Field Communications Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Field Communications Specialist to support and maintain our SCADA and Operational Technology (OT) communications infrastructure ensuring equipment functionality with minimal downtime. This role is responsible for assisting in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of field communication systems, ensuring reliable and secure data transmission between field assets and central control systems. The specialist will work under the supervision of the Field Communications Supervisor and collaborate with SCADA, Control Room, Control Technology, and IT teams to support critical infrastructure.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• ​Assist in the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of SCADA and IT/OT communication equipment, including radios, cellular modems, satellite terminals, network equipment, security systems and access control. 

• Install point to point and point to multi-point radio systems. 

• Support installation, configuration and Local and Wide Area network devices.

• Perform basic network cabling, terminations, and testing for communication systems.

• Support the installation and configuration of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and edge devices in the field.

• Install, terminate and test multi-mode and single-mode fiber.

• Conduct first-line troubleshooting of communication issues in SCADA and IT/OT environments.

• Perform basic diagnostics and repairs on communication hardware, including antenna alignments and cable testing.

• Assist in monitoring system performance, identifying outages, and escalating issues as necessary.

• Work with vendors and internal teams to resolve equipment failures and network disruptions.

• Interact, support and train customers in the use of equipment. 

• Maintain accurate records of equipment installations, configurations, and maintenance activities.

• Assist in maintaining network diagrams, IP address schemes, and device inventories.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements related to OT communications.

Education

• Associate degree or technical certification in Networking, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic understanding of networking principles (IP addressing, subnets, routing, etc.).

• Familiarity with SCADA and OT communication technologies such as licensed/unlicensed radios, cellular networks, and satellite communications.

• Basic knowledge of low voltage wiring and field instrumentation.

• Strong troubleshooting skills and willingness to learn in a hands-on environment.

• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented field environment.

• Familiarity with oil and gas operations, including SCADA, automation, and pipeline monitoring.

• Prior field experience with radio frequency (RF) communication systems.

Licenses and Certifications

• None required.

Strength Factor Rating - Physical Demands/Requirements

• Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Strength Factor Description - Physical Demands/Requirements

• Standing: Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a workstation without moving about (Frequently)

• Walking: Moving about on foot (Frequently)

• Sitting: Remaining in a seated position (Occasionally)

• Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling) (Occasionally)

• Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder (Occasionally)

• Pushing: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force (Occasionally)

• Pulling: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force (includes jerking) (Occasionally)

• Climbing: Ladders, Stairs (Occasionally)

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling (Constantly)

• Stooping: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist (Occasionally)

• Kneeling: Bending the legs at the knees to come to rest on the knee or knees (Occasionally)

• Crouching: Bending