Apprentice/ Journeyman Systems Technician – Communications

Western Farmers Electric Cooperative•Anadarko, OK

About The Position

WFEC is hiring for a communications systems technician position that may be filled at either the Journeyman or Apprentice level, depending on the candidate’s experience, knowledge, education, and abilities. Under the direct supervision of the Systems Technicians Communications Supervisor, the role supports electrical, electronic, and communications systems used to control, protect, and maintain the transmission system. Technicians may specialize in communications but are also required to support other specialty areas as needed. The work includes installing, configuring, operating, and maintaining information-transport equipment and related hardware, including digital microwave radios, multiplexing devices, routers, switches, carrier and wavetraps, two-way radios, fiber-optic systems, and voice and data circuits. The technician uses SCADA and other computer-based tools to gather system information, responds to communications-system problems, tests and documents equipment and system changes, supports system protection functions, and helps ensure system reliability and applicable NERC compliance. The apprentice role includes participation in a formal training program combining on-the-job training, formal and online training, outside education, and written study. The program takes a minimum of five years to complete when begun at entry level, and some study must be completed outside work hours. Apprentices must perform satisfactorily and make continuous progress through the program. The position requires living within 30 miles of the specified base work location. Work may involve overtime, weekends, holidays, extensive overnight travel, and overnight travel on short notice. It is classified as safety-sensitive and requires meeting the stated physical and environmental requirements.

Requirements

Journeyman: Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in a related field, or five years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, plus at least one year at the Systems Technician level; completion of a recognized communications apprenticeship also qualifies.
Journeyman: Experience may substitute for education at a rate of two years of experience for one year of education.
Journeyman: Troubleshooting and problem-resolution skills involving a wide range of communications equipment are required, including experience with communications and telephone systems.
Apprentice: High school graduation and at least one year of experience in two or more of the listed qualifying areas, such as equipment operation, electrical construction or systems, electrician work, relevant training, work at heights or in substations, or experience with computers, electronics, metering, relaying, or communications equipment.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; and communicate effectively with other employees.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, calculate rates, ratios, and percentages, and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Experience using a personal computer with Microsoft Office applications.
Maintain a current and valid State of Oklahoma driver’s license.
Live within a 30-mile radius of the specified base work location.
Meet the listed physical and environmental requirements, including lifting 50 pounds or more, climbing and working at heights, working near high voltage, and wearing personal safety equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with software applications used for communications, programming, and system testing.

Responsibilities

Install, configure, operate, and maintain communications and information-transport equipment, including digital microwave radios, multiplexing devices, routers, switches, carrier and wavetraps, two-way radios, fiber optics, and voice and data circuits.
Use SCADA and other computer or software-based tools to gather system information.
Resolve communications-system problem requests from Operations, Engineering, and Transmission & Distribution Services personnel efficiently and in a timely manner.
Use test equipment, including time division analyzers, frequency counters, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers, to monitor and maintain communications systems.
Maintain working knowledge of TDM, T1 voice and data circuits, backhaul circuits, and Ethernet data backhaul transport.
Install computer hardware and software and configure or provision software-driven components.
Test, record, and document communications-system changes and applicable NERC compliance work.
Apply electronics, communications, and networking knowledge to solve problems using diagrams, schematics, engineering data, and test equipment.
Support system-protection functions by performing related duties as needed.
Conduct or assist with commissioning tests of switch stations or substations and document completed testing to support system reliability and applicable NERC compliance.
Maintain tools, equipment, and the work environment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition; follow OSHA and WFEC safety procedures.
Participate in training to maintain current job knowledge and skills; apprentices must successfully complete the communications technician training program and make continuous progress.
Train other personnel in the use of specifically assigned equipment as required.
Support Systems Technicians in other specialty areas as required.
Coordinate with Transmission Operators on clearances and switching orders; apprentices do so under the supervision of an authorized Lead or Journeyman technician.
For apprentices, learn and perform technician duties at a level appropriate to training and develop safe work habits.