Applicants should apply by April 10, 2026 and attach cover letter and resume.

Job Title:           Communication Technician                          

Department:     Engineering                                 

Reports To:      Technology Supervisor                                     

Summary                                                   

Sam Houston Electric Cooperative’s Communication Technicians will specialize four areas but
are expected to diversify their respective skills and increase their value to the cooperative by
maintaining an ever-expanding knowledge base in each area. The areas of specialty supported by this group are as follows:
                                                                          

1. Communications – Microwave radios, Fiber Optic, two-way voice, and data
communications equipment, including RTU/SCADA and high-speed transmission
relaying applications, as well as emergency power systems such as UPS systems, station
batteries and chargers, and emergency generators

2. RTU / SCADA – Set-up, commissioning, troubleshooting, and repair of substation RTU’s
and associated equipment

3. Protective, Metering, and Control Systems – Protective relays and power metering and
monitoring equipment

4. Towers – Communications Towers and tower lighting systems
Essential Knowledge, Duties, and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may
be assigned.

Knowledge of microwave, fiber optic, voice, and data communications devices and equipment to
the extent they may be tested and maintained, and minor repairs may be performed. The
Communication Technician shall be responsible for supervising and supporting communications
consultants and contractors who install the equipment and support the Cooperative with extensive troubleshooting and repair services.

Knowledge of UPS systems, station batteries and chargers, emergency generators, load transfer
switches, and other emergency power systems to the extent such systems may be tested and
maintained, and minor repairs may be performed. The Communication Technician shall be
responsible for supervising and supporting the contractors employed by the Cooperative to install, maintain, and repair its emergency power systems.

Knowledge of RTU’s and SCADA systems to the extent the Communication Technician is capable
of installing, testing, maintaining, and repairing such systems down to the board level.
Knowledge of protective relays to the extent settings provided by Engineering may be uploaded,
events may be downloaded, and relay functions (including metering, protection, and control) may be verified. The Communication Technician shall be responsible for supervising and supporting the engineering, construction, and testing consultants and contractors employed by the Cooperative to provide various services in this area, including the installation, troubleshooting, and repair of protective relays, systems, and miscellaneous equipment.

Knowledge of communication towers to the extent to safely and effectively supervising (from the
ground) and supporting tower contractors when necessary. Knowledge of tower lighting systems
to the communications technician is capable of troubleshooting and repairing tower lighting
systems.

Additional job related functions include the ability to complete paperwork and record keeping
associated with job functions in a precise and timely manner. Monitor, report, order and stock
inventory of related substation equipment spare parts. Train other personnel in job-related
operations. Attend safety, planning and training meetings. Analyze new equipment or system for
applicability to appropriate substation operations. Assist electrical personnel as needed.
Availability for emergency and prearranged overtime as needed.

The Communication Technician is encouraged to surpass the expectations described herein, and to develop an inquisitive nature with regard to information provided by Engineering and the
Cooperative’s various consultants, contractors, and vendors. 

Supervisory Responsibilities                                               

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience                                             

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school; and two-three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills                                            

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports and business correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be able to navigate in Windows based programs and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

Reasoning Ability                                                     

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Metering, substation, and electrical technology certificates are encouraged.

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; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of radiation and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.

About Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Electric cooperatives were created to serve the best interests of their member-owners, and that's exactly what Sam Houston Electric Cooperative does. In the early 1930s, the vast rural areas of America did not have access to the wonders of electricity. During this time, less than three percent of rural America received the benefits of electric service. After the signing of the Rural Electrification Act on May 21, 1936, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the “REA Movement” spread rapidly throughout the nation. The stories of the early days of rural electrification are much the same…rural men and women petitioning, educating and organizing–for power. Sam Houston Electric Cooperative was founded Aug. 27, 1938, by a group of rural residents in Polk County. The first directors met, planned and created their cooperative. On May 16, 1939, they received a charter from the State of Texas, and Sam Houston Electric Cooperative Inc. was born. After obtaining an REA loan, the Co-op began construction of its first power lines, 242.86 miles, on Jan. 15, 1940, which would serve 661 members in Polk, San Jacinto, Walker and Liberty Counties. The power at that time came from Gulf States Utility C...ompany to a substation in Goodrich. By 1943, Sam Houston EC had 1,306 members. In 1951, that number jumped to 7,500 consumers and 2,300 miles of line. Today, Sam Houston EC maintains 6,000 miles of line serving more than 52,000 members in parts of 10 counties. Our members are our partners. We provide and maintain quality electric service at the lowest possible cost. Sam Houston EC’s mission, as stated by our Board of Directors, is to achieve member satisfaction by providing safe, reliable services at competitive prices and to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve, utilizing an exceptional workforce, while maintaining financial stability.

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Connections working at Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, Inc.