Field Network Technician I

Incorporated in 1948, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) provides reliable, cost-effective, environmentally balanced, wholesale electric services to our 11-member distribution cooperatives in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Our core business is generating, purchasing and delivering electricity to our members. ODEC is a not-for-profit generation and transmission cooperative that operates for the benefit of our members, who are our owners. Our office is located in Glen Allen, Virginia.  

Purpose of Job:  

Supports ODECs communications and data networks at our diesel generation sites, transmission substations, power stations, and other remote or satellite facilities. Install, test, and maintain network equipment so operations, SCADA/OT, and corporate systems stay connected. Regular travel across the service territory is required, including overnight trips to manned and unmanned locations. 

Essential responsibilities include: 

• Travel to remote and satellite sites to install, replace, and commission routers, switches, firewalls, wireless radios, cellular/modem equipment, and related hardware.


• Assist with fiber optic work: patching, basic testing, labeling, and documenting paths between sites.


• Help rack, cable, ground, and power network gear in substations, control buildings, and communications shelters.


• Perform routine inspections and preventive maintenance on field network and communications equipment.


• Troubleshoot connectivity issues, supporting IT and operations staff; gather logs, photos, and site conditions; implement approved fixes.


• Support LTE, satellite, and last-mile links that serve isolated facilities.


• Understand and follow all site access procedures; work only within authorized areas and under required supervision.


• Update diagrams, asset records, ticket notes, and as-built documentation after each site visit.


• Respond to after-hours outages that affect field communications, working with senior-level network Network Administrators to resolve.


• Use company vehicles, tools, and equipment safely; maintain assigned inventory and PPE in good condition and return all company property in the same condition as received.


• Other related duties as assigned.

 Work Experience:  

• Utilities industry experience, especially in generation, transmission, and distribution, preferred.


• 1 year of basic IT networking knowledge (routing and switching) from coursework, military training, self-study, or internships.


• 1 year of basic IT system security knowledge from coursework, military training, self-study, or internships.


• 1 year of network subnetting from coursework, military training, self-study, or internships.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery principles.


• Knowledge of enterprise network security principles.


• Knowledge of network media types (Ethernet, fiber, coaxial, etc.)


• Working knowledge of network network diagnostic, monitoring, and troubleshooting tools, such as Wireshark, InSSIDer, and TCPView; experience with PuTTY preferred.


• Knowledge of Project management software and tools.


• Knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Linux desktop operating systems.


• Basic understanding of IP networking (addressing, switching, routing concepts) from coursework, military training, self-study, or internships.


• Ability to read simple network diagrams, rack elevations, and work orders.


• Problem identification, research, analysis, and resolution.


• Comfortable working independently at remote sites after check-in and safety briefing.


• Collaborative approach to team membership.


• Focus on quality.


• Understanding of IT process controls and compliance audits (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley).


• Effective communication - oral, written, and presentation delivery.


• Continuous professional development with an ability to apply acquired knowledge/skills.


• Reading technical manuals and procedural documentation for comprehension.


•  Customer service-driven.

Education:   

• High school diploma or GED; associate degree in IT, computer science, or related field preferred.


• CompTIA A+ or Network+, CCNA, or equivalent coursework. (required without an associate degree in an IT field of study). 

Travel details: Occasional overnight travel required in this position  

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:  

• This employee works in a normal office environment, however, frequent travel with overnight stays is common when visiting distant ODEC sites.


• Occasional travel is required in this position.


• Work indoors and outdoors in substations, yards, shelters, in all weather.


• Exposure to energized facilities; strict adherence to utility safety rules, PPE, and escort requirements is mandatory.


• Enter data using hand/eye coordination.


• Spend prolonged time viewing digital screens.


• Work a full 8-hour day with occasional evening and weekend work.


• Occasionally lift or move up to 50 lbs.


• Connect network cables and equipment under desks and tables and through raised computer room floors, which may require bending, stooping, crouching, and/or lying on the floor.


• Interact effectively with others through verbal communication, video, email, and text.

         Compensation range: $34.33/hourly to $38.14/hourly 

We offer a competitive salary, defined benefit retirement security (pension) plan, medical, dental, vision, 401(k) company match, vacation based on relevant years of experience, generous sick time accrual and holiday pay in addition to many other benefits offerings. Please apply via this link www.odec.com/careers for consideration.   

ODEC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.  

 This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

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