Telecommunications Technician Advanced Apprentice

The intent of this posting is to fill two regular full-time positions and create an eligibility list which may be used to fill permanent vacancies for the next 2 years.

We are posting these opportunities for Telecommunications Technician Advanced Apprentice along with a Telecommunications Technician I position. If you are interested in also being considered for the Telecommunications Technician I, you will need to apply to that requisition directly.

Every day at SMUD, we deliver power to more than 1.5 million customers throughout the Sacramento area. As a community-owned, not-for-profit electric service, we have been providing low-cost, reliable electricity for over 75 years. We are a recognized industry leader and award winner for our innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and for our sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. Through the efforts of the 2,400 people that power us, we work 24/7 to keep the lights on and provide our customers with innovative energy solutions. We're one of the region's largest employers, with a reputation for attracting, developing, and retaining some of the most talented employees around.

SMUD is seeking an experienced individual with a Telecommunications background to join our Telecom Operations and Maintenance team at the Advanced Apprentice level. Telecommunications Technicians are the backbone of SMUD's smart grid, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced communication, control, and monitoring systems to ensure reliable and resilient power delivery. Reporting to a Senior Telecommunications Technician or the Manager, Telecommunications Operations and Maintenance, advanced apprentices will learn the critical tasks and theories needed to maintain critical infrastructure. In this highly dynamic team, advanced apprentices will gain expertise in legacy telecom circuits, modern networks, and electrical systems, and will learn to enable real-time physical security and electrical grid monitoring and automation while minimizing service disruptions. This is a highly dynamic position that includes both in-office system administration and extensive field work in varying environments including mountainous terrain, substations, power lines and other remote locations year-round.

Employee Benefits:

Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Retirement through Public Employees Retirement System

457 and 401(k) plans available

Flexible Savings Account

Short and Long Term Disability

Employee and Spouse Life Insurance

Please Note:

- In order to be considered for this position, you must complete the following compentency questionnaire as part of the application process:

- Advanced Apprentice Competency Questionnaire

- The most qualified applicants may be invited to an in-person performance examination, tentatively scheduled for the first week of September 2025.

Purpose

Under close supervision, assists with and learns to perform work in constructing, modifying, installing, testing, repairing, adjusting and operating telecommunications, control and monitoring systems and equipment.

Nature and Scope

This is the Apprentice-level job class in the Telecommunications Technician series. Incumbents in this classification learn to develop and maintain a detailed knowledge of SMUD??s telecommunications systems and sub-systems in order to analyze system problems and take prompt remedial action with minimal service disturbance.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Under supervision and instruction, an Apprentice learns to perform the following:

- Constructs and installs new telecommunications systems and equipment; secures authorization before working on vital equipment; verifies factory specifications.

- Operates, monitors, investigates, tests and assures proper performance of telecommunications systems and equipment, including test equipment.

- Performs preventive and repair maintenance on telecommunications systems and equipment; thoroughly documents the work performed; properly handles hazardous materials such as lead solder, paint and cleaning fluids.

- Provides technical support to the users of telecommunications systems and equipment.

- Inform superiors of work progress, schedule changes, project scope changes and other issues affecting the outcome or cost of assigned tasks.

- Recommends system refinements to improve reliability.

- Participates in evaluating existing and prospective telecommunications systems and test equipment for safety, reliability, operability and maintainability.

- Drives SMUD vehicles and maintains good driving record in accordance to current SMUD driving policy.

Required Education

- High school diploma or equivalent.

- Two years of formal schooling in electronics or equivalent demonstrable experience.

Required Licenses/Certificates

- Must possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License (CDL_ and a satisfactory driving record (not more than two moving violations in the last two years).

- Must possess and maintain a current FCC General Class Radiotelephone license or equivalent certificate or acquire the above within one year of hire.

Knowledge Of

Gains knowledge of: Messaging systems; communications systems; telecommunications theory and computer (mainframe, mini/micro, and PC) systems principles, data signaling methods; voice and data communications protocols; data access methods and familiarity with telecommunication hardware technology; basic telecommunication system principles and practices; advanced electronic and telecommunications theory; AC and DC electrical theory; electrical and electronic components such as microprocessors, transistors, relays, transformers, optical isolators, linear and non-linear devices, and synchronous and non-synchronous devices; telecommunication systems and equipment including telephone, leased circuits, microwave radio, fiber optics, multiplex, two-way radio, SCADA, telemetry, power-line carrier, personal computers, cabling/wiring systems including copper, fiber optics, and coaxial and LANs; telecommunications standard industry practices for construction, operation, performance monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting; Design Change Notice DCN or equivalent drawing and configuration control processes; FCC rules and regulations; State and Federal safety rules and regulations; National Electric, National Safety, and Natural Gas Safety Codes; and SMUD policies and procedures.

Skills To

Learns to and develops proficiency in skill to: Construct, configure, operate, monitor, troubleshoot and maintain telecommunications equipment such as two-way radio systems, wide-band communication systems, T1 and T3 systems, single and multi-mode fiber optic systems, control and monitoring systems, FSK and digital telemetry systems, security systems, load management control systems, and telephone systems and equipment; install new telephone equipment, compile accurate test data and installation notes; investigate, analyze, and evaluate the causes of telephone system and related equipment outages; locate and isolate problems or outages of telecommunication systems and/or related equipment; use and operate various types of test equipment, such as T1 test sets and perform appropriate repair work on all related equipment and components; provide assistance and leadership in the training and progression of apprentices; recognize the impact and possible ramifications of decisions made; make appropriate decisions from a variety of alternatives; and, manage demands of daily workload with minimal supervision; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; write complex operating and testing procedures related to telecommunications, telephone control and monitoring systems; mathematics including algebra, geometry and trigonometry; read, interpret and apply technical information related to electronic, mechanical and electrical equipment and circuitry; use accepted soldering techniques and specialized soldering equipment; climb communications towers; install, adjust and maintain antenna/transmission systems, weather monitoring equipment and video cameras and tower lights; follow oral and written instructions; work without direct supervision; work in a safe and effective manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Desirable Qualifications

- Certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), NERC CIP training, SCADA system certification.

- Current or past experience related to the telecommunications field.

- Experience as a Telecommunications Technician or Telecommunications Technician Apprentice.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

On-site Work

This role will be an on-site role that will require being in person at one of SMUD's campuses daily to complete work tasks.

We recommend you create a SMUD Candidate account through our SMUD Careers page, upload your resume and cover letter to be considered for this and other open position.