RURALBAND, a Prince George Electric Cooperative subsidiary, is seeking a qualified Fiber Design Engineer at our Waverly, VA headquarters. The Fiber Design Engineer reports to the Engineering Supervisor and is responsible for engineering design within and outside PGEC electric service territory served by RURALBAND. This position will provide coordination and execution to complete fiber communications networks capable of gigabit speeds to every location. The Design Engineer must understand fiber splicing diagrams, fiber network design, fiber construction practices, and fiber engineering practices at a high level. Additionally, this position is responsible for meeting project deadlines while ensuring subscriber satisfaction and profitability.

Essential Job Duties:

• Plan and execute activities related to engineering RURALBAND’s outside fiber optic plant.
• Maintain high-level working knowledge of the fiber network. Plan for future system design and improvements both short and long-term.
• Coordinates with internal departments ensuring assigned work related to distribution and drop fiber design is completed promptly and according to governing code.
• Communicates with internal stakeholders, as needed, to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
• Work to meet goals set by management.
• Responsive to opportunities for territory expansion when financially beneficial.
• Executes activities associated with the engineering of RURALBANDS outside the fiber plant.
• Communicates verbally and in writing any issues that may arise from time to time, impacting the project’s overall performance to the Engineering Supervisor.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of governing code related to engineering and design outside fiber optic plant.
• To understand the members’ needs and address their concerns by communicating effectively with them in a timely manner.
• To generate job orders, staking sheets, and material charge tickets for work orders.
• To design line construction work utilizing practices and procedures in accordance with Rural Utilities (RUS, National Electric Safety Code (NESC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), local regulations, and Prince George Electric Cooperative safety manual.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree required, with technical certifications preferred. Experience may be substituted for education.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in fiber engineering and design is preferred. Experience with fiber outside plant construction methods and processes, knowledgeable in all governing bodies associated with the engineering and outside fiber plant.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Work is varied and requires high accuracy with attention to detail. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are critical. Interpersonal skills with employees, customers, and the public are required.
• Must have general PC abilities, including Microsoft Office and tablet operating skills.
• Must be able to operate and navigate electronic maps.
• GIS experience is preferred
• Ability to interpret specifications and laws dictated by governing bodies.
• Ability to work with NISC Mapping and Staking, Financials, Mobile, and Scheduler
• Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The position requires occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Visual & audio acuity are essential functions of this position.
• Duties require lifting, standing, stooping, crawling, and using ladders and work in prone or difficult positions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• < 25% of travel outside RURALBAND service territory for meetings and conferences. Possible overnight travel for meetings or training. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and operate company vehicles safely and courteously.
• The working environment of this position will vary from inside work to outside work and in inclement weather. The employee will be expected to be available for work outside regular business hours to respond to emergencies.
• Overtime work may be required to complete job tasks.
• Must be diligent and efficient in using the time to accomplish the position's responsibilities.

RURALBAND, a Prince George Electric Cooperative (PGEC) subsidiary, is looking for an experienced General Manager to join our team as we build a “world class” gigabit fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network. The General Manager will report to the President/CEO and serve as the RURALBAND team’s leader while also effectively working with the community, local/state officials, vendors, and contractors. This position is responsible for meeting project deadlines while ensuring subscriber satisfaction and profitability.

RURALBAND is presently in the process of building Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) internet access to six counties in Southeast Virginia. These capital builds are funded by state and federal grants to provide FTTH broadband to over 20,000 underserved homes and businesses.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Manages and directs operations and activities of PGEC’s Fiber to the Home subsidiary RURALBAND, including hiring and managing employees, preparing reports, budgeting, reviewing and executing vendor contracts, maintaining public relations, marketing services, and managing assets.
• Researches new and emerging technologies to further the goals of the company. Evaluates new business and expansion opportunities and recommends new services to the CEO. Executes plans to expand service offerings and areas for expansion approved by the CEO and PGEC’s Board of Directors.

• Plans, directs, and oversees all lines of broadband business to ensure profitability and subscriber satisfaction. 

• Operates and maintains the FTTH network within the financial projections and approved budget. If modifications are required, develop budget/plan amendments with financial analysis for CEO and board approval.

• Establishes and implements goals within guidelines established by the CEO.

• Ensures operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Also ensures compliance with grant, loan, and other funding covenants and requirements.
• Represents the company with regulatory agencies, legislative bodies, and industry associations.

• Promotes and maintains a safe working environment and observes all safety rules. 
• Supports PGEC’s: Mission, Core Values, Vision, Bylaws, Guidelines, Policies/Procedures, and Philosophies to effectively serve and support cooperative members and subsidiary subscribers.

