Position Purpose/Summary

The OSP Engineer is committed to providing the highest quality service to the communities, customers, and employees we serve by ensure that all engineering and design of telecommunications outside plant is done in a timely and professional manner. Plans and prepares drawings for construction of new and removal or rearrangement of existing telecommunication facilities to obtain optimum and economical utilization of telecommunication facilities. Designs and maintains OSP facility records using AutoCAD and GIS systems as needed.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

LEVEL I (Must be able to proficiently perform all of the following duties before advancing to a level II)

1. Uses and operates the CAD systems, plotters, and reproduction machines, as needed to develop and maintain designs, drawings and as-builts.
2. Submits request to Purchasing for materials and equipment required.
3. Maintains an understanding and working knowledge of the NESC, NEC, RUS, and company engineering practices.
4. Gathers and analyzes information for proposed project and develops preliminary design and costs.
5. Obtains easements and permits for projects, as required and maintains files.
6. Coordinates with construction and splicing supervisors any changes, including routing of lines and equipment required for work projects.
7. Ensures that the design of outside plant projects meet company standards.
8. Inspects completed projects to insure they are done to company standards.
9. Stakes cable routes for construction.

LEVEL II (Must be able to proficiently perform all of the following duties before advancing to a level III)

1. Determines cable and loop makeup for CKT requests.
2. Initiates work order request and submits request with substantiating drawings and documents to management for approval.
3. Coordinates joint projects with other utilities or agencies.
4. Negotiates with land holders to cross private property, and restoration of roads and surfaces.
5. Completes close-out procedures and forwards all relevant information.
6. Reviews rough sketches, drawings, specifications, and other engineering data received.

LEVEL III

1. Analyzes cable fills and estimates or forecasts projected growth to determine if new construction or rearrangements or removals are required.
2. Coordinates with central office engineering as necessary.
3. Designs circuits as needed.
4. Performs new product evaluations for OSP compatibility.
5. Identifies roads, bridges, and utility systems that must be maintained during construction and coordinates with the appropriate agency.
6. Assists the planning committee with new service offerings by developing fundamental work plans, and methods and procedures for the continual operations and maintenance of these items.
7. Researches, evaluates, and develops planning documents to deploy network architectures, products and services.
8. Evaluates and recommends architectures for carrier servicing areas using DSL, broadband services, analog and digital, narrowband, and broadband.
9. Provides support and guidance to Inside and Outside Plant staff, Rates & Tariffs, and Marketing.
10. Understands the installation, operations, and provisioning of primary and secondary networking nodes and fiber technology.
11. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills for Success

1. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
2. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
3. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
4. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
5. Ability to identify problems in a timely manner and take appropriate corrective action.
6. Ability to gather and analyze information skillfully and thoroughly.
7. Ability to develop alternative solutions to challenges.
8. Ability to resolve problems in the early stages of discovery.
9. Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.
10. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
11. Must be able to operate a calculator.
12. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
13. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
14. CPR certification preferred; valid driver’s license required.
15. Must be able and willing to travel, as required, to job sites which may include the use of small airplanes and boats.
16. Must be able and willing to work on call during nights, weekends, and holidays.
17. Knowledge of and the ability to comply with CPNI regulations and procedures.
18. Ability to embrace change in the workplace while encouraging others to seek innovative approaches and the ability to function effectively as a team player.
19. Proficient computer skills and the ability to adapt and learn as programs and processes change.

Qualifications

At a minimum, the OSP Engineer 5 to 8-years of experience in outside plant engineering or related telephone and cable television experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline and experience with CAD systems, MS Excel, plotters, and reproduction machines are all strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

Seldom

(0-6%)

Occasionally

(7-33%)

Frequently

(34-66%)

Constantly

(67-100%)

Perceiving

(Must be able to read computer screen and various reports)

X

Hearing

(Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with employees and business contacts)

X

Communication (This position frequently communicates with external and internal customers. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations)

X

Sitting

X

Standing/Moving

X

Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling

X

Lifting/Pulling/Pushing

X

Keyboarding/Grasping/Feeling

(Must be able to write, type, and use phone system)

X

Driving

X

Other Physical Requirements

Disclosure

The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.