Communications Technician

Purpose:To safely, economically and efficiently install, maintain, test and calibrate all electronic equipment owned or to be maintained by the Cooperative. To ensure the investment of the Cooperative, harmony among the employees and service of the equipment is protected at all times. The Electronic Technician is responsible for performing maintenance, modification and required installation of electronic equipment and related devices in a safe, effective and efficient manner and for maintaining in an accountable fashion, needed parts, test equipment and supplies used in performance of duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Completion of a four (4) year electrical apprenticeship program which is recognized by the State Apprenticeship Council or must have completed formal electronic technician training pertaining to electronic principles and radio communications systems and have a minimum of 4 years combined experience testing and maintaining equipment in the following fields: Microwave Communications Systems, including Multiplex Systems, Fiber optics including terminal and multiplex systems. Mobile Communications Systems, Telephone Systems, and analog & related wiring & cabling.
• Working knowledge of personal computers, software installation, word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Must be prepared to perform maintenance on call out basis.
• Shall possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona Drivers License required by law within six months from date of hire.
• Preferred working knowledge of the following equipment: Nokia MPLS Multiplexer, Nokia 9500 Packet Microwave Radio, and SIAE Packet Microwave Radio, Motorola Digital Mobile Radio, Alcatel Lucent MDR8000 Digital Microwave, analog and IP phone system and similar equipment.
• Valid F.C.C. License or be certified by an F.C.C. sanctioned certifying agency desired.
• Must be able to pass a North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards (CIP) Personal Risk Assessment (PRA) screening and complete the required NERC CIP Cyber Security annual training program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain all microwave and multiplex equipment owned or maintained by the Cooperative and authorized equipment used by member cooperatives and install same as required or requested.
• Install, if necessary, and maintain all radios in the mobile communication systems, including base and repeater stations and mobile radios.
• Install, if necessary and maintain all communication -48VDC and +24VDC charger and battery storage systems which include VRLA as well as flooded lead acid battery systems.
• Maintenance of remote microwave site alarm circuits.
• Maintenance of fiber optic systems.
• Maintenance of analog and IP telephone equipment.
• Installation and maintenance of PA, public address system.
• Perform maintenance on communication related towers, including antennas and radio transmission lines (waveguide, coax, etc.).
• Perform, at regular intervals, a preventative maintenance inspection to locate potential problems to insure system integrity.
• Assist in the maintenance of any electronic devices as required or requested.
• Insure all test equipment utilized in the maintenance of the communication radio systems is calibrated periodically according to the predetermined schedule.
• Calibrate and repair, where possible, all electronic test equipment owned by AEPCO.
• Maintain accurate logs of all work performed on all equipment used in the operation and maintenance of the communication system.
• Comply with all F.C.C. requirements regarding frequency, deviation and power of all transmitters and record data measured.
• Act as a technical consultant to supervisors and engineering personnel and assist in field surveys for selection of communication sites and systems.
• Cooperate in achieving the objective of eliminating recognized hazards to safety and health; Comply with all Safety and Health rules.
• Practice care and protection of clothing and equipment that is furnished by the Cooperative.
• Participate in the training and instruction of the safe operation of old and/or new equipment and/or processes.
• Maintain work area and other facilities to standards of sanitation, safety and health in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Ensures the training of personnel assigned under direction.
• Ability to effectively establish and maintain harmonious and productive work relationships with the work crews, managers, other Cooperative personnel and external contacts.