Plant Technician

Job Title: PLANT Tech

Department: OUTSIDE Plant

Name:

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: ASHLAND

Workday: M-F; 8-5

Supervisor: Plant MANAGER

Statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Install, maintain, and service telephone lines, DSL lines, cable lines, special circuit lines, subscriber carrier systems, cable terminals, protection devices, and customer-owned equipment. May also diagnose and repair trouble in switching equipment, SONET equipment, alarm network equipment, wireless systems, standby generators, fiber equipment, voice frequency repeaters, loop extenders, and cable loading systems. Repair and maintain multi-line telephone key systems and PBX’s. Coordinate with other departments on service installations and changes necessary to update billing, facilities, and other company records. Complete all installation and repair-related forms and reports.

Obtain easements. Locate and splice communications cable. Operate equipment to install aerial or buried cable. Complete on-call shifts when assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Install new service and equipment for subscribers by installing drop wires, underground cable, station protectors, and network interface devices. Wires new systems using appropriate tools.
• Maintain and repair existing services and equipment by using test sets to locate line trouble. Determine necessary repairs which may include repairing or replacing wiring, cable, pedestals, pedestal stubs, station protectors, ground connections, running new wires and replacing jacks, lids and pedestals as needed.
• A minimum of two times daily (a.m. and p.m.), call-in to Service Order Coordinator to receive orders on alarms, installs, troubles, etc.
• Install concealed telephone wire and other equipment at buildings under construction.
• Under the supervision of CO technician, diagnose and repair trouble in switching equipment, carrier systems, voice frequency repeaters, loop extenders, cable loading systems, and associated items.
• Test telephone plant and report unsatisfactory conditions; conduct minor central office repairs.
• Complete all outside plant and central office installation and repair related forms and reports.
• Maintain generators in service area.
• Maintain and repair multi-line key systems and PBX’s.
• Obtain easements; abiding by RUS and other industry specifications and/or instructional material as required.
• Submit sketches and measurements and make staking sheets when assigned.
• Locate copper and/or fiber optic cable when requested.
• Operate equipment to install aerial or buried cable.
• Coordinate with other departments on work projects; coordinate with plant and commercial staff to update records upon job completion.
• Complete on-call shifts when assigned.
• Interface with the public and customers in a professional manner.
• Submit timesheets, vehicle mileage reports, gas tickets, material and equipment charge-outs and credits in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in company safety and training meetings.
• Must work effectively as a team player.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management*

• These tasks do not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act definition of essential job functions and are usually less than 5% of time spent. However, these tasks still constitute important performance aspects of the job.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Clean and maintain huts and buildings in service area, including cleaning and maintaining batteries, cutting weeds, etc.
• Keep company pickup clean and maintained.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic electronics, specification sheets and circuit diagrams
• Knowledge of telecommunications plant equipment operations and maintenance
• Knowledge of local exchange distribution network facilities
• Knowledge of RUS practices and standards
• Knowledge of test, switching and electronic equipment and all types of cable
• Knowledge of voice communications and digital technology
• Knowledge of communication industry terms
• Knowledge of company products, services, policies and procedures
• Skill & Ability to operate service equipment (i.e. trencher, backhoe, truck, cable locator, faultfinding equipment) including various hand tools and testing equipment
• Skill & ability to climb poles
• Skill in reading cable records, staking sheets, specifications, circuit diagrams, and meters
• Skill and Ability to evaluate, test and repair sophisticated equipment
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as maps, staking sheets, and operating and maintenance instruction manuals
• Ability to type and use a computer and calculator.
• Ability to work independently and effectively, and make sound technical decisions using information at hand
• Ability to improve and redesign procedures for specific installation/repair problems
• Ability to communicate with co-workers and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner
• Ability to pay close attention to detail
• Ability to assume rigorous physical workload

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

H.S. diploma or equivalent PLUS two-years of telecommunications schooling or equivalent work experience. A minimum of five years’ experience in the installation and maintenance of outside plant and associated electronics with some experience in the installation and maintenance of central office equipment preferred.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSES:

Electronics certification required. Valid driver's license. State of Wyoming low voltage electrical license may be required.