Mark Nowka
Beatrice,NE
Summary
Dynamic Controls Technician with a proven track record at Northern Natural Gas, excelling in troubleshooting and optimizing industrial automation systems. Skilled in control loops and electrical troubleshooting, I enhance team productivity through effective collaboration and critical thinking, ensuring compliance and minimizing downtime. Committed to safety and operational excellence.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Controls Technician
Northern Natural Gas
09.2012 - 07.2025
- Completed critical repairs and maintenance of electrical systems and program software.
- Skilled in troubleshooting control system malfunctions and creating plans for repair.
- Demonstrated commitment to all company policies and industry regulations while performing tasks on-site or remotely.
- Collaborated with engineers to develop, install, and troubleshoot custom control systems for specific applications.
- Assisted in new equipment commissioning by ensuring seamless integration with existing control infrastructure.
- Reduced downtime by performing routine maintenance on instrumentation and controls equipment.
- Collaborated with vendors to source high-quality, cost-effective solutions for control system hardware and software requirements.
- Optimized equipment performance through the calibration and tuning of advanced control loops.
- Conducted comprehensive diagnostics testing to isolate faults in control hardware and software components swiftly.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate documentation of all control system activities, modifications, and updates.
- Maximized productivity by training operators on the proper use of control systems and troubleshooting techniques effectively.
- Interpreted and modified blueprints and schematics.
- Protected vital assets from cyber threats by adhering to strict security protocols when working with networked devices or remote connections carefully.
- Tested and calibrated measurement, gas detection and other devices following use of diagnostic tools.
- Supported smooth operations by providing timely technical assistance to production teams during process upsets or emergencies.
- Assisted in installation of electrical systems and components for commercial and industrial applications.
- Developed and implemented preventive maintenance and operational procedures for electrical systems.
- Wrote protocols, qualification documents, test plans and test reports for quality assurance purposes.
- Maintained accurate spreadsheets and records of system operations.
Maintenance Supervisor
Koch Nitrogen
03.2002 - 06.2012
- Coordinated preventative maintenance schedules, verifying equipment safety and function.
- Streamlined work order processes for increased efficiency in addressing maintenance requests and tracking progress.
- Supervised [Number] employees and scheduled shifts.
- Supervised a team of technicians, providing guidance on complex repair tasks and fostering professional development opportunities.
- Increased productivity by reducing downtime, budgeting effectively, allocating tasks, and maintaining high standards of safety and work quality.
- Improved equipment reliability by implementing a preventive maintenance program and scheduling routine inspections.
- Reduced downtime by quickly diagnosing and repairing issues with machinery, electrical systems, and facility infrastructure.
- Facilitated strong communication between maintenance personnel and other departments to ensure seamless coordination during planned outages or emergency situations.
- Completed partial or full dismantling of equipment to quickly repair or replace defective components and restore functionality.
- Enhanced safety standards through regular staff training sessions, hazard assessments, and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of maintenance staff to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for growth within the organization.
- Kept track of equipment, inventories, and system upgrades in order to prepare and present detailed reports to upper management.
- Coordinated scheduled shutdowns for major equipment overhauls, minimizing disruption to production schedules while maximizing asset longevity.
- Analyzed and identified equipment failure root causes and initiated correction actions.
- Monitored employee work tasks while installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment for projects.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for cost-effective materials procurement.
- Prioritized preventative measures such as lubrication programs and vibration analysis that helped extend equipment life cycles and reduce overall costs.
- Conducted root cause analysis on recurring equipment failures and implemented corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Tracked and progressed maintenance requests in Maximo to meet schedules.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of facility expansions, ensuring proper installation of new equipment and seamless integration with existing systems.
- Scheduled and oversaw maintenance, repair and installation activities.
- Monitored daily progress and work quality to provide guidance and direction to mechanics and installers.
- Monitored safety compliance to maintain strict standards and protect team members from harm.
I$E Technician
Farmlands Co-operative Nutrition
04.1993 - 03.2002
- Liaised with electrical contractors to coordinate high voltage work.
- Minimized production interruptions by effectively troubleshooting electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems failures.
- Conducted regular training sessions to enhance the skills of junior technicians on the team.
- Managed facets of instrumentation and electrical equipment and automation maintenance program to support company pipeline and facility operations.
- Supported new equipment commissioning and start-up processes, ensuring seamless integration into existing I&E infrastructure.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize plant operations and improve overall performance.
- Increased production output with proper installation, configuration, and calibration of new equipment.
- Ensured safety compliance by conducting hazard assessments and implementing corrective measures for identified issues.
- Partnered with installer to troubleshoot and resolve instrumentation and electrical equipment and automation issues.
- Enhanced system efficiency by calibrating and maintaining instrumentation and control devices.
- Reduced equipment downtime through routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Mitigated risks associated with hazardous environments through strict enforcement of safety protocols during installation and repair activities.
- Provided technical support during project planning, ensuring accurate budgeting and timely completion of tasks.
- Tested wiring and other system parts for electrical flow and function.
- Installed electrical conduit and wiring for power, controls, and lighting.
- Disconnected and removed motors and pumps.
- Assisted with emergency and scheduled shutdowns while performing regular electrical duties.
- Updated hardware and software platforms by implementing automation and efficiency improvements.
Education
Hastings High School
Hastings, NEAssociate of Applied Science - Electrometrical
Southeast Community College
Milford, NESkills
- Programmable logic controllers
- Industrial automation systems
- Motor control circuits
- Schematic reading
- Pneumatic systems
- PID control loops
- Instrumentation calibration
- Human-machine interface programming
- Network communications
- Electrical troubleshooting
- Electrical safety
- Variable frequency drives
- SCADA systems
- Mechanical aptitude
- Control system design
- Critical thinking
- Technical drawings and schematics
- Testing coordination
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Self motivation
Timeline
Controls Technician
Northern Natural Gas
09.2012 - 07.2025
Maintenance Supervisor
Koch Nitrogen
03.2002 - 06.2012
I$E Technician
Farmlands Co-operative Nutrition
04.1993 - 03.2002
Hastings High School
Associate of Applied Science - Electrometrical
Southeast Community College
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