• Regularly confers with employees by providing assistance as needed.
• Works closely with RURALBAND’S personnel to ensure overall success.

• Maintains positive and productive relations with vendors, contractors, subscribers, customers, and the general public in carrying out the responsibilities of the position. Work with consultants as required ensuring the success of the FTTH deployment and ongoing operations.

Other Duties: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for personnel in this position.

Authorities: The General Manager of RURALBAND has the authority to take whatever action is deemed advisable or necessary, subject to the policies or general rules provided by the CEO. Supervision over this position is general in nature, relying heavily upon the competency and accountability of the General Manager of RURALBAND, who is expected to work independently. The General Manager - RURALBAND is expected to keep the CEO and Board informed of progress and potential problems, apply guidelines and obtain approval for deviation from guidelines.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

A Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field is required. Technical Certifications preferred.

Must have 5 years of management /supervisory experience with a preference for Telecommunications Field Operations, Fiber Construction, Project Management, Outside Plant, or ISP operations. Consideration will be given to those with exemplary experience and successful performance in retail fields outside of telecommunications if the candidate demonstrates creative problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and leadership abilities.

GIS experience is preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have experience marketing internet and telecommunications services; developing and managing business partner relationships; developing and leading a high-performing team in a positive work environment, and working with and understanding fiber plant construction methods and processes. 
• Must have advanced knowledge of market offerings, product pricing, networking technologies, VoIP, and fiber technologies.
• Be a successful “project manager” able to work effectively with multiple parties (contractors, employees, community members, vendors). “Leading by example” with the ability to balance multiple priorities and competing interests is also critical to this role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and direct an FTTH organization, including but not limited to establishing and implementing policies, procedures, organizational structures, staffing, processes, and management reporting and controls.
• Works well as a team player while also serving in a leadership role. Consistently utilizes interpersonal skills with staff, customers, contractors, and the general public.
• Exhibits critical thinking and problem-solving; a high degree of accuracy with attention to detail
• Must be knowledgeable about budgeting, general accounting and fiscal management practices, and business operating systems. Must have a thorough understanding of financial principles; be able to evaluate fiscal and financial information and achieve positive financial results. 
• Must be effective in dealing with human/public relations in various business circumstances, including inside personnel of both PGEC and RURALBAND, as well as outside personnel (customers, public, vendors, contractors, community leaders, etc.); this includes strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work long and irregular hours under pressure conditions; while maintaining a positive, productive work environment adept at managing changing priorities.
• Understands the concept of providing quality services to our members and subscribers and agrees to maintain a continuing commitment to superior customer service. 
• Must maintain a valid Driver’s License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

RURALBAND, a Prince George Electric Cooperative (PGEC) subsidiary, is looking for an experienced Fiber Network Engineer to join our team as we build a “world class” gigabit Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) network. This position will report to the RURALBAND’s General Manager. The Fiber Network Engineer will be responsible for the design and development of the fiber-optic network.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The primary focus of this position is to manage & maintain all aspects of our FTTH network. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Additionally, this position will analyze and resolve technical problems with the Calix system and corresponding infrastructure, including but not limited to system configuration, deployment, and maintenance of the Calix ring infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Responsible for developing, monitoring, and troubleshooting the RURALBAND Fiber Optic Network.
• Deploys and maintains LANs, WANs, DMZs, and wireless networks, including routers, firewalls, WAPs, switches, UPSs, and other hardware.
• Supports the substation electronics, internal networks, and hardware switches configuration on Calix driven platform.
• Designs and develops hardware topology and VLAN segmentation required for routing traffic from a service point to the data center independently.
• Responsible for Cyber security considerations and experience in managing system resiliency are required.
• Resolves problems of any scope related to the fiber network.
• Provides and documents solutions to problems via proven diagnostic techniques.
• Tracks, manages, and documents all aspects of fiber optic network using Calix equipment and cable management.
• Ensures fiber plant database is accurate and up to date by inputting physical fiber asset data and fiber inventory and circuit assignments into the data management systems.
• Coordinates materials and assignment processes (materials/resource availability, provisioning and configuring equipment, equipment testing, service needs, and assignments and scheduling) related to installation, repair, and maintenance needed.
• Configures, installs, and supports station-level electronics related to Calix, Cisco, Juniper, and Sienna switches.
• Assists with cabinet design & layout (site identification, electronics installation, and project coordination.)
• Works with field technicians on service calls and provisioning issues.
• Support end-users (members) at the ONT level when issues are escalated.
• Responds to multiple sources (customer/teammates) requests regarding trouble tickets, troubleshooting, and general service information.
• Researches, develops, and recommends policies, procedures, reports, documentation systems, and resource materials.
• Responsible for the assurance of prompt assistance and timely resolution of issues for Wholesale and Key Accounts.
• Provides education to customers and teammates related to troubleshooting and support.
• Assists in determining requirements for future growth.
• Research existing databases, files, and records for network design, fiber optimization, and new aggregation points.
• Designs routes for fiber-based services, including point to point, Ring, and path diverse routing.
• Assists in reviewing requirements, developing solutions, and conducting cost assessments for pre-sales opportunities.
• Provides concise weekly updates to management and effectively presents project status to leadership.
• Takes initiative to stay current on skills and industry standards.
• Perform all other duties as needed and assigned.

