Senior Telecom Engineer (Open until Filled)

  • Job ID: 11785
  • Location: Wenatchee, WA
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular

LIVE, WORK AND PLAY!

Chelan County PUD is located in the geographical center of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers.   A public power leader, the complex and progressive nature of PUD operations offer a unique mix of challenges and opportunities.

We rely on the mighty Columbia River for much of our hydropower generation and we're proud to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship as related to this great river system. Each year we dedicate millions of dollars and thousands of work hours to protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plant ecosystems. As part of hydropower operations, we've also built 14 parks that serve more than 3 million visitors each year.

Rated by Forbes in 2017 and 2019 as one of the top 25 places to retire, Wenatchee is a recreational paradise with an abundance of adventure. The natural scenic beauty of the Wenatchee Valley provides a vivid backdrop to its thriving economy, where the quality of life is high and the climate is moderate with four distinct seasons, including more than 200 days of sunshine!

We are a small town to some and big city to others. We invest in our children and believe that education is the key to our future success.

We live a life of abundant choices and enjoy water sports on the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, hiking, biking, rock climbing and unlimited golfing. Downhill and cross-country skiing are just minutes away. The area is also known for producing quality wines.

Consider Chelan PUD as a career choice today! The community is waiting for you.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applicants are required to submit a combined cover letter and resume in one document. Your cover letter must demonstrate your work in the field of telecommunications, including systems design and installation, PBX exposure, IP telephony and RF Transmission system technologies.  Incomplete materials will not be considered.

To expedite the application process, combine your cover letter and resume into one PDF or WORD document before applying and upload electronically when requested in the online application process.

This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED and applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.  The first review date for application materials is scheduled for August 25.

Interested parties are also invited to contact Human Resources at joblist@chelanpud.org to discuss the position.

SALARY RANGE

In addition to a competitive starting salary range of $98,960  - $123,700 (based on qualifications, skills and abilities), Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include the option of a zero cost medical plan (medical, dental and vision for all eligible dependents), short and long-term disability, Washington State Public Employee's Retirement System, Deferred Compensation (with company matching funds up to 5%), 11 holidays and initial personal leave accrual at 21 days per year. 

Introductory Period: New employees holding regular positions must complete an introductory period of twelve months.

JOB POSTING

JOB PURPOSE:                        
This senior level position is responsible for providing high quality telecommunications engineering and project management services to Chelan County Public Utility District ("District") to ensure the District’s telecommunications infrastructure is designed, maintained and operated in the most efficient and cost-effective manner, including system replacement and expansion necessary to meet the District’s capital and O&M telecommunication needs.  The technologies involved are microwave, fiber-optic, LAN, WAN, trunked and conventional two-way radio, VoIP telephone, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), video systems, security systems and wireless access systems. This position is responsible for the enforcement of policies and procedures, engineering, analytical tasks, and activities associated with areas within the telecommunications function.

JOB FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job satisfactorily

 % of Time Job Functions
1. 30% Perform and or oversee telecommunication and fiber broadband technical system design or modifications. Primary focus is on core telecom systems, including, but not limited to, PBX, trunk radio, SONET, and microwave communications. Provide engineering support related to fiber circuit design and fiber splicing.  Provide telecommunication and fiber design solutions to District staff related to technical and operational needs in other business areas. Maintain telecom and fiber system design documentation in accordance with District standards. 

2. 20% Manage telecommunication projects including project scope, schedule, and budget.  Monitor project progress, verify telecommunications project costs are appropriate, and the project does not exceed budget. Complete project documentation according to District standards.

3.  15% Provide advanced technical support to maintain and operate the District's telecommunication systems. Troubleshoot problems and resolve or provide problem resolution direction to others.

4.  10% Assess telecommunication system equipment condition and develop maintenance and improvement opportunities and solutions. Study feasibility of potential improvements. Develop project plans designed to improve the system. Identify necessary resources; develop cost estimates for various alternatives; and recommend the best provider of service. Inspect communication sites for adherence to plans, standards and regulations and identify deficiencies.

5. 10% Provide work direction to crews to install communications equipment.  Monitor compliance with project plans and specifications, applicable standards, and the District Communication Plan.

6.  5% Prepare and/or direct the preparation of telecommunication specifications for material purchases for installation contracts, including approval of material, services and receipts on purchase orders; bid specifications; and purchase requisitions. Implement purchases within the framework of District policy and Washington State law.

7.  5% Represents the District's interests in matters relating to telecommunication ongoing operations and compliance. Establish and maintain processes and procedures to meet regulatory and license requirements. Examples include working with neighboring utilities on system interconnections, the FCC on licensing and permit issues, telephone companies, carriers and current and potential customers.

8.  5% Renew the District's FCC licenses, modify licenses and apply for new licenses, as needed. Submit annual construction reports as required on radio systems under construction.  Respond to all FCC requests for information on District radio systems.

9.  Ongoing   Drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.

10.  Ongoing Maintain regular and predictable attendance.  Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.  Comply with District policies.  Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
 
QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of those required, but reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

Post-Secondary Education:                        
Bachelor's degree (B. S., B. A.) from a college or university in Electronics or Electrical Engineering; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:                        
Typically requires a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience with at least three (3) years specialized work in the field of telecommunications, including systems design and installation.  Experience should include examples of exposure to PBX, IP telephony and RF Transmission system technologies and management of complex technical projects.
   
Specific KSA's: A fully skilled incumbent will have the following specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge:
• Solid knowledge of mathematics
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations pertaining to radio system.
• Understanding of LAN/WAN switching, routing, voice gateways, MPLS
• Understanding and working knowledge of Unified Communications and UC components
• Applicable knowledge of NMS and QoS ensuring reliable communications
• Basic understanding of network security and best practices
• Working knowledge of RF Design, RF Survey, Engineering and RF troubleshooting skills
• In depth knowledge of wireless technology
• Basic TCP/IP and Ethernet network fundamentals including the application of routing protocols, and TDM circuits.
Skills:
• Strong project management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Computer proficiency
Abilities:
• Ability to perform statistical analysis
• Ability to handle diverse projects simultaneously and adapt to changing needs on a regular basis.
• Ability to use District standard engineering design software applications and tools proficiently.

Language Skills:                        
Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.

Computers & Equipment: A fully skilled incumbent will have the ability to utilize the following software, hardware, or equipment:

To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have knowledge of PeopleSoft Timekeeping/HR; Microsoft Outlook; Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Word; Microsoft PowerPoint; Computers, GPS equipment, and office equipment. Incumbent may occasionally need to use or direct the use of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), spectrum analyzer, RF power meter, optical power meter, or other telecommunications test equipment for system acceptance testing.     

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; perform repetitive hand or arm motion; talk, hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

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.

The noise level is usually moderate.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

A valid driver's license is required for this position (verified upon hire).  A valid Washington State driver's license is required within 30 days of employment.

BACKGROUND SCREENING

Pursuant to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, Chelan County Public Utility District #1 conducts background screening of personnel who have access to the District's critical physical and/or cyber assets.

DISCLAIMER

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

EEO

Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled). We value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law.

EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers page in English and Spanish. 

Chelan PUD will not be offering any work visa sponsorship for this role.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-I.35(c)