Telecom Analyst, Field Operation GA SW

Job Summary  

The Telecommunications Analyst (TA) provides dedicated IS Field Operations support and coordination of major Technology projects, such as but not limited to AMI/TGB infrastructure, transport infrastructure upgrades, data networking upgrades and SCADA/Substation data. The job is self-directed with specific reporting locations being widely dispersed.  Individuals are expected to plan daily project tasks/assignments/requests with minimal oversight and to effectively interface with multiple parties on a frequent basis, ex.: PMO, IS Engineering and Support Groups as well as OPCo Power Generation and external parties (vendors and partners). 

The Telecommunications Analyst will perform on-site TO field support of maintenance activities, equipment troubleshooting, construction, and general TO projects.  This on-site TO field support will include hands-on work, the coordination of work activities performed by Field Operations personnel and/or contractors related to the installation, relocation, and/or decommissioning of TO infrastructure (transport, data, and voice equipment or cabling, control systems cabling, etc.) required by the project. The Telecommunications Analyst will support project schedules and priorities by attending construction site meetings and teaming with Engineering and Support Groups and/or Project Manager.  Other responsibilities will include quality assurance, project task reporting, materials tracking, and as-built documentation.

Job Requirements: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)

Education Requirements 

• Two-year degree in a Technology related field or equivalent military and/or work experience is required. 
• 2 – 4 years’ experience in a similar role or field ops technician role is preferred
• Proven track record in support of problem resolution and core business support is expected
• Field engineering, documentation, and labeling standards experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

General Competencies:

• General knowledge of Southern Company’s core business
• General knowledge of information technologies (those currently used within the system and new technologies)
• General knowledge of IT infrastructure components
• Knowledge of state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment, facilities, troubleshooting techniques and concepts
• Ability to effectively organize tasks, manage multiple priorities/details, meet schedules, and deliver on customer commitments
• Ability to negotiate with and influence others – internally as well as vendors
• Ability to build relationships and work in a team atmosphere 
• Ability to provide and accept feedback
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Must demonstrate Our Values with emphasis on leadership and planning
• Professional oral and written communication skills 
• Available for travel and after-hours, weekend, and holiday work

Technical / Leadership skills:

• Understand/achieve business, TO, and departmental goals, strategies, and plans
• Ensure full compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley rules and regulations
• Solid technical understanding of Southern Company’s telecommunications network, data network, and other major systems that utilize the telecommunications infrastructure
• Solid technical understanding of Southern’ s EMS and DSCADA systems
• Ability to design and engineer network modifications and/or additions from a field perspective
• Ability to organize tasks and coordinate various employees, vendors / contractors, and customers / partners to meet project goals
• Ability to work independently, prioritizing major tasks by overall impact to the company
• Ability to arrive at cost effective solutions in support of projects 
• Ability to communicate and work with all levels of management, vendors, and other internal and external groups and customers
• Ability to effectively lead meetings and make presentations
• Working knowledge of two or more of the following telecommunications infrastructure technologies: Microwave (licensed and unlicensed), fiber optics (electronics and cable), multiplex / DACS, Digital and IP communications, wireless (MAS, point to point, etc.), LTE RF / LTE Backhaul, and Ancillary (DC /AC power systems, surge protection, grounding, physical facilities, etc.)
• Ability to analyze information from multiple sources for complex problem resolution
• Ability to lead a team, coordinating various workgroups to drive complex problem resolution in a timely and efficient manner
• Ability to effectively utilize standard company computing applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.)
• Ability to appropriately utilize documentation tools as required by specific job (CAD, TBMS, Visio, etc.)

Physical Demands / Work Environment: 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee and those an employee may encounter while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The Telecom Analyst job requires the ability to drive long distances, travel overnight, be subject to 24x7 call out, work shifts greater than 8 hrs., lift / carry items up to approx. 50 lbs., climb stairs / ladders, and work in  areas requiring specific safety measures such as radio transmission sites, fiber optic transmission sites, power plants, substations, transmission right - of- ways, as well as various remote locations.   

Behavioral Attributes 

• Safety Oriented 
• Customer focused 
• Team player 
• Exemplify Our Values 
• Strong Initiative 
• Self-Starter 

• Works well under minimal supervision 

   

Additional Responsibilities 

• Support project schedules and priorities by attending on-site meetings and teaming with TO Engineering and Support Groups and/or TO Project Manager as needed 
• Participate in Business Partner planning meetings, where feasible, as TO Field Operations representative to understand impact of FO on pipeline projects and provide updates on FO work status to customers
• Track status of multiple regional infrastructure and OPCO projects– NGTAN, DWDM, Network Life Cycle, Wireless networking, MW upgrades, Fiber to Distribution, OSP Fiber-aerial and buried, SCADA, EMS, Cyber Security, substation monitoring, etc.
• Ensure proper project work orders are created, tracked, and shared with technicians
• Develop ways to enhance knowledge and information sharing among technicians
• Own documentation repositories for technicians
• Facilitate training events for technicians
• Maintain Departmental planning documentation – Storm Restoration Disaster prep, etc.
• Support Contract development for technical services
• Be involved in quality assurance, project task reporting, materials tracking, as-built documentation, invoicing, and other related duties as directed.
• Develop and maintain working relationships based on trust with critical Business Partners – Power Delivery, Metering, Generation, etc.

• Work closely with Field Operations Supervisor to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of support to our Business Partners.

   

Additional Considerations 

The selected candidate is required to reside within the region served by Southwest Georgia Field Operations. 

“The Field Operations (FO) southwest territory of GA consists of the following border counties and all areas contained within the perimeter of these counties: (clockwise) Troup, Meriweather, Pike, Lamar, Monroe, Jasper, Putnam, Baldwin, Wilkinson, Laurens, Dodge, Wilcox, Ben Hill, Irwin, Berrien, Lanier, Echols, Lowndes, Brooks, Thomas, Grady, Decatur, Seminole, Early, Clay, Quitman, Stewart, Chattahoochee, Muscogee, and Harris.”