Western Farmers Electric Cooperative has the following job opening:

DATE: February 3, 2020

POSTING #: 290978

POSITION: Apprentice Systems Technician – Communications

SALARY: $18.44 to $42.54

DEPARTMENT: Station Services

LOCATION: Anadarko, OK

Applications will be accepted through February 21, 2020 – Apply on-line at www.wfec.com

SUMMARY: Under the direct supervision of the Systems Technicians Supervisor, the Apprentice Systems Technician Level I-V participates in the apprentice training program and supports the electrical, electronic, and communications systems utilized to properly control, protect, and maintain the transmission system. Systems Technicians specialize in one of the following areas but are required to support work in the other area as needed. These areas include, but are not limited to installing, configuring, operating, and maintaining various types of information transport equipment such as digital microwave radios, multiplexing devices, routers, switches, two-way radios, wiring voice and data circuits and all associated hardware. Duties include utilizing SCADA and other computer/software-based means to gather system information. The Systems Technician apprentice training program requires a minimum of five years to complete if begun at the entry level. It includes extensive on-the-job training, formal training, online training and written study, some of which must be completed outside of work hours. Satisfactory performance and continuous progress toward completion of the program is required for continuous step progressions. Apprentices must develop sound, effective and safe work habits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties may be assigned. Successfully completes the Systems Protection Technician apprentice training program including formal training, on-the-job training, outside education, and written study, some of which must be completed outside of work hours. Maintains tools, equipment, and work environment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition. Follows all safety procedures to ensure personal safety and the safety of others. Learns to perform and performs at a level appropriate to training, the duties of a Systems Technician with emphasis on communications:

1. Installation, configuration, operation, and maintenance of various types of information transport equipment such as digital microwave radios, multiplexing devices, routers, switches, two-way radios, wiring voice and data circuits and all associated hardware.
2. Utilizing SCADA and other computer/software based means to gather system information.

• Resolution of communications system problem requests from system Operations, Engineering, and Transmission & Distribution Services personnel in an efficient and timely manner.

1. Using various test equipment such as time division analyzer, frequency counter, O-scope, and spectrum analyzer to monitor and maintain communication systems to an optimum operating condition.
2. Maintaining a working knowledge of the following: TDM (time division multiplexing), T1 circuits used in voice and data transport, backhaul circuits, Ethernet used for data backhaul transport.
3. Installing computer hardware and software as well as configuring/provisioning software driven components.

• Testing, recording and documenting any changes made to communication systems and insuring NERC compliance.
• Applying technical knowledge of electronics, communications, and networking principles to solve problems utilizing diagrams, schematics, engineering data, and test equipment.

1. Supporting system protection functions by performing system protection related duties as required.

Safety, Support and Compliance:

1. Complies with all OSHA and WFEC safety rules, policies and procedures.
2. Trains other personnel in the use of specifically assigned equipment.
3. Supports all Systems Technicians by performing duties in the other specialty as required.
4. Documents work for any NERC compliance requirements may apply.
5. Under the supervision of a Lead or Journeyman technician authorized to perform switching, coordinates with Transmission Operators on clearances and switching orders to ensure safe operations.

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Technical Skills: Displays technical knowledge equal to job requirements; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Quantity: Meets productivity goals; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.

Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time; Uses paid leave within policy requirements; Informs supervisor about necessary absences in a timely manner.

Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization’s goals and values.

Dependability: Follows instructions and responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Customer Service: manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments to customers.

Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors required.

Education and Experience: Must be a High School graduate and have a minimum of one (1) year experience in two (2) or more of the following areas:

1. Operation of light and/or heavy equipment such as cranes or boom trucks, digger equipment, bucket trucks, or aerial man lift devices.
2. Construction, maintenance, or operation of an electrical distribution or transmission system.
3. General construction or building experience as an electrician or apprentice electrician.
4. Previous schools or training (including military) related to the electrical industry.
5. Previous experience in any of the following categories:

• Working in climbing tools.
• Working from aerial man lift devices.
• Working at heights up to 120 feet or more.
• Working in electrical substations.
• Working on or near high voltage AC circuits.

1. Have previous experience or training with computers or digital and/or electronic equipment.
2. Experience installing, troubleshooting, and resolving problems related to electric metering and relaying or communications equipment.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with other employees.

Math Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills: Ability to use a personal computer to access the intranet and Microsoft Office software as required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must maintain a current and valid State of Oklahoma driver’s license.

WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: This position requires that the incumbent live within thirty miles travel distance of the headquarters facility in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Work schedules may require the incumbent to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and overnight travel on short notice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires sitting or standing for extended periods; lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of weights equal to 50 pounds or more; climbing ladders and stairs and working on elevated platforms or scaffolding; walking and/or standing for extended periods of time; kneeling, crawling, stooping, bending, or twisting while arms above shoulders and stooping for extended periods of time in order to accomplish duties while grasping, pulling, or pushing objects or manipulating tools. Requires wearing personal safety equipment; manual and detailed handwork using both hands; and vision acuity to determine colors and shades of colors. Requires vision within normal range. Corrective lenses are permitted. Requires hearing within normal range. Hearing aids are permitted.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires working in varying outside weather conditions and inside temperature extremes with extreme ranges of humidity and dryness; working in confined spaces for extended periods of time; and requires working near high voltages. Requires working at night, inside or outside, in all weather conditions. In accordance with WFEC Administrative Procedure 805-Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace this position is classified as “safety sensitive”. 

MUST MEET ALL PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WFEC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER

MINORITIES, FEMALES, DISABILITY, AND

VETS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

EOE/AA/M/F/DISABILITY/VETS