Communications Field Support Technician - IT Tx & Dx Systems and Compliance

The Communications Technician is accountable for all aspects of work related to installation, maintenance, testing and configuration of Information Technology Regional Communications Network communication equipment such as fiber optic, microwave radio and mobile radio systems, leased telephone circuits and MAS radio for substation communications.

Responsibilities will include inspections, generating reports and requisitions for materials, creating network diagrams and as-built documentation for various communication equipment, which may involve switches, relays, fuses and other accessory equipment plus specific work assigned by the Supervisor of IT Regional Communications.

Responsibilities Include:

• Demonstrating and directing a solid commitment to all aspects of safety.
• Meeting customer and client needs and service expectations promptly and in a courteous manner.
• Installing, testing, calibrating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing various Corporate telecommunications systems and devices, including two-way radio, microwave radio, fiber-optic, security, FAA lighting, emergency generators, DC power systems, etc.
• Using test equipment, including Transmission Test Sets, Fault Locators, T1 Test Sets, Spectrum Analyzers, Frequency Analyzers, Optical Time-Doman Reflectometers, Multi-Meters, etc.
• Overseeing and monitoring vendor equipment installation and repair activities.
• Preparing written procedures required for coordinating equipment additions or modifications.
• Reviewing and checking engineering drawings for accuracy and making field changes to update or correct.
• Identifying materials, equipment, special tools and permits required to complete projects and maintenance activities.
• Creating project as-built documentation.
• Inspecting telecommunications equipment and facilities, measuring critical parameters, and generating reports so as to document compliance as required by legal and regulatory entities.
• Responding to after-hours calls, participating in Departmental on-call procedure, and traveling overnight as required.
• Providing assistance during emergencies and storm-related restoration
• Traveling to various off-site locations as well as FirstEnergy office locations, training facilities and customer sites, when requested.
• Working cooperatively with other team members, internal customers and contractors to coordinate project activities, provide technical assistance and support, and schedule activities.
• Keeping abreast of industry-accepted and evolving and developing IT and Telecommunications technologies.
• Being accountable for all work performed.
• Keeping work sites in order, cleaning periodically and at work completion.

An employee hired at the Communications Technician II or III level will be expected to perform all of the above responsibilities with more proficiency, and in a more independent manner. Further, the Communications Technician II or III level employee will be assigned additional responsibilities related to those above.

• Associate’s degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering Technology. In Lieu of a degree, 2 years of related work experience required.
• Related work experience includes, but is not limited to : Network Communication equipment, SCADA Communications, power line carrier, remote controlled switches, Remote Terminal Units, telecommunication circuits, two-way radios, mobile computing.
• Demonstrated experience in creating and/or interpreting engineering drawings, electrical schematics, equipment manuals, instruction manuals and procedures to develop accurate work plans.
• Ability to work effectively with engineering and management personnel, along with interfacing and working cooperatively with customers, contractors and the general public, in a professional and courteous manner. Must meet customer needs and have good working relationships.
• Demonstrated proficiency with PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.), SAP, and various industry-standard telecommunications Network Management Systems.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to manage, organize and prioritize work, while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with a questioning attitude to continue to learn, produce results, and strengthen existing relationships.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of 3,780 megawatts.