Apprentice/ Journeyman Systems Technician – Communications

Western Farmers Electric Cooperative•Anadarko, OK

About The Position

This position may be filled as either a Journeyman Systems Technician - Communications or an Apprentice Systems Technician - Communications, based on the hiring official’s assessment of the applicant’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. Systems Technicians specialize in communications but may be required to support other specialty areas. The work involves installing, configuring, operating, testing, and maintaining information transport equipment and related hardware, including digital microwave radios, multiplexing devices, routers, switches, carrier and wavetraps, two-way radios, fiber optics, and voice and data circuits. The position uses SCADA and other computer- and software-based tools to gather system information, resolve communications problems, document system changes, support system protection, and help ensure system reliability and NERC compliance. The apprentice position participates in a training program that takes a minimum of five years to complete when begun at entry level. Training includes on-the-job, formal, and online training, as well as written study; some activities must be completed outside work hours. Apprentices must make satisfactory progress and develop effective and safe work habits. Work schedules may include overtime, weekends, holidays, extensive overnight travel, and overnight travel on short notice. The incumbent must live within a 30-mile radius of the specified base work location. The position is classified as safety sensitive.

Requirements

Journeyman: Associate 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 apprentice training program also qualifies.
Journeyman: Troubleshooting and problem-resolution skills involving a wide range of communications equipment, including experience with communications and telephone systems.
Apprentice: High school graduate and at least one year of experience in two or more of the listed qualifying areas, including equipment operation, electrical distribution or transmission work, construction or electrical work, relevant schooling or training, work at heights or in substations, work near high-voltage circuits, computer or electronic equipment, or electric 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 speak effectively with other employees.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, calculate rates, ratios, and percentages, and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Experience using a personal computer running Microsoft Office applications.
Must maintain a current and valid State of Oklahoma driver's license.
Must live within a 30-mile radius of the specified base work location.
Must meet the physical and environmental requirements of the job, including the ability to lift, push, pull, or carry 50 pounds or more; climb and work at heights; and perform the other listed physical duties.
Must be able to work in the described conditions, including near high voltages and in varying weather and temperature conditions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with software applications used for communications, programming, and testing of systems.
Journeyman applicants may qualify through completion of a recognized apprentice training program in communications.

Responsibilities

Install, configure, operate, and maintain communications and information transport equipment, circuits, and associated hardware.
Use SCADA and other computer- or software-based means to gather system information.
Resolve communications system problems reported by Operations, Engineering, and Transmission & Distribution Services personnel.
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 circuits, backhaul circuits, and Ethernet data transport.
Install computer hardware and software and configure or provision software-driven components.
Test, record, and document changes to communications systems and document work for applicable NERC compliance requirements.
Apply electronics, communications, and networking knowledge to solve problems using diagrams, schematics, engineering data, and test equipment.
Support system protection functions and perform related duties as needed.
Conduct or assist with commissioning tests of switch stations or substations and document testing to support system reliability and applicable NERC compliance.
Maintain tools, equipment, and the work environment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition; follow safety procedures and applicable OSHA and WFEC rules.
Complete the communications apprentice training program, including formal training, on-the-job training, outside education, and written study, when hired as an apprentice.
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 to ensure safe operations; apprentices do so under the supervision of an authorized Lead or Journeyman technician.