Telecom Field Technologist

Company: New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG)

Department: Operational Smart Grids – Telecommunications

Job Title: Telecom Field Technologist

Position: NYSEG Telecom Field Technologist

Reports to: Manager – Field Operations, OSG Telecommunications

Location: Mechanicville, NY

Cross Company Responsibility: Yes

Work Type: Field

The base salary range for this position is $73,256 to $95,233 depending on experience and location. 

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Scope of Work – Main duties, settings, geography, reporting relationships, and other relationships:

Mid-level resource provides Tier-2 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 and the ability to adapt to new and emerging technologies quickly.

REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES (Performance expectations and desired skills)

• Provide well-developed skills for OSG Telecommunication infrastructure issues and remediation efforts. Requires specialized skill in areas of expertise; to be considered a Primary resource and offer significant experience and knowledge. Will be responsible for passing this knowledge to other team members, and creating training documentation and materials for distribution.
• Work with the OSG Telecommunications Engineering team to ensure designs meet life-cycle requirements and maintainability before deployment. Working as a Tier-2 resource for design and post-deployment planning and resolution. 
• 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.
• Assist 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 infrequently 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, and difficult-to-reach positions.
• Provide leadership to team members as a role model and high-level contributor, while not a supervisory role.
• Assist Senior Telecom Technologist, Manager, OSG Telecom 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 the 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.

2) Provide advanced knowledge of cellular and wireless technologies (WiFi, WiMax, LTE, PtP Microwave) and how they interface with core equipment.

3) Have an 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 the ability to lift (up to 60 lbs), stretch, bend, reach, stand for long periods, and 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 a “Partial Field” requiring annual certification and training in multiple safety categories.

6) Able to pass a background check, and 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 Senior Field Technologist, Field Operations Manager, or other 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.
• Develop 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. This is a Tier-2 level position, requiring greater responsibility for complex interaction and solutions.
• Interfaces and coordinates communications system restoration efforts with Operational Smart Grids Network Management Center staff, directing resources and providing updates as necessary
• Remote access and diagnostics of system performance issues
• Coordination of telecommunication lease circuit troubleshooting and repair activities with Operational Smart Grids Network Management Center and telecom vendors.
• Direct, manage, and coordinate contractor repair activities.
• Hands-on and coordination of storm and major event restoration activities for transport communications systems

Requirements

Education & Experience Required:

• A bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline is strongly preferred. Associate degree with 2-4 years of equivalent experience is also considered.

OR

• High School Diploma/GED equivalent or higher with a minimum of 4-8 years of communications-related engineering, installation, and support experience.
• Strong understanding of IP routing & switching technologies with emphasis on MPLS, switched Ethernet, and Layer 3 routing.
• Strong Familiarity with fiber, SONET, Radio/RF, Ethernet, and serial-based communications systems.
• Familiarity with NESC standards, AC/DC power systems, and grounding.
• Familiarity with AC power systems (transmission, distribution, limited generation) and Gas distribution systems.
• Experience not limited to the list above. Personal, practical experience in other areas such as basic construction, ability to perform standard physical measurements, and any other skills that may be relevant to the role.

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

AVANGRID’s employment practices and policies are geared to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. At AVANGRID we provide fair and equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tool to search for or to apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our People and Organization department at [email protected]

Job Posting End Date:

Read Full Description