What are the responsibilities and job description for the IT Field Communications Specialist II / III / Senior | Cottonwood position at Arizona Public Service - APS?
IT Field Communications Specialist II / III / Senior | Cottonwood
Are you a hands-on problem solver who thrives in the field and takes pride in keeping critical communication systems running? As an IT Field Communications Specialist (II / III / Senior), you’ll play a vital role in maintaining and supporting the communication and network infrastructure that enables reliable, secure energy delivery across Arizona.
You’ll ensure the proper installation, maintenance, and optimization of enterprise communication assets, address design challenges in real time, and lead restoration efforts during outages or disaster recovery events. This role is ideal for a technical professional who enjoys autonomy, collaboration, and making an impact every day.
What your day would be like:
- Install, test, and maintain communication and networking equipment to ensure reliable system performance.
- Identify and correct design deficiencies in the field—revising or redesigning proposed solutions when needed.
- Support disaster recovery efforts by designing and implementing temporary routing or reconfigurations to restore service.
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on enterprise communication systems.
- Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and 3rd-party vendors to ensure timely issue resolution and system updates.
- Monitor system health, perform diagnostics, and document maintenance and technical findings.
- Provide on-site technical support and escalation management for communication infrastructure issues.
Who we’re looking for:
- Experienced Field Technician: Proven background in communication systems installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Technical Problem Solver: Skilled at diagnosing and resolving design or performance issues under pressure.
- Collaborative Partner: Works effectively with engineering teams, field personnel, and external vendors.
- Adaptable & Resourceful: Able to think on your feet and design solutions that restore service quickly in critical situations.
- Detail-Oriented Professional: Committed to safety, documentation accuracy, and maintaining high operational standards.
- Preferred: Experience in utility or industrial communication networks, with knowledge of disaster recovery or failover design.
IT Communications Network Technician II | Cottonwood
- Associate degree in electronic technology
- AND two (2) years related experience and
- OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
IT Field Communications Specialist III | Cottonwood
- Equivalent to a high school diploma
- PLUS five (5) years related experience troubleshooting and repairing metering and control systems.
- Ability to travel statewide, work outdoors, and work overtime.
IT Field Communications Specialist, Senior | Cottonwood
- Equivalent to a high school diploma
- PLUS seven (7) years related experience troubleshooting and repairing metering and control systems.
- Ability to travel statewide, work outdoors, and work overtime.
Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:
- Technical degree in telecommunication, data communications or equivalent.
- Ability to interpret schematic diagrams and troubleshoot to component level.
- Knowledge to transition to legacy communication to Next Generation Network and Radion equipment.
- Specific knowledge of TCP/IP, network design, network security, propagation, and point to point radio operation using ethernet over microwave.
- Knowledge of building IP networks using MPLS or other network convergence technologies.
- Familiarity with FCC regulations and standards for licensing microwave paths.
- Understand basic electronics, electrical power systems, the basics of the 7 layers of the OSI model and in-depth knowledge and experience in RF.
- Ability to coordinate and provide direct oversite to Vendor and 3rd part support and other activities within their area of responsibility (AOR).
- Ability to train and mentor junior level staff and perform as SME of all equipment that resides within their AOR.
- Ability to work 24/7 in support of Enterprise Network systems and Public Safety Communication Systems, including nights, weekends and holidays.