Telecommunications Technician I

SMUD•Sacramento, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

SMUD is hiring a Telecommunications Technician I for its Telecommunications and Telephone Services organization. The position performs journey-level work constructing, modifying, installing, testing, repairing, adjusting, and operating telephone, telecommunications, control, and monitoring systems and equipment. Technicians develop and maintain detailed knowledge of SMUD systems so they can analyze problems and take prompt remedial action while minimizing service disruptions. The work is performed under broad guidelines, with latitude to make decisions, and the technician does not act in a lead capacity. The position reports to a Senior Telecommunications Technician or, as directed, a Supervisor. This on-site role combines office-based system administration with extensive field work. Work may take place in varying environments, including substations, power lines, mountainous terrain, and remote locations. The position supports reliable power delivery and SMUD's communications, control, and monitoring infrastructure. The posting intends to fill one regular full-time position and establish an eligibility list for permanent vacancies for two years.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Two years of formal schooling in electronics or equivalent demonstrable experience.
Four years of experience as an Apprentice Telecommunications Technician, Telecommunications Technician, or equivalent to be considered for the Journeyman position.
Newly hired Telecommunications Technicians must possess and maintain a current FCC General Class Radiotelephone license or equivalent certificate, or acquire one within one year of hire.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal safety rules and regulations, telecommunications and electronics theory, electrical theory, relevant equipment and systems, industry practices, SMUD procedures, drawing and configuration control processes, FCC rules, applicable electrical and safety codes, and SMUD facility and equipment locations.
Ability to safely construct, configure, operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain telecommunications equipment, with proficiency at hire in at least one of the specified areas: two-way radio systems; wide-band communications systems; control and monitoring systems; or telephone systems and equipment.
Ability to construct, operate, monitor, and maintain support systems and equipment, including backup generation, solar and DC power, GPS/network timing, UPS, chart recorders, and lightning and ground-fault protection.
Ability to operate specialized telecommunications and general test equipment and use applicable specialized tools and hand tools.
Ability to write complex operating and testing procedures related to telecommunications, telephone, control, and monitoring systems.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical information and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and blueprints to troubleshoot problems.
Ability to conduct field and laboratory repair of printed circuit boards and modules, handle electronic components properly, and use accepted soldering techniques and specialized soldering equipment.
Ability to climb communications radio towers and install, adjust, and maintain antenna/transmission systems, weather monitoring equipment, video cameras, and tower lights; tower-related work does not apply to technicians assigned to telephone systems.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), NERC CIP training, or SCADA system certification.
Current or past experience related to the telecommunications field.
Experience as a utility-scale Telecommunications Technician or Telecommunications Technician Apprentice.
Basic maintenance ability to restore equipment to service across all four telecommunications areas is strongly desired.

Responsibilities

Safely handle hazardous materials such as lead solder, paint, and cleaning fluids.
Obtain authorization before working on vital equipment and verify factory specifications.
Construct and install telecommunications systems and equipment.
Operate, monitor, investigate, test, and verify the performance of telecommunications systems and equipment, including test equipment.
Perform preventive and repair maintenance on telecommunications systems and equipment.
Thoroughly document work performed.
Keep Senior Telecommunications Technicians and the Supervisor informed about progress, schedule changes, scope changes, and other issues affecting assigned work or its cost.
Recommend system refinements to improve reliability.
Provide technical support to users of telecommunications systems and equipment.
Participate in evaluating existing and prospective telecommunications systems and test equipment for safety, reliability, operability, and maintainability.
Foster positive working relationships with staff and customers.
Train apprentices.