IT Field Communications Specialist II / III / Senior

APS • Phoenix, AZ

7d • Onsite

About The Position

At APS, the IT Field Communications Specialist plays a vital role in keeping our enterprise and field‑based systems connected, resilient, and operational. This role ensures that critical communications assets are properly installed, maintained, and improved so energy services remain reliable—even during disruptions. By supporting disaster recovery efforts and addressing design challenges directly in the field, this position helps APS continue delivering dependable power to communities across Arizona.

Requirements

• Experience installing and maintaining enterprise or field‑based communications systems
• Ability to identify design deficiencies and develop practical redesigns in real‑world environments
• Hands‑on troubleshooting skills with a focus on restoring service and reliability
• Experience coordinating with third‑party or vendor support teams during escalations
• A self‑directed, dependable professional who works well independently and in collaboration with others
• Equivalent to a high school diploma
• Proven experience working on all types of supervisory equipment used by APS.
• Experience in designing, installing, configuring, and implementing public safety microwave radio systems and implementing large scale complex IP networks.
• Knowledge of the functionality of control schematics.
• Demonstrated experience in substation design concepts/practices relating to substation control.
• A thorough understanding of protection, metering, and control concepts.
• Familiarity with electronic circuit fundamentals.
• Demonstrated personal computer skills including working knowledge of both hardware fundamentals and software applications.
• Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards.
• A full seven (7) year criminal history will be obtained through the pre-employment background check process (or, for current employees, through supplemental background check process) to fulfill the CIP access requirements.
• This position requires an additional background check every seven years to maintain access.

Nice To Haves

• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and support enterprise and field‑based communications equipment to ensure reliable service delivery
• Identify design gaps in the field and modify or redesign solutions to improve performance and reliability
• Maintain and troubleshoot technical assets, restoring services quickly when issues arise
• Support disaster recovery efforts by redesigning traffic routing to restore communications and minimize downtime
• Coordinate and direct third‑party vendors or partners when escalated support is needed
• Install, assemble, design repairs, adjust, test, and maintain telecommunications equipment such as wired and wireless telecommunications systems devices, microwave, IP Networks, Radio Frequency (RF) Communications systems, Voice & Data communications, VoIP, Cameras, Wi-Fi, fiber optics, WAN/FAN/LAN technologies, all of which make up the Next Generation Network.
• Troubleshoots and design repairs on a wide variety of computer aided telecommunications devices such as Portable/Mobile and Radio Repeaters, radio dispatch consoles, electronic and electro-mechanical equipment, SCADA systems, Fiber, DWDM, telemetry and GPS systems, wired and wireless network equipment.
• Regularly use diagnostic software for localizing equipment and system problems, specialized testing equipment such as communications analyzers, digital oscilloscopes, Radio Service Monitors, digital multimeters, cable verifier, spectrum analyzers, frequency counters and RF power meters.
• Performs remote/Centralized management of systems through Management software.
• Install, repair and maintain Carrier Class Digital Microwave (MW), and Radio Frequency (RF) Data Link equipment.
• Must be able to coordinate and provide direct oversite to Vendor and 3rd part support and other activities within their area of responsibility (AOR).
• Is expected to train and mentor junior level staffing, they must be the SME of all equipment that resides within their AOR.
• Ability to work 24/7 in support of Enterprise Network systems and Public Safety Communication Systems, including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Must display a mastery of knowledge of AC/DC Power/Amperage and understand the safety aspects of working in high voltage environments.
• This position requires ability to work alone and with team members as well as customer departments to design highly reliable and timely solutions. The type of work will include working on ladders, and lift platforms. Installing microwave radios, network switches, routers, and the use of power and hand tools.

Benefits

• The Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED