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Telecom Analyst - Fiber To Distribution

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:   

This position works very closely with the Alabama Power Connectivity and Innovation Department with responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, Fiber-to-Distribution (FTD), and legacy fiber optic project planning and work coordination.  In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for fiber optic 2nd Level support, with a focus on operational break/fix and emergency restoration coordination.  This position may also provide regional coordination of other TO projects such as telecommunications infrastructure upgrades, data networking upgrades, and OPCO Power Delivery related SCADA / substation communications and monitoring.  Position may be required to provide 2nd Level operational and maintenance support to field technicians through advanced troubleshooting, coordination of major repairs, documentation, and facilitation of applicable training.  The analyst is expected to plan and prioritize their daily project tasks / workload with minimal oversight and to effectively interface with multiple parties on a frequent basis, including Field Operations Technicians, Project Managers, Engineering, Support groups, OPCO Power Delivery, Generation, external vendors and other partners. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education / Experience:

• Do you have a two-year degree in an electronics technology or telecommunications field, equivalent military training, or five (5) years of equivalent hands-on experience in an telecommunications field
• 2 - 4 years' experience in a similar role or Telecom Electrician/Field OPS Technician role is preferred
• Proven track record in support of problem resolution and project implementation is expected
• Experience with fusion splicing of various fiber optic types and wavelengths. Experience with cable prep, installation, and maintenance methodologies for ADSS, Direct Bury, and Network Underground fiber optic cables and assemblies.  Experience with the installation, maintenance, and support of termination panels and splice can assemblies.  Experience with testing and troubleshooting using OTDRs, Power Meters and Light Sources, Visible Light Sources, and Fiber Scopes.
• Field engineering, documentation, and labeling standards experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of telecommunications GPON equipment.

General Competencies:

• General knowledge of Southern Company's core business
• General knowledge of information technologies (those currently used within the system and new technologies)
• General knowledge of IT infrastructure components
• Knowledge of state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment, facilities, troubleshooting techniques and concepts
• Ability to effectively organize tasks, manage multiple priorities/details, meet schedules, and deliver on customer commitments
• Ability to negotiate with and influence others - internally as well as vendors
• Ability to build relationships and work in a team atmosphere 
• Ability to provide and accept feedback
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Must demonstrate Southern Style with emphasis on leadership and planning
• Professional oral and written communication skills 
• Available for travel and after-hours, weekend, and holiday work

Technical / Leadership skills:

• Understand/achieve business, TO, and departmental goals, strategies, and plans
• Ensure full compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley rules and regulations
• Solid technical understanding of Southern Company's telecommunications network, data network, and other major systems that utilize the telecommunications infrastructure
• Solid technical understanding of Southern's EMS and DSCADA systems
• Ability to design and engineer network modifications and/or additions from a field perspective
• Ability to organize tasks and coordinate various employees, vendor / contractors, and customers / partners to meet project goals
• Ability to work independently, prioritizing major tasks by overall impact to the company
• Ability to arrive at cost effective solutions in support of projects
• Ability to communicate and work with all levels of management, vendors, and other internal and external groups and customers to include hyperscalers and large fiber companies
• Ability to effectively lead meetings and make presentations
• Working knowledge of fiber optics (electronics and cable) and one or more of the following telecommunications infrastructure technologies:  Microwave (licensed and unlicensed), multiplex / DACS, Digital and IP communications, wireless (MAS, point to point, etc), LTE RF / LTE Backhaul, and Ancillary (DC /AC power systems, surge protection, grounding, physical facilities, etc.)
• Ability to analyze information from multiple sources for complex problem resolution
• Ability to lead a team, coordinating various workgroups to drive complex problem resolution in a timely and efficient manner
• Ability to effectively utilize standard company computing applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.)
• Ability to appropriately utilize documentation tools as required by specific job (CAD, OSP Insight, TBMS, Visio, etc.)

Physical Demands / Work Environment:  The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee and those an employee may encounter while performing essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The Telecom Analyst job requires the ability to drive long distances, travel overnight, be subject to 24x7 call out, work shifts greater than 8 hrs, lift / carry items up to approx. 50 lbs, climb stairs / ladders, and work in  areas requiring specific safety measures such as radio transmission sites, fiber optic transmission sites, power plants, substations, transmission right - of- ways, as well as various remote locations.    

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:   

Primary responsibilities include support of the successful implementation of both TO managed and OPCO managed projects as well as other general ad hoc projects.  Provide proactive and effective on-site project support to include the coordination of work activities, scheduling, material delivery, etc., for TO Telecom Electricians/Field Operations Technicians, other Company personnel and/or contractors related to the installation, implementation, relocation, and decommissioning of TO infrastructure required by the project.  Provide effective 2nd level operations and maintenance support to the local Telecom Electricians/Field Technicians and coordination with System Engineering and Support groups as well as OPCO Power Delivery partners to ensure the timely restoration of communications. 

Other responsibilities will include:

• Support project schedules and priorities by attending on-site meetings and teaming with IT Engineering and Support Groups and/or IT Project Manager as needed 
• Participate in Business Partner planning meetings, where feasible, as TO Field Operations representative to understand impact to FO on pipeline projects and provide updates on FO work status to customers
• Track status of multiple regional and statewide initiatives - Fiber to Distribution, Smart City advancement, Legacy fiber, Hyperscalers, Large Fiber Companies, Dark Lease Customers, etc.
• Ensure proper project work orders are created, tracked, and shared with technicians
• Develop ways to enhance knowledge and information sharing among technicians
• Own documentation repositories for technicians
• Facilitate training events for technicians
• Maintain Departmental planning documentation - SPOFA, Disaster prep, etc.
• Support Contract development for technical services
• Be involved in quality assurance, project task reporting, materials tracking, as-built documentation, and other related duties as directed.
• Develop and maintain working relationships based on trust with critical Business Partners - Power Delivery, Metering, Generation.
• Work closely with Field Operations Supervisor to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of support to our Business Partners.