Lead Network Tech (OSP Fiber, Networking, & Radio Systems)Job Code: 2024-400-014Division: OperationsFT/PT Status: Regular Full TimePosition Based In: HiramApply Before: 04/12/2024Job Summary:The Lead OT/WAN/RF NetworkTechnician participates in the implementation and maintenance of four majorsystems, each critical to the daily operations of GreyStone Power, all underthe umbrella of Operational Technology/Wide-Area Network, and Radio FrequencySystems (OT/WAN/RF).The Lead NetworkTechnician performs work on all network system components as outlined below.The Lead Tech typically works alone or with otherTechnicians, but can lead a crew as needed to accomplish goals.They must be capable of self-direction, havean excellent work ethic, and is expected to take the initiative in maintainingall network systems as assigned.The LeadNetwork Technician will work with qualified Line crew personnel to access thefiber and/or other equipment located within the Power Space when needed.The Lead Tech must be able to effectivelycommunicate with other technicians & Line personnel to “lead” theinstallation, maintenance, repair, and restoration activities.Included Systems:SCADA/MPLS:Participates in theconstruction, maintenance and operations of all network systems hardware,software, OSP fiber, Cellular Routers, RF transceivers and any other componentsof the System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and the Multiprotocol LabelSwitching (MPLS) systems, which provide reliable communication and control ofDistribution System devices.TheSCADA/MPLS Network supports the electric distribution system to maximize theperformance of the regulating, sectionalizing, and isolation of the powerdistribution system.SCADA connectivityis essential to the safety of our line personnel and provides reliable,consistent power to our members.Maintenance of the network systems requires and includes 24/7 monitoringand response capability to interruptions in the network.Transport Fiber Infrastructure &Networks / Data Center Connectivity / Substation Security:Participates in theconstruction, maintenance, and operation of Greystone’s “backbone” fibernetworks as well as service points and all network access locations, includingfiber huts, and other facilities.Coordinates with others asnecessary to provide support and services to GreyStone Connect and ensure highreliability backhaul service.Thisnetwork co-exists with the SCADA/MPLS network utilizing ADSS fiber located inthe power space of our Overhead Distribution system.Coordinates with outsidesecurity vendor (currently EMC Security) to provide support for the GreyStoneSubstation security network, which provides access to the security system forboth GreyStone System Control & EMC Security.Includes responsibility for all GreyStoneowned security infrastructure, network hardware, software, and other systemcomponents.FTTH Operational Equipment& Distribution Fiber:Participates in the planning, construction, maintenance, and operationof Greystone’s FTTH network from the Transport Fiber access point to the home,including OSP fiber, distribution network gear, and all physical infrastructureof the fiber huts and all other equipment necessary to provide consistent,reliable connectivity to the GreyStone Connect subsidiary.Radio Frequency (RF)Communications:Participates in the construction, maintenance and operation of networksystems hardware, software, and any other components of four Radio Frequency(RF) systems utilized by GreyStone; 220MHz for SCADA, Cellular networks forboth SCADA and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), 450 MHz for Fleet voicecommunications, and 900MHz for the AMI.·The 220 MHz SCADA/RFnetwork is utilized within the SCADA/MPLS network described above and is alegacy system that will eventually be replaced but is nonetheless critical tocurrent operations.·The cellular networkssupport the AMI system backhaul and the SCADA/MPLS system, providing primary orsecondary redundant communications within the networks.·The 450 MHz Fleet voicenetwork is utilized for intra-personnel communications during both normaloperations and emergency restoration activities and is critical to personnelsafety and allows communications which do not rely on external utilities such asa cellular network.·The 900 MHz AMI system iscritical to our ability to track and record usage for Billing and to facilitateremote connect/disconnect operations, receive alerts for tampering & high temps,and to make Pre-Paid Service possible.The Lead Network Technicianshall be expected to take responsibility or “ownership” of specific projectsand ensure their timely and accurate completion, and when needed, the Lead Techwill be responsible for organizing and directing the daily activities ofadditional employees, including a GSP or contract line crew, for the purpose ofaccomplishing those goals.They shallalso be expected to assume responsibility for system reliability and takeappropriate steps to correct any recognized issues and will assist otherTechnicians with the installation, operation and maintenance of communicationsequipment used with transport fiber, distribution fiber, networkinfrastructure, substation equipment, revenue-metering equipment, distributionline devices, System Automation, and all other communications hardware andsoftware.The Lead Tech shall serve asa role-model and mentor to all OT/WAN/RF Network / Communications personnel inthe Technician I, II, and III classifications.Key Responsibilities:
Organizes and directs the performance of OT/WAN/RF Network Technicians, GSP Line Crew, and/or any contract personnel assigned to the Lead Tech, for the purpose of constructing or maintaining the OT/WAN/RF infrastructure for GreyStone Power.
Coordinate the work of OT/WAN/RF Network Technicians & Communications focused Line crew(s) with the M/A Supervisor and Line Construction Supervisors as needed.
Responsible for being current on ALL OT/WAN/RF network projects, installations, maintenance, and repairs and capable of assuming the leadership role in the absence of the Director of Outside Network and Radio Systems Operations.
Become & remain a Subject Matter Expert on all OT/WAN infrastructure and network equipment (both hardware & software) used by GreyStone Power; including all fiber types, WAN network gear, SCADA, RF transceivers, AMI network equipment and the communication modules used by the various Power Distribution devices.
Install, maintain, troubleshoot & restore network equipment (switches, routers, transceivers, etc.) at all points of service including but not limited to substations, sectionalizing reclosers, switches, and switchgear, SCADA, data-center connections & equipment, etc. Perform routine maintenance as necessary, including firmware, software, security patches or any other maintenance as required.
