Communications Field Support Technician

FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy at a Glance

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.

About the Opportunity

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. [SC00]

The selected candidate may be offered a position within the same job family, at a level that is lower than what was posted. This will be determined based upon the results of the interview process which considers the candidate’s skills, work history, experience level, and other relevant qualifications.

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, Substation RTUs (Remote Terminal Units), Power line Carrier and associated ancillary equipment.

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, Substation RTUs (Remote Terminal Units), Power line Carrier, 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.

Qualifications include:

• 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.

Qualifications at the Level II include all of the above plus:

• Associate’s degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering Technology with 3 years of experience. In Lieu of a degree, 5 years of related experience required.

Qualifications at the Level III include all of the above plus:

• Associate’s degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering Technology with 5 year of experience. In lieu of a degree, 7 years of related experience required.

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Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

At FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.

Position Classification

Non Exempt

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team