Job Title: Senior Telecom Field Technologist
Department: Operational Smart Grids
Reports to: Manager - Field Operations
The base salary range for this position is dependent upon experience and location, ranging from: $92,185.60 - $115,232
JOB SUMMARY:
Scope of Work - Main duties, settings, geography, reporting relationships, other relationships:
Senior-level resource, provides Tier-3 support, whose responsibilities include operational support, maintenance, and repair of transport network equipment interfacing with Information Technology, SCADA Communications, Protection and Control, and Energy Management System work centers. This position requires significant experience, Subject Matter Expertise, and ability to lead development, provide team leadership and mentoring, and the ability to adapt to new and emerging technologies quickly.
REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES (Performance expectations and desired skills)
- Provide significant expertise for OSG Telecommunication infrastructure issues and remediation efforts. Requires specialized knowledge in areas of expertise; considered Subject-Matter Expert in many areas. Will be responsible for passing knowledge to other team members, creating training documentation and materials for distribution.
- Work closely with OSG Telecommunications Engineering to ensure designs meet life-cycle requirements and maintainability prior to deployment. Ensure all designs incorporate post-installation support. Primary, Tier-3 resource for design and post-deployment planning. Ensures all levels of Field Operations team understand and contribute to these plans.
- Provide significant support and troubleshooting existing infrastructure including, but not limited to: SCADA Telecommunications (Substation, DA, Gas), AMI Communications, DWDM and Fiber-Optic Equipment, IP-Based Telecommunications, Wireline and Telco based Telecommunications. Requires specialized knowledge in areas of expertise, including knowledge of standard test equipment, repair equipment, and other necessary tools.
- Provide expert assistance in other areas within AVANGRID territories as necessary, such as Cellular/Wireless communications, dispatch radio systems, routine maintenance where required, participation in team efforts and large-scale work planning and execution.
- Position will require field operation and travel outside of NYSEG territory, and more frequently to other areas within AVANGRID (RGE, CT, MA, ME). Expected travel up to 70%. Most is daily travel, occasional overnight and extended (1 week) trips to support large projects. Company Fleet Vehicle will be provided with this position.
- Provide 24/7/365 support to users of the systems, as well as any hardware issues that arise. Provide Storm support when required, based on assigned Storm Role. Participate in on-call rotation with other team members.
- Troubleshoot, program, test, repair and replace telecommunication devices in all locations across AVANGRID territories. This includes all weather conditions, rough terrain, difficult to reach positions.
- Provide leadership to team members as a role model and expert, while not a supervisory role. As Subject Matter Expert, assist OSG Telecommunications Engineering with field experiences and status updates, rolled up thru the other staff within Field Operations. Be a mentor to junior staff, not only within OSG Telecom, but other departments and roles.
- Assist Supervisor or Manager of OSG Telecommunications Field Operations in planning annual budgets, requirements and needs evaluation, staff and work allocations, and other duties not specified.
- Other duties as required.
MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Scope of work - range of responsibilities):
1) Provide significant IP and Ethernet-based knowledge and support to the NYSEG Field Operations team. Be central point of contact for all matters involving telecommunications circuits and routing/switching paths. Assist Network Management Center and Operational Smart Grids Telecommunications Engineering wherever possible. Participate in pre-deployment meetings, planning efforts, design, and rollout of design elements.
2) Provide high-level knowledge of cellular and wireless technologies (WiFi, WiMax, LTE, PtP Microwave) and how they interface with core equipment.
3) Have understanding and functional knowledge of TDM and wireline circuits and be able to interact and maintain circuits. Interaction with carriers is important and will involve significant documentation skills for diagramming as-built and current-state installations.
4) Manage, maintain, troubleshoot and document existing NYSEG systems. Infrastructure including, but not limited to, Fiber-optic, Ethernet, SONET, TDM and wireline, wireless and cellular. Debugging of issues related to these in a 24/7/365 operating environment.
5) Will require ability to lift (up to 60 lbs), stretch, bend, reach, stand for long periods, wear safety PPE (safety glasses, helmets, high viz clothing, FR clothing) as necessary by AVANGRID Health and Safety Mandates, operate near dangerous equipment and in restricted areas. Job is considered “Partial Field” requiring annual certification and training in multiple safety categories.
6) Able to pass a background check, drug test, and obtain certification for access to restricted areas as governed by NERC and FERC requirements for electric work, and NGA for gas work.
7) Other duties as required, assigned by Field Operations manager, or another associated OSG Telecom Management as deemed necessary.
ENVIRONMENT AND EQUIPMENT (Range of Technology, scope of practice)
Systems:
• Layer 2 Ethernet transport systems (MPLS, switched Ethernet transport links)
• Layer 3 Routing transport systems (Core and edge Routers, Infrastructure)
• Inter-facility ADSS, Leased (IRU) and OPGW Fiber Optic cabling systems
• Optical Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) systems
• TDM based multiplex systems including SONET and T1 channel bank equipment
• Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint Radio systems including TDM and IP/Ethernet based microwave systems and lower bandwidth data radio links
• Cellular and Private radio infrastructure (WiMax, WiFi, LTE) for Field Automation, Substation Automation
• Private Land Mobile Radio (PLMR) systems for voice dispatch
• DC Power systems supporting telecommunications equipment
• Telco High Voltage Protection (HVP) systems and remote fiber demarcation infrastructure in electric substations
• AMI (Automated Metering Infrastructure) implementation across NY State (1M+ Meters for deployment)
• Other systems not described here may also be in scope for management and maintenance.
Maintenance:
• Develop and manage preventative maintenance schedules for all assigned communications equipment and infrastructure to ensure optimum system performance. Work with field team to develop realistic and measurable schedules for these activities.
• Develop or influence communications systems baseline metrics and provide ongoing monitoring and logging of system performance
• Hands-on execution and/or contractor coordination of preventative maintenance inspections and maintenance activities for telecommunications transport equipment
• Hands-on execution and/or contractor coordination of preventative maintenance inspections and test for power supply systems including dedicated battery and generator systems
Repair:
• Provides 24x7x365 callout repair support of assigned systems equipment; this includes both hands-on dispatch repair and coordinating contractor-based dispatches for repair
• Interfaces and coordinates communications system restoration efforts with Operational Smart Grids Network Management Center staff, directing resources and providing updates as necessary. Provide expert knowledge and pass along any information that will assist them in their duties.
• Remote access and diagnostics of system performance issues
• Coordination of telecommunication lease circuit troubleshooting and repair activities with Operational Smart Grids Telecommunications, Network Management Center, and telecom vendors.
• Direct, manage, and coordinate contractor repair activities. Senior level assignment, has direct and meaningful inputs to process, technology, and outcome.
• Hands-on and coordination of storm and major event restoration activities for transport communications systems
Requirements
Education & Experience Required:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical discipline is strongly preferred. Associates degree with 4-6 years of equivalent experience also considered.
OR
• High School Diploma/GED equivalent or higher with a minimum of 10-12 years of communications related engineering, installation and support experience.
• High Fluency in IP routing & switching technologies with emphasis on MPLS, switched Ethernet, Layer 3 routing.
• Expertise with fiber, SONET, Radio/RF, Ethernet, and serial-based communications systems. Considered Subject-Matter-Expert in their area of focus.
• Familiarity with NESC standards, AC/DC power systems, and grounding.
• Familiarity with AC power systems (transmission, distribution, limited generation) and Gas distribution systems.
Mobility Information
Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country.
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