The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience areas below:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field required. Networking Certifications and advanced degree are desirable.

JOB KNOWLEDGE

• 3 years of experience working in an Internet Service Provider environment.
• Experience with FTTH, DSL, or cable architectures, switches, and firewall technology, and an advanced understanding of layer 1, 2, and 3 network protocols are required.
• Experience with ISP, IT, Cable, Cellular, VoIP, or other telecom experience is a must:
• Depth of working on a Linux-based environment in the configuration of switches, routers, VLANs, and troubleshooting is a must.
• Windows, Linux, Mac, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, telephony, and security devices.
• VoIP including Latency & Jitter management and MOS scores, QoS,
• VPNs, Wi-Fi, network address translation (NAT), and NMS tools.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and drawings.
• Prior experience utilizing Google Earth and how to produce a professional and detailed KMZ file and can interpret outside plant construction KMZ.
• Proficiency in the MS Office Suite, in particular MS Excel.
• Proficient with fiber plant concepts and designs. (Feeder/distribution cables, color codes, x-connects, fiber characteristics, DB loss and attenuation, FTTH designs.
• Prior fiber design experience that includes ring configurations, FTTH projects, and backbone builds.
• Knowledge of GIS-based platforms and fiber inventory systems.
• FTTH network planning and design experience.
• Knowledge of ISP, building entrances, and NESC.
• Familiar with POM equipment
• A proven ability to multi-task and plan/organize work to meet deadlines; with accuracy and attention to detail. Experience establishing and participating in a 24/7 responsive, on-call services support team. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work as a team player.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position will require work hours outside of the normal business to meet project deadlines. In addition:

• Hours may fluctuate to support network outages or service degradation.
• Occasional travel is required for off-site training & research, as well as travel throughout the service territory.
• On-call duty will be required on a rotating schedule.

IT MANAGER

JOB SUMMARY:

We want to meet you if you are passionate about security and data protection. We are looking for an IT Manager to develop and maintain functional and secure networks. The IT Manager will mentor a team of engineers to troubleshoot and optimize our networks for our users. Successful candidates should have excellent problem-solving skills and thorough network administration and architecture knowledge. Your goal will be to establish networks catering to our members' needs. The successful candidate will also get hands-on designing and implementing functional network infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Design and deploy functional networks (LAN, WLAN, WAN)
• Configure and install software, servers, routers, and other network devices
• Monitor network performance and integrity
• Resolve issues tiers of support have escalated by troubleshooting local and remote network/server infrastructure
• Automate tasks and monitor their effectiveness
• Mentor team members on technical issues
• Create, oversee, and test security measures (e.g., access authentication and disaster recovery)
• Communicate with users when needed
• Maintain complete technical documentation
• Suggest improvements to network performance, capacity, and scalability
• Resolving issues that tiers of support have escalated
• Mentoring other team members
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: 5+ years of experience. Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Engineering, or a related field.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Industry-related experience as an IT Manager, Senior Network Engineer, or Network Administrator
• Professional certification (e.g., CCNP, CCDP)
• Solid background in network administration and architecture
• In-depth understanding of communication protocols (mainly TCP/IP) and routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF)
• Familiarity with access control models and network security
• Knowledge of coding languages for scripting (e.g., Python, Perl, KRON)
• Experience with network diagnostic, monitoring, and analysis tools (e.g., Security Onion, CISCO FMD)
• Solid understanding of network operating systems (Calix-Telecom, Cisco IOS)
• Sharp troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work independently
• Organizational and mentoring skills

Prince George Electric Cooperative is seeking a qualified IT Systems Administrator who will be involved in all technology areas at the Cooperative, including end-user support, network, and systems support, as well as new technology planning and installation.

Essential Job Duties:

The duties listed are not exhaustive, with exact duties determined by the employee’s skill level and experience.

