Network Control Technician

Kinder Morgan Inc.; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinder Morgan is seeking a Network Operations Technician to monitor and maintain the company’s nationwide telecommunications network, ensuring 24x7x365 availability and high integrity across digital/analog links, MPLS, VSAT, and PL.

Responsibilities include using Solar Winds, Zabbix, Cisco, and Juniper tools to diagnose issues, document troubles in the ticketing system, and collaborate with customers, field technicians, and engineers while rotating shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a telecommunications field is desirable.
• Minimum 1–3 years in network operations or telecom with troubleshooting skills.
• Working knowledge of data, voice, video, and SCADA components.
• Proficient with incident tracking systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook; driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain the integrity of Kinder Morgan’s telecommunication network (digital/analog microwave, MPLS, VSAT, PL).
• Use tools (Solar Winds, Zabbix, Cisco, Juniper) to diagnose issues and drive resolutions.
• Perform complex testing/analysis of data, voice, video, and SCADA components.
• Document network troubles using the current ticketing system.
• Interface with customers, vendors, field technicians, and network engineers.
• Ensure smooth shift turnovers and communicate effectively.

Skills

Analytical skills

Oral and written communication

Teamwork

Customer relations

Attention to detail

Self-motivated

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor's degree in telecommunications (desirable)

Tools

Incident tracking systems

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

What We Are Looking For

PRIMARY PURPOSE: For the Company’s nationwide telecommunications network, proactively monitor and maintain the network’s maximum availability and integrity at all times.

What You Will Do

• Monitor and maintain the integrity of Kinder Morgan’s telecommunication network (including but not limited to digital/analog microwave, MPLS, VSAT, PL)
• Utilize software and hardware tools (including but not limited to Solar Winds, Zabbix, Cisco, Juniper) to identify, diagnose, and drive resolution of problems and factors affecting network integrity
• On a regular basis, perform complex testing and analysis of all elements of the telecommunications network, including data, voice, video, and SCADA
• Apply problem-solving skills and break down complex problems into solvable segments
• Regular and direct interface with customers, vendors, field technicians, and network engineers (internal and external)
• Accurately and effectively document network troubles utilizing the current problem resolution (ticketing) system
• Ensure smooth transition of shift turnovers through verbal and written communication
• Ensure ongoing improvement through evaluation of current processes
• Maintain accurate and current contact information with supervisor and department members
• Deal with a wide variety of people and personalities with tact, courtesy, and professionalism
• Speak clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills, and listen carefully
• Maintain a regular, dependable attendance and a high level of performance
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public
• Will work non-traditional hours (shift rotation is required to maintain a 24x7x365 operation); shift change may occur with little advance notice
• May be required to carry a company-provided cell phone/pager and be available to respond during working hours and occasionally during non-working hours
• Other daily, weekly, and monthly duties, and special projects as assigned. Other responsibilities: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This position may perform other duties as assigned.

What You Need

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or equivalent experience is required
• An associate or bachelor’s degree in a telecommunications field is desirable

EXPERIENCE/SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum 1 to 3 years direct work experience in network operations or telecommunications with proven troubleshooting skills in the area of telecommunications and data networks
• Working knowledge of data, voice, video, and SCADA network components
• Proficient with incident tracking systems
• Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) for the purpose of word processing, spreadsheets, and information retrieval
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the Company and its insurers
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisor(s), focus attention on details, follow work rules, and adhere to work schedules
• Strong analytical skills and logical thought processes, with the ability to identify and resolve complex network problems
• Ability to perform multiple tasks with strict, and often short, deadlines in a technologically diverse and fast-paced environment
• Organize and prioritize daily work, and maintain strict confidentiality
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization as well as external customers
• Possess a positive attitude and have ability to handle negative situations in a logical and professional manner
• Adaptable to organizational change
• Ability to identify expectations in an employee/employer relationship
• Possess and utilize excellent customer relations skills
• Highly self-motivated with ability to perform the required and expected duties with minimal supervision

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Overtime is required and anticipated
• 24x7x365 operation; scheduled rotating shift work; shift change may occur with little advance notice
• Secured, control center environment
• Teamwork environment
• Less than 10% travel anticipated

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, ETC.:

• Understanding of gas pipeline monitoring helpful
• Telecommunication or IP networking-oriented certification, or progress toward certification desirable
• Experience working in a 24x7x365 environment highly desirable

Why Join Kinder Morgan

Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.

Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.

For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.