Outside Plant Communications Specialist

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with substantial company match
• Life and Travel Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Paid Holidays and Vacation

What is an Outside Plant Communications Specialist?

An Outside Plant Communications Specialist focuses on the Company’s Outside Plant third-party carrier circuits through necessary field deployments, maintenance, conversions, upgrades, vendor management, contract management, and performance standards. This role will develop, deploy, and support communications related projects across the company.  Their expertise ensures seamless communication and operational efficiency, making them an asset to OT- Communications.

What does an Outside Plant Communications Specialist do?

• System Management: Oversees the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and optimization of the company's Outside Plant communication circuits including VOIP and POTS circuits as well as cellular networks
• Identifies and resolves complex technical issues related to communications systems, ensuring minimal downtime and high system availability
• Vendor Management: Collaborates with vendors to ensure smooth operations, negotiate service contracts, and stay updated with the latest product developments and innovations.  Meets with vendors on a weekly or as-needed basis to ensure project work scope, status, and deliverables are adhered to.  Monitors and escalates service tickets.
• Training and Support: Provides guidance and support to team members and end-users facilitating knowledge transfer and skill development
• Project Leadership: Participates in communications-related projects, taking the lead as necessary, and contributes to the successful delivery of projects within established timelines. Reports to team and other company departments on project status.
• While this role focuses on the management of third-party carrier circuits and services, an Outside Plant Communications Specialist will assist with other department goals and projects such as equipment turn-ups, field troubleshooting, inspections, performance and network monitoring
• Contributes to the development of best practices, service standards, and equipment capability standards for system reinforcement, design and operation
• Provides support for storm restoration efforts

What does it take to be an Outside Plant Communications Specialist?

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering or a related field and experience in a technical role related to network/communications infrastructure. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree in the aforementioned fields of study and at least 3 years of related experience or a high school diploma or equivalency degree and at least 5 years of related experience will be considered.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn new computer software programs quickly
• Flexibility to multitask and operate under pressure in a fast-paced work environment
• Well-developed written/verbal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with innovation in mind
• Strong analytical, organizational and quantitative skills
• Strong interest and aptitude for learning new technology
• Must perform all tasks safely and design with safety in mind
• Must participate in an after-hours on-call rotation, for 24x7 coverage
• Ability to drive to remote locations and be at remote sites, substations, or outdoor facilities at least half of the time
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred:

• Strong project management skills

• Proficiency with ArcGIS and Autodesk
• Prior gas and/or electric utility experience

This position has a career path which allows for advancement opportunities within a job series. The title and level are commensurate with experience.

Pay range: $61,800- $144,900

Please go to www.centralhudson.com/employment. Click the “Search Career Opportunities” button. Follow the directions to submit an application and upload your resume for the desired position. Applications sent via e-mail and US Mail will not be accepted.  No phone calls or agencies, please.  All replies will be held in strict confidence.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.  Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

VEVRAA FEDERAL CONTRACTOR