Communications Technician I, II or Senior

Black Hills Energy; Pueblo (CO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Bonuses

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Well-being benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Job summary

Black Hills Energy in Pueblo, Colorado is seeking a Communications Technician I to safely construct, install, maintain, test, repair and operate wired and wireless telecom systems used for power operation and control. The role includes on-call rotation for 24x7 support and potential travel, with training provided and clear growth through Level I, II and Senior tracks.

Compensation is hourly with pay ranges from $25.72 to $60.02 per hour, plus a comprehensive benefits package including retirement

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Level I) with no experience required; training provided.
• High School Diploma or equivalent with minimum 3 years of relevant experience (Level II).
• High School Diploma or equivalent with minimum 5 years of communications systems experience (Senior).

Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair communications equipment for power system operation.
• Support various communications systems including SCADA, microwave, fiber and TCP/IP networks.
• Interpret electrical drawings and wiring diagrams, perform system testing and upgrades.
• Maintain battery plants and rectifier equipment; respond to system emergencies as required.
• Travel 2–3 days as needed; participate in on-call rotation for 24x7 support.

Skills

MS Office Suite

Radio communications knowledge

TCP/IP knowledge

Wiring techniques

Test equipment familiarity

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent (Level I)

High School Diploma or equivalent; 3 years utility comms experience (Level II)

High School Diploma or equivalent; 5 years comms exp (Senior)

Tools

MS Office Suite

Visio

Job description

Job Specifications

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today—for our customers, communities and each other.

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today—for our customers, communities and each other.

Position Summary

The Communications Technician I will safely and effectively construct, install, modify, maintain, test, repair, adjust and operate wired and wireless telecommunication systems, control and monitoring systems and equipment.

Pay Range

This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.

$25.72 - $38.44 per hour

$32.36 - $48.41 per hour

$39.98 - $60.02 per hour

Reporting Relationship

Utility Communications Manager

Location

Pueblo, Colorado

Essential Functions

• Assist with the installation, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing of communications equipment used for power system operation and control, relaying, data logging, and indication without endangering system operation.
• Assist with the support of Multiple Address System/Broadband SCADA communications systems, Microwave, Spread Spectrum, V-Sat, AMI/AMR systems, two-way mobile radio systems, and fiber optic network communications systems and equipment.
• Assist with troubleshooting, maintaining, and provisioning serial connections and basic TCP/IP devices.
• Work from and interpret electrical drawings and electronic circuit diagrams.
• Assist with antenna systems analysis, design, testing, and installation.
• Install, manage, and maintain communications wiring and cabling systems.
• Assist with maintaining battery plants and associated rectifier equipment.
• Assist with software and firmware upgrades of telecommunications systems and devices.
• Responsible for responding to system emergencies as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, public safety, and the safety of Company employees and assets.
• Carry out assigned tasks, interact in a team-based environment, maintain proficiency in new equipment and software as technology evolves and assist Tech II and Sr Tech with assigned projects.
• Participate in an on-call rotation as required for 24x7 support, with the ability to travel (2-3 days away from home, including occasional overnights and/or weekends).

What Is Required

Level I

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• No experience required. Training provided.

Level II

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 3 years of communications, electric or gas utility communication systems experience.

Senior

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years of communications, electric or gas utility communications systems experience.

What Is Desired

• Knowledge of the principles of analog and digital radio communication
• Knowledge of serial and analog communication’s protocols, technologies, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Basic understanding of wiring techniques, computer networks, cable management, and TCP/IP.
• Basic familiarity with PCs and equipment, equipment troubleshooting skills, and test equipment associated with telecommunications systems support.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in MS Office Suite – Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Visio, and Word

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company

We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package!

Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), critical illness, accident & group hospital insurance, pet insurance, an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. If there is anything that may show up in these reports that may conflict with the position requirements, feel free to contact the Black Hills Energy recruiting team at [e-mail].

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

If you require reasonable accommodation, please direct your inquiries to the Talent Team at [e-mail].