Apprentice/ Journeyman Systems Technician

About the Role

This position may be filled as a Journeyman Systems Technician or an Apprentice Systems Technician - Communication, based on experience, knowledge, education, and abilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Journeyman Systems Technician - Communications:

• Support the electrical, electronic, and communications systems for controlling, protecting, and maintaining the transmission system.

• Install, configure, operate, and maintain information transport equipment, including digital microwave radios, multiplexing devices, routers, carrier and wavetraps, switches, fiber optics, two-way radios, and wiring for voice and data circuits, along with associated hardware.

• Utilize SCADA and other computer/software-based means to gather system information.

• Resolve communications system problem requests efficiently and in a timely manner.

• Use test equipment like time division analyzer, frequency counter, O-scope, and spectrum analyzer to monitor and maintain communication systems.

• Maintain a working knowledge of TDM (time division multiplexing), T1 circuits, backhaul circuits, and Ethernet for data backhaul transport.

• Install computer hardware and software, and configure/provision software-driven components.

• Test, record, and document changes to communication systems, ensuring NERC compliance.

• Apply technical knowledge of electronics, communications, and networking principles to solve problems using diagrams, schematics, engineering data, and test equipment.

• Support system protection functions as needed.

• Conduct commission testing of new or existing switch stations or substations, documenting all testing for system reliability and NERC compliance.

• Maintain tools, equipment, and work environment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.

• Follow all safety procedures and comply with OSHA and WFEC safety rules, policies, and procedures.

• Participate in training to maintain current knowledge and skills.

• Train other personnel in the use of assigned equipment as required.

• Support other Systems Technicians by performing duties in other specialty areas as required.

• Coordinate with Transmission Operators on clearances and switching orders for safe operations.

• Apprentice Systems Technician - Communications:

• Participate in the apprentice training program and support the electrical, electronic, and communications systems for controlling, protecting, and maintaining the transmission system.

• The apprentice training program requires a minimum of five years to complete, including on-the-job training, formal training, online training, and written study.

• Install, configure, operate, and maintain information transport equipment, including digital microwave radios, multiplexing devices, routers, switches, carrier and wavetraps, two-way radios, fiber optics, and wiring for voice and data circuits, along with associated hardware.

• Utilize SCADA and other computer/software-based means to gather system information.

• Resolve communications system problem requests efficiently and in a timely manner.

• Use test equipment like time division analyzer, frequency counter, O-scope, and spectrum analyzer to monitor and maintain communication systems.

• Maintain a working knowledge of TDM (time division multiplexing), T1 circuits, backhaul circuits, and Ethernet for data backhaul transport.

• Install computer hardware and software, and configure/provision software-driven components.

• Test, record, and document changes to communication systems, ensuring NERC compliance.

• Apply technical knowledge of electronics, communications, and networking principles to solve problems using diagrams, schematics, engineering data, and test equipment.

• Support system protection functions as needed.

• Assist in commission testing of new or existing switch stations or substations, documenting all testing for system reliability and NERC compliance.

• Maintain tools, equipment, and work environment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.

• Follow all safety procedures and comply with OSHA and WFEC safety rules, policies, and procedures.

• Train other personnel in the use of assigned equipment as required.

• Support other Systems Technicians by performing duties in other specialty areas as required.

• Document work for any NERC compliance requirements.

• Under supervision, coordinate with Transmission Operators on clearances and switching orders for safe operations.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Journeyman Systems Technician - Communications:

• Proficiency in installation, configuration, operation, and maintenance of information transport equipment.

• Proficiency in utilizing SCADA and other computer/software-based means.

• Experience with test equipment such as time division analyzer, frequency counter, O-scope, and spectrum analyzer.

• Working knowledge of TDM (time division multiplexing), T1 circuits, backhaul circuits, and Ethernet.

• Experience installing and configuring computer hardware and software.

• Experience testing, recording, and documenting changes to communication systems.

• Ability to apply technical knowledge of electronics, communications, and networking principles.

• Experience with system protection related duties.

• Experience conducting commission testing.

• Experience using a personal computer running Microsoft Office applications.

• Apprentice Systems Technician - Communications:

• Experience in two (2) or more of the following areas:

• Operation of light and/or heavy equipment (cranes, boom trucks, digger equipment, bucket trucks, aerial man lift devices).

• Construction, maintenance, or operation of an electrical distribution or transmission system.

• General construction or building experience as an electrician or apprentice electrician.

• Previous schools or training (including military) related to the electrical industry.

• Previous experience in any of the following categories:

• Working in climbing tools.

• Working from aerial man lift devices.

• Working at heights up to 120 feet or more.

• Working in electrical substations.

• Working on or near high voltage AC circuits.

• Previous experience or training with computers or digital and/or electronic equipment.

• Experience installing, troubleshooting, and resolving problems related to electric metering and relaying or communications equipment.

• Experience using a personal computer running Microsoft Office applications.

• Experience with various software applications used for communication, programming, and testing of systems is desired.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience - Journeyman Systems Technician - Communications:

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in a related field OR five years of directly related experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum one year of Systems Technician level experience.

• Completion of a recognized apprentice training program in communications is qualifying.

• Experience may be substituted for education at the rate of two years of experience for one year of education.

• Troubleshooting and problem resolution skills related to a wide range of communications equipment.

• Experience with communications systems and telephone systems.

• Education and Experience - Apprentice Systems Technician - Communications:

• High School graduate.

• Minimum of one (1) year experience in two (2) or more of the specified areas.

• Successfully completes the Systems Technician - Communications Apprentice Training Program.

• Language Skills:

• Ability to read and interpret documents (safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals).

• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

• Ability to speak effectively to other employees.

• Math Skills:

• Ability to perform calculations with whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

• Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations with limited standardization.

• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must maintain a current and valid State of Oklahoma driver's license.

• Work Schedule Requirements:

• Incumbent must live within a thirty-mile radius of the specified base work location.

• Work schedules may require overtime, weekends, holidays, extensive overnight travel, and travel overnight on short notice.

• Physical Demands:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods.

• Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying weights of 50 pounds or more.

• Climbing ladders and stairs, and working on elevated platforms or scaffolding.

• Walking and/or standing for extended periods.

• Kneeling, crawling, stooping, bending, or twisting with arms above shoulders and stooping for extended periods.

• Grasping, pulling, or pushing objects or manipulating tools.

• Wearing personal safety equipment.

• Manual and detailed handwork using both hands.

• Vision acuity to determine colors and shades of colors.

• Vision within normal range (corrective lenses permitted).

• Hearing within normal range (hearing aids permitted).

• Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job.