Position Description

Position: Broadband Apprentice Plant Technician I

Department: Communications

Reports Directly to: Broadband Plant Foreman

Directs : Assigned Personnel, as directed

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

This is an entry level Broadband Apprentice Plant Technician position. A Broadband Apprentice Plant Technician I is primarily focused on home installation and service of broadband equipment and related issues. This position enables an employee with limited experience in broadband plant work to gain the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to eventually achieve the position of Plant Technician.

A Broadband Apprentice Plant Technician I may advance to Broadband Apprentice Plant Technician II after successful demonstration of required skill acquisition. Any advancement determination is made with the Supervisor’s Evaluation of work performed and documented proof of successful completion of the following:*

Fiber Foundations Training – This includes a basic understanding of multi-mode and single-mode fiber, terminology used for describing fiber, loss, bandwidth, wavelengths, connectors, cables and other foundational concepts.

Fiber Optic Safety Training – This includes a basic understanding of a wide variety of hazards including sharp glass fibers, harsh chemicals used in cleaners and adhesives, sharp tools used to prepare cables for terminations, heavy equipment, traffic hazards, working at heights and with high voltage.

Normal duration: Twelve (12) months.

Essential Functions of Position:

1. Principally works outdoors in all weather conditions.

2. Must possess and maintain the ability to:

· Respond in a positive manner to supervision.

· Work as a cooperative member of a team.

· Interact in a professional and courteous manner with co-workers and members.

· Successfully work within deadlines and time constraints.

3. With regard to all aspects of the position, including safety, must receive and follow all instructions given by Broadband Plant Foreman, Broadband Plant Supervisor, Chief Broadband Officer, or designee.

4. Observes safety rules and practices when encountering possible hazardous situations, such as falls, fiber optic glass shards, automobile traffic, and falling objects, etc., and recommends to fellow workers the use and practice of the same.

5. Assists in sizing, installing and/or retiring broadband equipment and services.

6. May assist in troubleshooting service complaints as they relate to broadband or communications services.

7. Frames and grounds structures or equipment in accordance with BEC specifications or guidelines.

8. Communicates properly using two-way radios.

9. Correctly operates a laptop computer and programs/systems used.

10. Assists in the performance of all routine line work, as it relates to broadband services, repair and installation, according to BEC policies and procedures, safety regulations, BEC specifications, NEC, NESC, federal, state, and local regulations and codes.

11. Assists in investigating service complaints and takes necessary measures to correct whatever trouble exists.

12. Makes every effort to serve all subscribers courteously, efficiently and fairly and to satisfy their complaints or inquiries, if possible. If unable to do so, refers them to the proper persons.

13. Responsible for inspecting and maintaining all vehicles, tools and equipment in accordance with BEC policies and procedures and recommends to Plant Foreman any major mechanical repairs which may be necessary.

14. Understands and complies with all Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations, including Drug and Alcohol Testing.

15. Acquires, maintains and returns material, equipment and tools in accordance with BEC policies and procedures, as well as BEC inventory control procedures.

16. Assists in trimming in right-of-ways.

17. Accurately identifies material by size and class carried as truck stock.

18. Accurately identifies service limits and has the ability to use and properly store all tools and safety equipment.

19. Possesses a working knowledge of major roads in the BEC service area.

20. Possesses the ability to interpret readings from OTDRs, light meters, and toner probes.

21. Possesses the knowledge and ability to tie basic knots in rope (half hitch, square knot, timber hitch, clove hitch. Bowline, snubbing hitch, etc.).

22. Correctly trims and cuts trees and tree limbs using proper notching procedures to avoid damage to trees, public or other property.

23. Accurately and legibly completes all documentation (computerized timecards, hand-written reports, etc.) in accordance with BEC policies and procedures and submits such documentation to the proper individuals for recordkeeping purposes.

24. Operates all coop equipment in accordance with BEC policies and procedures, safety rules, manufacturer guidelines, and regulations and/or codes and seeks input from Broadband Plant Foreman when information is unclear, inadequate or requires interpretation. This includes driving forward and backing vehicles in excess of 26,000 pounds and pulling trailers appropriate for these vehicles, as well as observing all applicable safe-driving laws.