Troubleshoot Outside Network connectivity problems and work with the Director to formulate and execute a restoration plan.
Perform emergency splicing, as needed, for restoration effort.
Assist Director in managing connectivity and performance of fiber used to communicate with various electric distribution system devices including substations, breakers, regulators, switches, meter reading infrastructure, and fleet voice communications.
Maintain the Motorola Radio System Network, including four (4) remote sites and the HQ transceiver equipment, as well as connectivity between the five sites.
Work with Director of OT, Engineering, and other Technical Services personnel to plan and design new fiber routes and network infrastructure and lead installation efforts.
Perform periodic inspections of fiber routes and other network infrastructure to identify any maintenance issues that need to be addressed.
Perform any assigned moves / adds / changes to the OT/WAN/RF networks.
Respond to any fiber cuts or issues and manage restoration efforts to ensure a fast restoration of services.
Assist Director coordinating with all internal resources as well as multiple external companies that utilize fibers in GreyStone’s fiber infrastructure for notification and management during planned maintenance or outages due to cuts or damage to cable.
Assist the Director in the design, installation, and maintenance of the Substation Security/Camera network.
Maintain accurate records of IP Addressing, and Configuration backups of all network devices.
Keep documentation updated as needed on all splicing, maps, and other information as assigned.
Work with GIS/Mapping Team to update & maintain fiber routes and other information for GreyStone Maps.
Coordinate with URD Locate contractor to ensure GreyStone’s underground fiber is correctly marked for dig tickets issued by GA 811.
Perform URD locates on the fiber infrastructure when needed (Short Notice, Emergency, or for GSP purposes).
Coordinate with SCADA for any outages that would affect their operation.
Assists in the maintenance and troubleshooting of connectivity and performance of fiber used to communicate with various electric distribution system devices including substations, breakers, regulators, switches, meter reading infrastructure, and fleet voice communications.
Perform periodic inspections of the AMI base stations to address any issues that may arise.
Performs other duties as assigned to fulfill the objectives of the company and this position.
Ensure that all actions performed maintain the highest degree of uptime for all services and systems involved.
Ensures compliance with GreyStone Safety Manual/OSHA Standards for self and others.
Ensures compliance with GreyStone specifications, work procedures, & policies.
Inspects crew’s equipment for safety and maintenance purposes.
Have job site safe for the general public, such as road signs, cones, and flagmen, as needed.
Recommends tools and equipment needed to complete work.
Must be aware of any changes in RUS & GreyStone specifications and DOT rules and regulations.
May be called upon to lead contract trouble crew during significant outages.
Completes and maintains all paperwork for crew activity such as: time sheets, staking sheets, and trouble orders.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory ResponsibilityOther Network Techs, M/A Techs, and/or Line crew, when needed or as assigned by Director of Outside Network and Radio Systems Operations.Required Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Associate degree in engineering or related Certification in Fiber Network Design and Maintenance, and three (3) years progressive experience in the design, installation, operation & maintenance offiber, cellular or RF networks.
In lieu of a degree or certification : Six (6+) years’ experience in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of fiber, cellular or RF networks.
Minimum of two (2) years in Technical Services as a Network Tech I, two (2) years as a Network Tech II, and two (2) years as a Network Tech III; OR demonstrated mastery of all OT/WAN/RF Network Tech I, II, & III responsibilities confirmed by the GreyStone Director of Outside Networks and Radio Systems Operations.
Comprehensive knowledge and experience in communication technologies including, radio, Wi-Fi and IP addressable networking and fiber-optic installation/splicing.
Expert with all OSP Fiber Network & RF Communication tools, methods, and responsibilities, and capable of teaching less experienced personnel.
Basic knowledge of electric utility distribution industry & equipment, including industry standard communication paths is preferred.
Must be proficient with optical network test/measurement tools like power meters, OSA,BER testers, OTDR and other fiber characterization test sets.
Must know fiber optic color code.
Must be proficient in both single splice and ribbon splicing of fiber cable, as well as proper layout of a splice enclosure.
Must be proficient in low voltage cabling.
Must be proficient in underground utility locating and marking.
Must have working knowledge of optical networking technologies such as CWDM, DWDM, ROADM’s, PON and others.
Experience in working with RF systems such as LMR and Cellular preferred.
Experience with networking hardware from Cisco, Adtran, Arista, Juniper, Nokia, etc preferred.
Must have a basic understanding of the OSI model with a strong focus on layers 1, 2, and 3.
Experience in working in a mission critical environment preferred.
Must have basic electrical knowledge of both AC and DC electrical systems as well as battery plants.
Proven problem-solving ability and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
Forklift Operators Certification.
Ability to use common hand tools, fiber test equipment, multi-meter, and personal computer.
Must satisfactorily pass the EMC's employment physical examination and required drug screens.
Must have and maintain a minimum of ITS Access Only certification, with an ITS issued key, or willing and able to obtain certification with 1 year of hire.
Requires a valid Georgia driver's license.
Physical Demands (if applicable):
Work is a combination of office & field work.May work outside for extended lengths of time, sometimes in bad weather.
May require walking, lifting (up to 50 pounds), stooping, standing, climbing, and working off of ladders (up to 30 feet).
Eyesight and manual dexterity to work with very small parts.
Ability to use common hand tools, multi-meter, and a personal computer.
May be required to work overtime or hours other than a normal 8-hour workday.
Would be assigned to an on-call rotation for after-hours equipment problems.
Subject to be called out after normal work hours for equipment problems and emergency system restoration.
