Telecommunications Technician Advanced Apprentice

Telecommunications Technician Advanced ApprenticeSacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is seeking an experienced individual with a Telecommunications background to join our Telecom Operations and Maintenance team at the Advanced Apprentice level. Telecommunications Technicians are the backbone of SMUD's smart grid, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced communication, control, and monitoring systems to ensure reliable and resilient power delivery.Reporting to a Senior Telecommunications Technician or the Manager, Telecommunications Operations and Maintenance, advanced apprentices will learn the critical tasks and theories needed to maintain critical infrastructure. In this highly dynamic team, advanced apprentices will gain expertise in legacy telecom circuits, modern networks, and electrical systems, and will learn to enable real-time physical security and electrical grid monitoring and automation while minimizing service disruptions.This is a highly dynamic position that includes both in-office system administration and extensive field work in varying environments including mountainous terrain, substations, power lines and other remote locations year-round.Employee Benefits:Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverageRetirement through Public Employees Retirement System 457 and 401(k) plans availableFlexible Savings AccountShort and Long Term DisabilityEmployee and Spouse Life InsurancePurpose: Under close supervision, assists with and learns to perform work in constructing, modifying, installing, testing, repairing, adjusting and operating telecommunications, control and monitoring systems and equipment.Nature and Scope: This is the Apprentice-level job class in the Telecommunications Technician series. Incumbents in this classification learn to develop and maintain a detailed knowledge of SMUD's telecommunications systems and sub-systems in order to analyze system problems and take prompt remedial action with minimal service disturbance.Duties and Responsibilities: Under supervision and instruction, an Apprentice learns to perform the following:Constructs and installs new telecommunications systems and equipment; secures authorization before working on vital equipment; verifies factory specifications.Operates, monitors, investigates, tests and assures proper performance of telecommunications systems and equipment, including test equipment.Performs preventive and repair maintenance on telecommunications systems and equipment; thoroughly documents the work performed; properly handles hazardous materials such as lead solder, paint and cleaning fluids.Provides technical support to the users of telecommunications systems and equipment.Informs superiors of work progress, schedule changes, project scope changes and other issues affecting the outcome or cost of assigned tasks.Recommends system refinements to improve reliability.Participates in evaluating existing and prospective telecommunications systems and test equipment for safety, reliability, operability and maintainability.Drives SMUD vehicles and maintains good driving record in accordance to current SMUD driving policy.Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Two (2) years of formal schooling in electronics or equivalent demonstrable experience.Required Licenses/Certificates: Must possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License CDL and a satisfactory driving record not more than two moving violations in the last two (2) years. Must possess and maintain a current FCC General Class Radiotelephone license or equivalent certificate or acquire the above within one (1) year of hire.Knowledge Of: Messaging systems; communications systems; telecommunications theory and computer (mainframe, mini/micro, and PC) systems principles, data signaling methods; voice and data communications protocols; data access methods and familiarity with telecommunication hardware technology; basic telecommunication system principles and practices; advanced electronic and telecommunications theory; AC and DC electrical theory; electrical and electronic components such as microprocessors, transistors, relays, transformers, optical isolators, linear and non-linear devices, and synchronous and non-synchronous devices; telecommunication systems and equipment including telephone, leased circuits, microwave radio, fiber optics, multiplex, two-way radio, SCADA, telemetry, power-line carrier, personal computers, cabling/wiring systems including copper, fiber optics, and coaxial and LANs; telecommunications standard industry practices for construction, operation, performance monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting; Design Change Notice (DCN) or equivalent drawing and configuration control processes; FCC rules and regulations; State and Federal safety rules and regulations; National Electric, National Safety, and Natural Gas Safety Codes; and SMUD policies and procedures.Skills To Learn: Construct, configure, operate, monitor, troubleshoot and maintain telecommunications equipment such as two-way radio systems, wide-band communication systems, T1 and T3 systems, single and multi-mode fiber optic systems, control and monitoring systems, FSK and digital telemetry systems, security systems, load management control systems, and telephone systems and equipment; install new telephone equipment, compile accurate test data and installation notes; investigate, analyze, and evaluate the causes of telephone system and related equipment outages; locate and isolate problems or outages of telecommunication systems and/or related equipment; use and operate various types of test equipment, such as T1 test sets and perform appropriate repair work on all related equipment and components; provide assistance and leadership in the training and progression of apprentices; recognize the impact and possible ramifications of decisions made; make appropriate decisions from a variety of alternatives; and, manage demands of daily workload with minimal supervision; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; write complex operating and testing procedures related to telecommunications, telephone control and monitoring systems; mathematics including algebra, geometry and trigonometry; read, interpret and apply technical information related to electronic, mechanical and electrical equipment and circuitry; use accepted soldering techniques and specialized soldering equipment; climb communications towers; install, adjust and maintain antenna/transmission systems, weather monitoring equipment and video cameras and tower lights; follow oral and written instructions; work without direct supervision; work in a safe and effective manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.Desirable Qualifications: Certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), NERC CIP training, SCADA system certification. Current or past experience related to the telecommunications field.

Experience as a Telecommunications Technician or Telecommunications Technician Apprentice.Physical Requirements: Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.