25. Maintains proper amount of equipment, tools and incidentals on vehicles necessary for the planned job and sees that tools are maintained in good working order.

26. Loads materials, weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance and in excess of 50 pounds with assistance, for the planned job.

27. Assists in cleaning up each job site so that it is in an appropriate condition for public safety and member satisfaction.

28. Plans the work of the individual assignment, as directed, so that it can be done safely, properly, orderly, and as economically as possible.

29. May be required to work overtime and/or on call duty after normal working hours, including evenings, late nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed. Must be able to report for duty within forty-five (45) minutes of notification when on call.

Equipment Used:

Organizational vehicles, two-way radios, digger trucks, aerial platforms (bucket trucks), chainsaws, forklifts, front-end loaders, hammers, channel locks, high-leverage wire cutters, tamps, shovels, pliers, screwdrivers, fall arrest systems, and any other fiber construction or maintenance-related equipment. Desktop and laptop computers, tablets, telephones, printers are also used.

Other Important Duties:

1. Maintains good working relations with co-workers, BEC members and the general public.

2. Represents BEC by attending schools/seminars/meetings for improvement of job knowledge and skills, when requested.

3. Continually explores new ideas to enhance job performance, efficiency, productivity, and work relations. Communicates the ideas to the Broadband Plant Foreman.

4. Performs other duties as may be assigned by Broadband Plant Foreman, Broadband Plant Supervisor, Chief Broadband Officer, or designee.

Experience, Training, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Must obtain and maintain professional knowledge of all issues relating to broadband construction.

· Must obtain and maintain knowledge of Cooperative’s policies related to duties of the position.

· Participates in BEC Safety Meetings.

· Must successfully perform and Bucket Truck Rescue Demonstrations.

· Must maintain knowledge of CPR, AED and First Aid in order to use it, when necessary.

· Ability to travel intra/inter-state, as necessary, for training purposes, meetings, or to provide assistance to other electric cooperatives, as required.

- Must pass a Department of Transportation or general physical as required.

- Must pass required and random OSHA/DOT drug tests.

- Ability to move about and within an office building and on various terrain.

- Ability to lift and/or move equipment and tools weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance and in excess of 50 pounds with assistance.

- Ability to frequently stand and/or walk, either on the ground, while working on a pole wearing climbing gear, and/or in a bucket, and sit for extended periods of time.

- Ability to perform manual and detailed hand work using both hands, sometimes repetitively, climb and balance, squat, stoop, crouch or kneel, push, and pull.

- Ability to bend at neck, waist, legs, and arms, reach above shoulder-level, twist body, and change positions at will.

- Ability to speak and hear clearly to communicate over loud background noise.

- Vision ability that meets the minimum requirements to acquire and maintain a Texas Class A CDL Driver’s license, with or without corrective lenses.

- Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people and personalities. Requires a high degree of interpersonal skills.

- Ability to be tactful and get along with diverse groups of people and personalities. Capable of conveying a positive and professional image.

- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, even simultaneously, as well as coordinate projects with other employees working to consistently meet deadlines and budgets.

- Ability to listen to and read instructions and other paperwork.

- Ability to use judgment and reasoning skills to perform the Essential Functions of the Position.

Education, Degrees, Certificates, and/or License Requirements:

- High School Diploma or equivalent.

- Must possess a valid Texas Commercial Class A Driver’s License (CDL) or have the ability to obtain within the first twelve (12) months of occupying the position. Must have an acceptable driving history. CDL must be maintained, and this includes maintaining DOT physical with satisfactory results.

· Must be eligible to be and remain insured as a driver by the Cooperative’s group liability policy for the automotive fleet.

- American Red Cross or equivalent Certificate of Standard First Aid, CPR and AED utilization.

- Certification of and Bucket Truck Rescue Training within 90 days of occupying the position.

This Position Description is intended to identify the essential functions of a position and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform or assume additional position-related responsibilities other than those stated in this description.

BEC reserves the right to revise or change the position responsibilities as the need arises. This Position Description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The time frames mentioned for successful accomplishment of training phases are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as an implied contract of employment for any amount of time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.47 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40 per week

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Professional development assistance

- Relocation assistance

- Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

- Bartlett, TX 76511 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Bartlett, TX 76511: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person