:

PWU Production and Pumping

Opening Date:

06/24/2025

Bargaining Unit:

1000

The City of Wichita is NOT an E-Verify Employer.

Distinguishing Features of Work

Join a critical force at the intersection of technology and infrastructure with the City of Wichita! The Utility Operational Technology Specialist plays an essential role in safeguarding the city's water and utility systems through secure, cutting-edge industrial control systems. As a recognized subject matter expert, you will take the lead in planning, securing, and managing Operational Technology (OT) environments to protect critical infrastructure against evolving cybersecurity threats. Your work directly enhances the safety, reliability, and resiliency of public utilities that residents depend on daily.

This position offers a unique opportunity to design and implement secure SCADA and communication systems, evaluate cyber risk, lead threat detection, and implement best practices for OT cybersecurity. You will work cross-functionally with internal departments, external vendors, and government partners to ensure systems are protected from external and internal vulnerabilities. Your leadership will have a city-wide impact-driving the future of secure, smart utility operations.

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council

Workdays and Hours: Monday - Friday 7 AM - 3:30 PM with ability to be available 24hrs/365 days.

• *Posting may close at any time **

Examples of Work Performed

• Review and advise on OT network architecture/configurations to evaluate segmentation of OT systems from business networks and external or insecure remote access connections.
• Determine the scope, urgency, risk and potential impact of OT/ICS cyber incidents and recommend and execute mitigation and remediation strategies.
• Remain up to date on cyber threat activity by monitoring and assessing research and intelligence impacting critical infrastructure.
• Evaluate the organization's maturity to determine appropriate level/scope of cybersecurity assessments and recommendations.
• Advise critical infrastructure owners/operators and stakeholders of cross-sector risks and vulnerabilities to OT systems that have the potential to impact safety, availability, and reliability.
• Recommend/implement remediation or mitigation strategies and best practices for vulnerability identification and management.
• Conduct exercises and/or assessments (i.e. validated architecture review, table-top exercises, CPG reviews, vulnerability scanning, physical security) to determine the implementation level of cybersecurity controls and processes.
• Refer owners/integrators/operators to recommended cybersecurity best practices and guidance, product types, resources, strategies, and tools.
• Evaluate, identify, and respond to malicious cyber activities impacting OT environments by utilizing products and tools (i.e. threat feeds and indicators, advanced threat hunting, incident response) and developing custom analytics.
• Establish, foster, coordinate, and maintain communication and collaboration with internal/external stakeholders, including Sector Risk Management Agencies.
• Advice on control system change management and procurement activities in conjunction with IT personnel and control system experts.
• Coordinate public disclosures of vulnerabilities impacting OT systems and communicate with impacted vendors, integrators, and other stakeholders.
• Remain current on emerging cybersecurity trends within OT and IIOT environments (i.e. security tooling automation, software defined networking, Zero-Trust architectures, Cloud Computing, encryption, Al/ML).
• Completion of work assignments may require the operation of a vehicle.
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements of Work

• Ability to effectively plan, organize and supervise the work of others
• Ability to effectively train utility operations staff.
• Access to, and use of, a communication device, such as a phone, capable of communicating with voice, text, and e-mail. Device will also have internet access. The city will pay the employee a phone allowance.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to legibly maintain written and electronic records.
• Ability to drive at night.
• Ability to be available up to 24 hours per day to provide technical support for plant operations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of other organizations, and the public.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Must have and maintain a valid Kansas Driver's License.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Required Experience and Training

Required Experience and Training

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.
• One year of experience in the design, configuration, implementation, and troubleshooting of SCADA or industrial control systems, including communication systems in industrial environments.
• One year of experience in Operational Technology (OT) network support, involving the setup and maintenance of LAN and WAN infrastructure, as well as the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of network hardware such as routers, switches, and firewalls in industrial or utility settings.
• A valid driver's license
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Preferred Experience and Training

• Three years of experience in the design, configuration, implementation, and troubleshooting of SCADA or industrial control systems, including communication systems in industrial environments.
• Three years of experience in Operational Technology (OT) network support, involving the setup and maintenance of LAN and WAN infrastructure, as well as the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of network hardware such as routers, switches, and firewalls in industrial or utility settings.
• One year of experience with cybersecurity controls, incident response, and threat hunting in Operational Technology environments.

Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

CITY OF WICHITA

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and/or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year.
• HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment.
• SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance.
• HEALTH INSURANCE - UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care/mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance.
• DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered - Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits). Pre-tax premium deductions are offered.
• LIFE INSURANCE - Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife.
• SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE - Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE- The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age.
• VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT - Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.
• RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost.
• FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted.
• LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE - This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available.
• MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES: Deferred Compensation Investment Program, Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA), Bereavement Pay, Employee Emergency Assistance Fund, Voluntary Shared Leave Program, Training Programs, Longevity Pay, Credit Union, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Injury Leave (on-job injury), Community Volunteer Events.

The following validates my highest level of education...

• Some High School
• High School/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate/JD

I have a Bachelor's degree or higher in one of the below:

• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• I do not have a degree or higher in any of the disciplines listed above.

I have following years of experience in the design, configuration, implementation, and troubleshooting of SCADA or industrial control systems, including communication systems in industrial environments.

• less than 1 year of experience
• 1 - 2 year of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 5+ years of experience
• I do not have any experience in the design, configuration, implementation, and troubleshooting of SCADA or industrial control systems, including communication systems in industrial environments.

I have following years of experience in Operational Technology (OT) network support, involving the setup and maintenance of LAN and WAN infrastructure, as well as the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of network hardware such as routers, switches, and firewalls in industrial or utility settings.

• less than 1 year of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 5+ years of experience
• I do not have any experience in Operational Technology (OT) network support, involving the setup and maintenance of LAN and WAN infrastructure, as well as the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of network hardware such as routers, switches, and firewalls in industrial or utility settings.

I have following years of experience with cybersecurity controls, incident response, and threat hunting in Operational Technology environments.

• less than 1 year of experience
• 1 - 2 years of experience
• 3 - 4 years of experience
• 5+ years of experience
• I do not have any experience with cybersecurity controls, incident response, and threat hunting in Operational Technology environments.

Do you have a valid driver's license.

• Yes
• No

I am legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Yes
• No