Telecommunications Technician

Duck River Electric Membership Corporation; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 84,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electric membership corporation is seeking a Telecommunications Technician II to provide technical support for a complex telecommunications infrastructure. The role involves installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of telecommunication systems across a vast service area, ensuring reliable communication services. Candidates should have an associate degree and relevant experience in communications technology.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience in communication equipment maintenance, repair, and installation.
• Valid Driver’s License; FCC license preferred.
• Ability to respond to primary work location within approximately 30 minutes.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair microwave radio RF and antenna systems.
• Manage setup and troubleshooting of telephony systems including PABX and VoIP.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safety protocols.

Skills

Basic principles of electronics

Computer skills

TCP/IP networking systems

Education

Associate degree in communications-related field

Tools

Basic hand tools

Electronic test equipment

Job description

Hiring Salary Range: $84,500 - $126,800

Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level

The Telecommunications Technician II provides technical support for Dairyland's complex, highly-integrated private telecommunications infrastructure, our team ensures seamless operation across a vast 45,000+ square mile service area including the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of telecommunication systems and equipment, ensuring reliable and efficient communication services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

1. Complete the installation, maintenance, and repair of microwave radio RF, antenna systems, SONET, DS3, T1, DS0, wireless networks, and fiber, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

2. Oversee the maintenance of tower lighting, standby generators, battery plants, UPS systems, building and site inspections, and preventative maintenance routines, identifying and addressing potential issues proactively.

3. Manage the setup and troubleshooting of UHF and VHF transmitter/receiver systems, antennas, duplexers/combiners, mobile and base stations, portable radios, and operator consoles, providing technical guidance to junior technicians.

4. Administer telephony systems, including PABX, VoIP, end-user cabling, termination, and testing, ensuring seamless communication infrastructure.

5. Implement and sustain utility automation systems such as SCADA, substation processors, Serial/TCP/IP networking, databases, RTUs, PLCs, DCS, power-line carrier, Tele-Protection, and DNP/Modbus protocols, optimizing system efficiency.

6. Maintain and support miscellaneous equipment, including PA systems and video security systems, ensuring their proper functioning and integration with other systems.

7. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of maintenance activities and site logs as required by the FCC and FAA, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

8. Adhere to and enforce safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for all team members.

9. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education & Experience : Associate degree in communications-related field plus a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in communication equipment maintenance, repair and installation. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Skills: Understand basic principles of electronics and computer skills. Understanding of TCP/IP networking systems and protocols is highly encouraged. Technician will be required to use basic hand tools and electronic test equipment.

Licenses and Certifications : Valid Driver’s License. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands :

• Carry test and shop equipment, hand tools, shovels, ladders; pull sleds weighing up to 75 lbs.

• Sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crouching/stooping, squatting, crawling, twisting upper body, climbing stairs, climbing hand-over-hand, bending, reaching/stretching, arm/hand/finger dexterity are required to install and maintain equipment.

• Access remote areas or uneven terrain while carrying test equipment.

• Works indoors and outdoors, daytime and nighttime; occasionally in extreme temperature conditions, extreme noise; mechanical, electrical, fume/odor, dust and chemical hazards.

• Work in electrical substations and generation plant facilities.

• Ability to differentiate colors.

Additional Job-Related

• Ability to respond and report to primary work location within approximately 30 minutes.

• Available for 24-hour call.

• Work overtime as necessary to complete critical work assignments or emergency work.

• Travel required throughout the Dairyland service area with occasional overnight stays.

• Interact with other telecommunications staff, Dairyland employees, member cooperative personnel, vendors, and technical support personnel.

• Follow and Practice all Dairyland Power Safety Procedures

• Perform other duties as assigned.