Telecom Apprentice III - Telecom Technician C

American Electric Power•Corpus Christi, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Telecom Technician Apprentice III is an entry-level apprentice position designed to provide practical work experience in the telecommunications field. This role involves assisting with basic installation, maintenance, repair, testing, and inspection of various telecommunications equipment, systems, and infrastructure. The apprentice will gain knowledge of telecommunications technologies, business processes, and emerging technologies, working under the immediate supervision of a higher-level technician and adhering to standard practices and procedures. The posting also mentions opportunities for advancement to higher-level technician roles (C, B, A) with increasing experience and qualifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must demonstrate ability to understand and aptitude to learn entry level technical support skills.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Exhibit AEP competencies that are always expected of every employee.
A positive attitude, respectful behavior, and genuine support for teammates and leaders are necessary.
A strong electronics / telecommunications aptitude is desired and essential to success.
Overnight travel and daily travel for work as required.
Be adaptable to work schedules and priorities that may change.
Be available for call-out and planned overtime as necessary to support our 24x7 operation.
Demonstrate computer and application skills needed to perform assigned Telecom work and documentation.
Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
Physical demand level is Heavy, and may include lifting, carrying, and installing/removing heavy items up to 60 lbs. such as electronic and optical equipment, racks, test equipment, tools, cables and terminals, and other items required to support projects and operational activities at all job locations.
Associate degree, or equivalent 2-year technical degree, in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or related technology field; or military training/experience in related technology field; or High school diploma with a minimum 3 years of related work experience or industry knowledge. (For Telecom Technician C)
Must demonstrate knowledge of basic level technical support skills equivalent to a Telecom Technician Apprentice I and have a minimum of 3 years of technical work experience in addition to education requirement. (For Telecom Technician C)
For internal candidates (AEP Employees) Only: Must have a minimum of 1 year of satisfactory work experience, equivalent to, or as a Telecom Technician Apprentice I. Must have successfully completed all required training for the previous job level; and demonstrated/successfully tested the knowledge, skills, and capabilities required of an experienced Telecom Technician Apprentice I. (For Telecom Technician C)
Associate degree, or equivalent 2-year technical degree, in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or related technology field; or military training/experience in related technology field; or High school diploma with a minimum 5 years of related work experience or industry knowledge. (For Telecom Technician B)
Must demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills as a qualifying Telecom Technician C and have a minimum of 5 years of technical work experience in addition to education requirement. (For Telecom Technician B)
For internal candidates (AEP Employees) Only: Must have a minimum of 2 years of satisfactory work experience, equivalent to, or as a Telecom Technician C (steps C2 and C1). Must have successfully completed all required training for the previous job level; and demonstrated/successfully tested the knowledge, skills, and capabilities required of an experienced Telecom Technician C. (For Telecom Technician B)
Associate degree, or equivalent 2-year technical degree, in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or related technology field; or military training/experience in related technology field; or High school diploma with a minimum 6 years of related work experience or industry knowledge. (For Telecom Technician A)
Must demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills as a qualifying Telecom Technician B and must have at least 6 years of technical work experience in addition to education requirement. (For Telecom Technician A)
For internal candidates (AEP Employees) Only: Must have a minimum of 1 year of satisfactory work experience, equivalent to, or as a Telecom Technician B. Must have successfully completed all required training for the previous job level; and demonstrated/successfully tested the knowledge, skills, and capabilities required of an experienced Telecom Technician B. (For Telecom Technician A)

Nice To Haves

Associate degree, or equivalent 2-year technical degree, in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or related technology field; or military training/experience in related technology field.
Progressive experience supporting telecommunications infrastructure, including Cisco networking, fiber optic systems, L3Harris P25 radio networks, and DWDM/optical transport technologies (Ciena, Nokia, or Ribbon).
CCNA and/or CompTIA Network+ certifications are preferred.
Successful candidates will possess strong troubleshooting skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to work independently while supporting a variety of telecom systems and technologies.

Responsibilities

Assist with entry to basic level installation, acceptance testing, and documentation of various Telecommunications related equipment and systems.
Assist with entry to basic level troubleshooting and system testing, maintenance, and repair of electronic and optical equipment, infrastructure, and systems.
Maintain accurate records, reports, drawings, and other data required for all work performed.
Maintain inventory.
Inspect and maintain test equipment, tools, automotive equipment and safety/protective equipment in good working order and compliance.
Demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and update electronic and electrical prints, diagrams, and asset records related to Telecom equipment and technologies.
Demonstrate the ability to operate tools and other equipment necessary to perform job duties.
Assist others as requested or assigned.
Perform all duties in accordance with the Company’s safety rules and operating regulations, NERC CIP and environmental compliance and practices.
Respond to emergency callouts as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Successfully complete all assigned training.
Develop a working knowledge of entry to basic level technical support skills in at least one of the following technology examples, as assigned by leader: Transmission and Distribution station data networks, SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition), distribution automation systems, smart grids, and telecom for other utility systems; Generation and Renewables facilities telecom voice and data systems; Transport systems, such as microwave radio, fiber optic, and other transport/wireless systems; Land Mobile Radio System: P25 site electronics and mobile radio installation, support and programming, and RF antenna systems; Fiber optic cables, fiber splicing, testing, and termination/connecting methods; AC/DC electrical power systems, including basic understanding of circuits and components of distribution and transmission stations and networks; Telecom wiring and cabling requirements, installation methods, and industry standard practices; Networking systems that include routers, switches, wireless access points, and related devices; Infrastructure support equipment and facilities such as DC chargers/rectifiers, batteries, UPS systems, generators, transfer panels, security and monitoring, HVAC, grounding and signal cabling, site access roads, site yards, fences and gates, shelters, towers, and antenna systems; Specialized support of centers such as transmission and distribution dispatch centers and control centers, customer call centers, data centers and other specialized locations.