Fiber Optical Communication Technician

Puget Sound Energy•Redmond, WA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Puget Sound Energy is seeking a Fiber Optical Communication Technician to join its IT Infrastructure team. This union-represented position is responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of fiber optic communication systems that support PSE’s electric and gas operations, as well as all corporate network systems. The technician's work is crucial for maintaining reliable communications throughout PSE’s service territory, involving tasks such as constructing, installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing fiber optic cables, systems, and associated equipment like patch panels, termination panels, and network devices. The role includes supporting fiber installation and maintenance activities that connect PSE substations, facilities, and operational sites, which encompasses the placement and installation of buried, underground, and aerial cables. Technicians are also required to perform underground cable locating using various techniques and devices. A strong safety-first mindset is paramount, as the role involves working in environments with high-pressure natural gas lines and high-voltage electrical systems. The position demands knowledge of various fiber optic communication systems, installation methods, and maintenance practices, and requires physical work, including lifting, heavy pulling, rigging, climbing, working in confined spaces, and operating various equipment outdoors in all weather conditions.

Requirements

Must have two years recent experience installing and maintaining communications and electronic equipment as used by the utility industry.
Must demonstrate competence in analyzing and repairing such equipment including, but not limited to; microwave, fiber optics, radio, telephone, SCADA and miscellaneous communications or electronic devices.
Must possess a FCC General Class Radio Operator license.
Must be able to calculate electrical quantities.
Must be able to read and sketch electrical and electronic circuit diagrams.
Must be able to use shop tools and instruments used in communications and electronic work in a safe manner.
Must have the ability to communicate effectively with Company employees, customers and other personnel.
Must possess or obtain within thirty (30) working days after selection a valid First Aid/CPR card.
Must have a working knowledge and comply with all Company standards, policies, practices and procedures and State and Federal safety regulations as they pertain to the job.
Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license.
Must successfully complete Safety Training programs to work in power generation, distribution, and transmission facilities, as well as, high pressure natural gas infrastructure.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience working with OTDR’s, light meters, fusion splicers, and specialized fiber tools on daily tasks.
Ability to identify fiber cable types, core sizes, and their infrastructure application.
Ability to identify types of fiber optic connectors, patch cables, termination panels.
Experience in infrastructure wiring and network wiring standards.
Proven experience reading and interpreting blueprints network drawings, and documentation related to fiber optic work performed.
Knowledgeable and comfortable with towing trailers.
May require the employee to obtain and maintain a current Commercial Driver's License (CDL B) with air and other necessary endorsements.

Responsibilities

Construct, install, maintain, and repair fiber optic communication systems supporting PSE’s electric and gas operations as well as all corporate network systems.
Perform work essential to maintaining reliable communications throughout PSE’s service territory.
Construct, install, maintain, test, and repair fiber optic cables, systems, and associated equipment (Patch panels, termination panels, network devices).
Perform placement/installation of buried, underground and aerial cables in all PSE environments.
Support fiber installation and maintenance activities that connect PSE substations, facilities, and operational sites throughout the service territory.
Perform underground cable locating, using a range of locating techniques and devices.
Coordinate work activities with other employees, supervisors, and departments.
Perform similar and incidental duties as required, consistent with the scope of the classification and the collective bargaining agreement.
Maintain a strong safety-first mindset and adhere to safety protocols at all times, especially when working in environments with high-pressure natural gas lines and high-voltage electrical systems.
Work overtime, participate in on call rotations, and respond to emergency assignments as required by operational needs and the collective bargaining agreement.
Travel throughout PSE’s service territory on overnight jobs and projects as needed.