• Responsible for providing timely and friendly end-user support for issues of varying complexity (desktop/network/production applications, network, telecommunications, and hardware).
• Independently resolve problems of easy to moderate scope. Provide and document solutions to problems via proven diagnostic techniques.
• Assist with PC deployment, including PC imaging and customization.
• Own the responsibility for maintenance, update/upgrade, and monitoring of corporate network with Cisco Firepower.
• Ability to modify and update the Firewalls to meet the organizational requirements.
• Have a good understanding of the Cybersecurity/Cyber awareness initiatives to implement across organizational platforms.
• Ability to support fiber network implementation CALIX Management System is required.
• Ability to own and drive the assigned projects to completion with measurable results.
• Deploy and/or maintain LANs, WANs, DMZs, and wireless networks, including routers, firewalls, WAPs, switches, UPSs, and other hardware.
• Ensure integrity and availability of the Cooperative’s information assets by maintaining business continuity plans that include backups and disaster recovery.
• Support multiple complex commercial off-the-shelf packages and cloud services used throughout the organization.
• Support network security elements, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.
• Ensure successful backups and replication to a disaster recovery center.
• Work with the VP of IT and functional team leads in successfully implementing new technologies and assigned project initiatives.
• Assist in the monitoring and troubleshooting the broadband subsidiaries’ network and end-user connectivity issues.
• Participation in cooperative strategy and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience with Cisco network equipment, including Cisco FMC, VMware virtualization, Pure storage, Cisco UCS servers, Veeam backup, VOIP phones, Office 365, IDS/IPS technologies, and Manage Engine, is required.
• Cisco and Microsoft Certifications are a plus.
• Associate degree or higher in Information Technology desired.
• Possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license.

Working conditions:

Generally, working in an office environment and outside conditions such as power substations may also be required. Will be required to be available after hours and on weekends in emergency situations.

Physical requirements:

Regularly lift and carry up to 20 pounds and infrequently required to lift, push and pull up to 40 pounds.

This position will report Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position may be required to work hours outside regular working hours and on weekends to support the cooperative during events or emergencies.

Prince George Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

RURALBAND, a Prince George Electric Cooperative (PGEC) subsidiary, is looking for an experienced Fiber Optic Field Technician. RURALBAND continues to grow while providing "world-class" fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband internet service and voice-over IP (VoIP) telephone service inside and outside of the PGEC service territory.

The Fiber Optic Field Technician reports to the Maintenance Supervisor and is responsible for completing assigned tasks pertaining to the construction and maintenance of the fiber optic system. This position will provide the necessary support to maintain a complete fiber communications network capable of gigabit speeds to every location. Fiber Optic Field Technicians must understand fiber splicing diagrams, fiber network design, and fiber construction. Additionally, this position is responsible for responding to outage situations during and after hours.

Essential Job Duties:

• Completes fiber optic fusion splicing, splicing single count, up to, but not limited to, 144 count fiber optic cable.
• Responds to outage situations, safely and effectively troubleshooting the active outage and making the necessary repairs required to restore service in a timely manner.
• Repairs or installs fiber optic cable using the aid of ladders and bucket trucks and must be able to conduct work at elevated heights.
• Performs work as a Lineman (according to the level of classification), being proficient in overhead and underground work while following safety guidelines set forth.
• Complete in-home fiber-optic service installations capable of provisioning ONTs, and verifying connectivity with appropriate speeds while ensuring member satisfaction.
• Maintains accurate records of the fiber optic system using NISC and spreadsheets (to include adequate notes)
• Communicates with internal stakeholders, including the Maintenance Supervisor, the Fiber Network Engineer, the Warehouse Manager, and the Fiber Design Engineer ensuring all operations operate smoothly.
• Communicates verbally and in writing to the Maintenance Supervisor any issues that may arise from time to time, impacting the project's overall performance.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Associate degree preferred minimum high school diploma or GED equivalent required. Experience may be substituted for education.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• Be familiar with deploying a fiber-optic network and maintenance practices, industry safety practices; OSHA safety requirements; and the National Electrical Safety Code.

ABILITIES AND SKILLS:

• Must have the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Must have good interpersonal and customer relations skills.
• Must be able to test fiber using an Optical Time Domain (OTDR), power meters, light source, and light identifying testers.
• Must be able to study and learn new procedures or methods and apply that knowledge to job responsibilities.
• Must be able to read and understand splice diagrams as provided.
• Must have general PC abilities, including Microsoft Office and tablet operating skills.
• Must be able to operate and navigate electronic maps.
• Experience with CMS preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires occasional lifting to 50 pounds. This position will also require working at elevated heights. The position requires the ability to work in hot and cold environments during and after regular working hours. Visual & audio acuity are essential functions of this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

< 25% of travel outside of RURALBAND service territory for mutual aid support when required. Possible overnight travel for meetings or training. Must maintain a valid driver's license and operate company vehicles safely and courteously.

Prince George Electric Cooperative is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.