Telecommunications Technician I

Muscatine Power and Water•Muscatine, IA

2d•$23 - $29

About The Position

The Telecommunications Technician I installs owner-provided telecommunications equipment and performs related work, including overhead and underground drop installation, troubleshooting within customer premises, and installation or replacement of customer-premises cabling and equipment. The role also performs limited troubleshooting of field equipment and basic fiber splicing. The technician must successfully complete each step of the apprentice training program to advance through the apprenticeship and attain Journeyman status. Training includes NCTI courses for Tech I or relevant courses and on-the-job training. The work is primarily at customer locations and outdoor job sites throughout the community, with part of each day spent in an office. Fieldwork takes place in all weather conditions. The technician may need to climb ladders and work from elevated platforms or bucket trucks for extended periods, while complying with safety and site rules.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
At least 1 year of communications-system coursework or equivalent work experience.
At least 1 year of customer service experience.
Working knowledge of computer software and hardware, mobile devices, and other networked devices.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with customers and other audiences.
Strong interpersonal and listening skills, with the ability to build productive professional relationships and promote teamwork.
Proficiency with PCs and relevant business software, including Microsoft Office and electronic mapping software.
Good problem identification, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Good work-planning skills.
Ability to work as part of a team, as either a leader or member.
Ability to drive results and complete work properly, safely, and on time.
Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust priorities to meet organizational objectives.
Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with power equipment and tools of all sizes.
Ability to read and interpret drawings, schematics, specifications, and technical manuals.
Ability to distinguish colors.
Valid driver's license.
Must comply with the Utility's Residency Policy.
Must attend work regularly, work overtime as needed, and participate in a rotating stand-by schedule.
Must maintain a means of communication so the Utility can make contact outside normal work hours.
Must complete the apprentice training program requirements, including NCTI Tech I or relevant coursework and on-the-job training, to progress toward Journeyman status.
Must be able to climb ladders and work for extended periods from elevated platforms or bucket trucks in varied weather and seasonal conditions.
Must comply with safety and site rules at all locations.

Responsibilities

Install customer telecommunications services and perform service upgrades and downgrades, as well as limited field troubleshooting.
Install and set up communications equipment, including set-top boxes, ONTs, routers, PCs, other computing devices, and customer-owned equipment.
Route communications lines, including CAT6, fiber optics, twisted pair, and coax, on building exteriors, interiors, or within walls.
Install outlets for cable termination points; terminate and test installed cabling.
Install and configure routers to support coverage and performance.
Troubleshoot customer services, generally from the fiber demarcation point to the customer's equipment.
Perform basic troubleshooting of service-impacting issues using diagnostic equipment for drops between the premises and splice case.
Educate customers about installed products and complete and update documentation.
Collect communications equipment as required.
Place underground and aerial fiber drops in accordance with construction standards for burial depth or aerial clearance, and splice fiber drops at the NiD (Network Interface Device).
Keep vehicles organized and stocked with tools, materials, inventory, and required equipment.
Support departmental safety programs, complete role-appropriate training, and maintain safe working conditions and practices.
Use lean principles and other continuous-improvement tools to help maximize departmental efficiency.
Perform basic fiber splicing.
Assist Telecommunications Tech II and III with troubleshooting and construction projects.
Maintain the owner-provided vehicle.
Complete other duties as assigned.