Communications Technician
Communications Technician
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline is a leading transporter of natural gas to America’s heartland, providing quality service since 1904. At Southern Star, our people are our greatest asset with growth and personal development at the forefront of our focus. We’re committed to building a culture for everyone to do meaningful work and be recognized for their efforts.
Southern Star is a family-friendly, forward-thinking, customer-oriented company striving for innovation and collaboration in all parts of our business. You can find your second family here in an atmosphere that values trust, learning, teamwork, and having fun while getting the job done. We’re an established company known as an employer of choice in our industry and recognized for safety, credibility and integrity. We need one more talented individual with goals to encourage excellence and create positive outcomes – you may be the perfect match.
In return for this level of talent and experience, Southern Star offers excellent medical benefits, competitive salary, 401k match, paid time off and reimbursements for tuition and fitness.
PLEASE NOTE**** This position will be available in our Wichita or Hesston location.
Communication Technician reports to and is directly accountable to the Leader, Communications. This entry level position is accountable, under supervision, for installation, monitoring, diagnosis, repair and preventive maintenance and operation of communication equipment and devices. Individuals will work with all levels of IT and Operations personnel and accept assigned responsibilities; and will perform at a satisfactory level while maintaining positive and ethical relationships with others including customers, consultants, and vendors. Technician will receive guidance from more senior level technicians and Operations Technical Support Staff. The individual will be required to maintain and operate their assigned work locations in strict compliance with the Southern Star’s O&M Manual and State and Federal regulatory codes.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities include (but not limited to):
- Perform installation, operation and maintenance of video, voice/data, transmission switching, and supervisory control and communication equipment (SCADA), safety systems, gate control systems, and other related electronic equipment.
- Operate test equipment to identify communication equipment problems and make repairs as required
- Maintain service logs, circuit lists, wiring diagrams, and other maintenance records on communications equipment
- Read, interpret, and recommend modifications to blueprints, schematics, drawings, manuals, and maps
- Coordinate vendor repair and serve as contact for other communication service providers
- Understand and implement company policies, procedures, maintenance manuals, applicable federal, state, and local regulations as well as adhere to all safety policies and procedures
- Use computer-based maintenance management software to schedule and track activities
- Pass DOT-DQF (Department of Transportation-Driver Qualification File) requirements (no CDL required)
- Assist IT and Operations personnel in performing technical and non-technical tasks
- Oversee construction and/or maintenance activities performed by third parties
- Complete appropriate documentation and paperwork
- Install, test, and maintain radio equipment and systems
- Use standard electronic technician tools, such as soldering equipment, hand and power tools
- Respond to emergency callout situations after hours and on weekends.
- Ensure the flow of communications from end devices in the field to the necessary databases.
- Test systems and equipment as requested by and communicate results to Supervisor for analysis, who will direct steps for correction.
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervision
Other requirements:
- Travel 25 - 30% average, automobile and plane
- Valid driver’s license and insurability
- Reliable attendance, scheduling flexibility when job demands require
- Ability to work positively and effectively prioritize in a high-stress, demanding environment
Qualifications
Minimum:
- Associate degree or related certification (electronics, communications, networking, computer science) or work experience as determined by the Company
- 0-3 years’ relevant experience working in the natural gas industry or installation, operation, and maintenance of electronic communication equipment
- Basic knowledge of communication systems and end devices
- Basic problem-solving skills
- Basic understanding of fundamentals of radio systems
- Basic diagnostic and troubleshooting skills for electronic equipment
- Basic understanding of IP (Internet Protocol) network systems and components
- Basic usage of Microsoft Office applications; Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, and operate company vehicles in a safe and responsible manner, according to written company policy
- Action oriented, creative, customer focused, deals with ambiguity, informing, demonstrates integrity and trust, builds peer relationships, sets priorities, demonstrates functional/technical skills, organizes, plans, analyzes, pays attention to detail, has computer application skills, displays multi-task performance, performs information gathering, follows specifications and standards; has knowledge of Federal/State/Local regulations, pipeline material/equipment, pipeline safety, company policy, and unit operations
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree