Communications Electrician II (Seattle)

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. 

Seattle City Light is hiring a Communications Electrician II for the North Service Center.  This position installs, maintains, and repairs a variety of communications equipment and facilities and other related electronic and mechanical equipment used for communications, primarily for a utility. This position  performs a variety of duties in the maintenance and repair of communications and related equipment.

This position requires specialized knowledge of electronics theory, circuit design, computer programming and various types of equipment and materials in order to install, maintain and repair a variety of communications and electronic equipment. The work requires the ability to use hand and power tools; operate electronic testing and diagnostic equipment and read blueprints and equipment specifications. 

This position will report to the Communications Electric Construction & Maintenance Supervisor.

Here is more about what you’ll be doing: 

• Installs and repairs a variety of electronic communications equipment and facilities, including computerized monitoring systems; land and mobile radio systems; alarm, security and protection systems; electronic laboratory test equipment; remote sensing and telemetry equipment; and electronic telephone systems.
• Plans, organizes, and implements plans to install and test equipment. Reviews plans and schematic diagrams to provide design and installation recommendations. Documents any changes or modification.
• Maintains communications equipment through inspections and testing programs.
• Installs, tests, maintains, calibrates and repairs chemical feeding and proportioning equipment, including chemical analyzers and detectors.
• Identifies and repairs problems with communications equipment and facilities at systems, board, and component levels.
• Reads specifications, blueprints, manuals, and other technically related material in order to install, maintain, and repair communications equipment and systems.
• Installs, maintains, trouble-shoots and repairs community antenna cable television system.
• Investigates complaints about radio and television interference potentially related to City equipment and facilities.
• Maintains accurate records of all electronic and mechanical systems, equipment and facilities maintained and repaired, and updating records as necessary.
• Programs for computer testing and diagnostic equipment.
• Fabricates specialized equipment to meet specifications, make repairs, or modify designs.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

 

Required Qualifications: Three years of experience in installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing electronic communications equipment and other electronic, mechanical instruments and equipment (or a combination of technical electronic education, or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has: 

Certification/License: Current Washington State driver's license.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Strong background in telecommunications transport, SONET, Ethernet, MPLS, and Serial Communication.
• A strong background in Fiber Optic Communications is beneficial, from installing, terminating, splicing, to testing fiber optics and the respective equipment that it’s connected to.
• Proficiency with test equipment, digital multimeters, signal generators. Familiarity with fiber Optic test equipment, such as OTDR’s, light meters is beneficial.
• The ability to improve the system, to strive for a more redundant communications system, by eliminating old or obsolete processes, equipment, or protocols.
• Strong working knowledge of LAN and Wi-Fi design, installation, provisioning, management, and repair.
• Working knowledge of mobile radio infrastructure, installation, management, and repair.
• Basic Radio and Repeater knowledge. Understand the principles of Radio communication, propagation, and Radio Theory
• Working knowledge of SCADA, and other automation operations technologies, installation, provisioning, management, and repair.
• Ability to professionally communicate and work effectively with staff and management.
• Ability to work independently and comfortably in a collaborative, team-oriented atmosphere.
• Agent for change – Willing and able to learn new work processes and follow SCL policies/codes.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $66.34 to $69.56 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. 
• Incomplete packages will not be accepted.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.   Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.