Telecomms Apprentice III

Job Summary

The Telecom Technician Apprentice III is an entry‑level apprentice position to gain practical work experience in the telecommunications field. The Apprentice III will assist with entry‑to‑basic level installation, maintenance, repair or replacement, testing, and inspection of various telecommunications equipment, systems, and infrastructure. This role will work to gain knowledge and understanding of various telecommunications technologies, business processes, and business partner requirements and will gain knowledge of emerging technologies.

The Apprentice III will perform these tasks under immediate supervision by a higher‑level technician and will adhere to standard practices and procedures.

• Assist with entry‑to‑basic level installation, acceptance testing, and documentation of various telecommunications equipment and systems.
• Assist with entry‑to‑basic level troubleshooting, system testing, maintenance, and repair of electronic and optical equipment, infrastructure, and systems.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, drawings, and other data required for all work performed and maintain inventory.
• Inspect and maintain test equipment, tools, automotive equipment and safety/protective equipment in good working order and compliance.
• Read, understand, and update electronic and electrical prints, diagrams, and asset records related to telecommunications equipment and technologies.
• Operate tools and other equipment necessary to perform job duties.
• Assist others as requested or assigned.
• Perform all duties in accordance with the company’s safety rules, operating regulations, NERC CIP and environmental compliance and practices.
• Respond to emergency callouts as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Successfully complete all assigned training.

The Technician Apprentice III must develop a working knowledge of entry‑to‑basic level technical support skills in at least one of the following technology areas:

• Transmission and distribution station data networks, SCADA, distribution automation systems, smart grids, and telecommunications for other utility systems.
• Generation and renewables facilities voice and data systems.
• Transport systems such as microwave radio, fiber optic, and other transport/wireless systems.
• Land mobile radio system (P25 site electronics, mobile radio installation, support and programming, RF antenna systems).
• Fiber optic cables, splicing, testing, and termination/connecting methods.
• AC/DC electrical power systems including basic understanding of circuits at distribution and transmission stations.
• Telecommunications wiring and cabling requirements, installation methods, and industry standard practices.
• Networking systems that include routers, switches, wireless access points, and related devices.
• Infrastructure support equipment and facilities such as DC chargers, batteries, UPS, generators, transfer panels, security and monitoring, HVAC, grounding, signal cabling, site access roads, site yards, fences, gates, shelters, towers, and antenna systems.
• Specialized support of centers such as transmission and distribution dispatch centers, control centers, customer call centers, data centers, and other specialized locations.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Prefer associate degree or 2‑year technical degree in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology, or related field; or military training/experience in related field.
• Demonstrate ability to understand and aptitude to learn entry‑level technical support skills.

Internal‑candidate requirements (AEP Employees only):
Must have a minimum of 1 year of satisfactory work experience equivalent to a Telecom Technician Apprentice III and must have successfully completed all required training for the previous job level and demonstrated the required knowledge, skills, and capabilities.

Telecom Technician Apprentice II internal‑candidate requirements (AEP Employees only):
Must have a minimum of 1 year of satisfactory work experience equivalent to a Telecom Technician Apprentice II and must have successfully completed all required training for the previous job level and demonstrated the required knowledge, skills, and…