Telecommunication Inspector

WSP•Austin, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides telecommunications inspection support to engineers, project managers, and construction management teams to ensure compliance with project plans, specifications, contract documents, utility requirements, and applicable industry codes and standards. Responsibilities involve performing field inspections on telecommunications systems associated with electric transmission and substation projects of moderate scale, scope, and complexity, including fiber optic communication networks, OPGW (Optical Ground Wire) installations, ADSS cable systems, SCADA communications infrastructure, telecommunications equipment shelters, conduit and duct bank systems, communication racks and cabinets, grounding systems, network hardware, and associated civil construction. Evaluates workmanship, material quality, installation practices, commissioning activities, and construction progress to verify compliance with design requirements, safety regulations, and utility standards. Generates accurate, detailed, and timely documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project, including inspection reports, testing records, punch lists, and as-built verification. Ensures all responsibilities are performed with a level of quality that meets or exceeds industry standards for safety, reliability, functionality, regulatory compliance, system performance, and long-term operational sustainability.

Requirements

High School Diploma, equivalent diploma, or demonstrated proven equivalent experience
Minimum of 9 years of relevant post education experience in discipline with prior construction inspection experience.
Knowledge of various telecommunication facilities and installations to include- Microwave Radio (MW) sites, fiber sites, collector stations and optical amplifier sites.
Knowledge of various construction activities for the above sites to include- surveying, grading, civil, foundations, grounding, house installation, fencing, conduit, tower erection, dishes, antennae’s, waveguides, batteries, AC & DC station service, generators, transfer switches, common electrical, fiber optics are all strongly preferred.
Knowledge of working in and around energized facilities to include distribution circuits, transmission circuits and high voltage substations.
Combination of Microwave Radio Sites, Fiber Optic Sites, Optic Amplifier Sites and Collector Substations are all strongly preferred.
Valid state driver’s license.
Well-defined knowledge of construction inspection principles, field inspection practices, process, methods and techniques.
Well-defined knowledge of relevant construction codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, spreadsheets, photo documentation and tools.
Competent critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from inspection and testing results, data collation, load calculations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
Ability to direct others in the field such as subcontractors and junior-level staff to consistently complete tasks safely, efficiently, and accurately according to specifications.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Up to 100% travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in closely related discipline.
3+ years in a lead/supervisory role.

Responsibilities

Collect, compile, and analyze data from transmission and substation construction sites, utility surveys, telecommunications design packages, fiber route drawings, communication schematics, relay and SCADA diagrams, technical specifications, as-built documentation, testing records, GIS data, and computer-generated reports to support single, multi-phase, and multi-site telecommunications inspection activities.
Utilize telecommunications testing equipment, survey instruments, metering devices, OTDRs, fiber power meters, fusion splice verification tools, and other diagnostic equipment to inspect telecommunications systems of moderate complexity, including OPGW, ADSS, fiber optic networks, conduit systems, duct banks, communication shelters, network equipment, grounding systems, and SCADA infrastructure to verify compliance with design requirements, utility standards, permits, and applicable codes.
Apply established utility and telecommunications industry standards to provide technical guidance regarding the installation, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of transmission and substation communication systems, telecommunications infrastructure, fiber optic networks, teleprotection systems, and associated facilities.
Serve as a technical consultant regarding construction progress, quality concerns, and field issue resolution; may act as the lead telecommunications inspector on assigned projects or assist in overseeing telecommunications construction and inspection activities for transmission and substation projects of moderate scope and complexity.
Verify telecommunications design requirements, network capacity calculations, construction change orders, communication system configurations, and the interpretation of construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents while resolving discrepancies between field conditions and design requirements.
Monitor project schedules, outage coordination activities, contractor performance, testing procedures, and construction work to ensure quality assurance, safety compliance, and adherence to contract requirements while documenting project progress, deficiencies, and corrective actions.
Collaborate with engineers, project managers, relay engineers, SCADA specialists, construction managers, utility representatives, contractors, and other cross-functional stakeholders to successfully execute telecommunications work associated with transmission and substation projects.
Attend pre-construction meetings, outage planning meetings, project coordination meetings, and contractor progress reviews to provide technical input and respond to questions regarding telecommunications systems, construction requirements, safety expectations, and inspection activities.
Assist in reviewing contractor pay quantities, field work documentation, and completed construction milestones to support the validation of payments for telecommunications construction activities.
Prepare detailed inspection reports, testing summaries, punch lists, field observations, and technical documentation using photographs, redline markups, sketches, calculations, software applications, spreadsheets, network diagrams, telecommunication schematics, and as-built drawings.
Assist engineers, project managers, and contractors with risk identification, constructability reviews, troubleshooting, and issue resolution involving telecommunications infrastructure, SCADA networks, relay communications, teleprotection systems, fiber optic facilities, and related utility construction activities.
Assist with work planning, field activity coordination, outage scheduling support, staffing reviews, equipment utilization assessments, and time and cost estimates associated with telecommunications inspection and construction oversight activities.
Provide mentorship, guidance, and training to junior inspection personnel regarding utility telecommunications systems, fiber optic construction practices, quality standards, safety requirements, testing procedures, and field documentation requirements.
Coordinate with utility clients, contractors, telecommunications vendors, relay and protection teams, and construction personnel to schedule inspections, testing activities, commissioning events, and project milestones.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required by business needs.