Location: Field-based in British Columbia (travel to customer sites required)
Business Unit: Electrical Field Services – Telecom & Protection
Employment Type: Permanent Full-time
Reports to: P&C Manager

Position Summary

The Telecom Technologist is a skilled field professional responsible for the installation, commissioning, maintenance, testing, and emergency response of telecommunications systems supporting BC Hydro’s electrical system. This role works independently or as part of a project team on capital projects, planned maintenance, and emergent trouble response, ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable telecom infrastructure.

The role requires strong technical depth, a high safety mindset, and the ability to operate in energized, high-risk utility environments.

Installation & Commissioning

• Install, configure, and commission telecommunication systems and associated equipment at BC Hydro facilities
• Perform equipment installation, rearrangement, cable routing, splicing, termination, grounding, and power-up
• Execute installation and acceptance testing in accordance with BC Hydro standards and work authorizations
• Support BC Hydro technologists during link, system, and commissioning tests when required
• De-install, recover, and properly dispose of obsolete equipment

Maintenance & Testing

• Perform planned maintenance and testing of telecom systems per BC Hydro schedules and standards
• Diagnose faults, perform corrective actions, and validate system performance
• Maintain accurate test records, reports, and redline drawings

Emergency/Expedited Work

• Respond to emergent and critical telecom outages, including storm response and trouble calls
• Mobilize rapidly with required tools and equipment to restore system reliability
• Adjust planned work to support BC Hydro service level requirements

Project Support & Planning

• Provide constructability input, staging plans, and sequencing support during project planning phases
• Coordinate work activities with BC Hydro staff, protection & control technologists, and other trades
• Support cutovers, migrations, and complex sequencing activities on large or multi-discipline projects

Systems & Technologies Supported

• Tele protection systems (tone-based, PDR2000, GARD8000, ABB NSDS, SEL platforms)
• Microwave, radio, SONET, multiplexers, channel banks, and transport systems
• Fiber optics (OTDR testing, fusion splicing, loss testing)
• Power Line Carrier (PLC) systems
• SCADA, telemetry, monitoring & network management systems
• LAN/WAN, MPLS, routing & switching (Cisco environments)
• VHF/UHF/TETRA radio systems
• Power supplies (battery banks, chargers, UPS, DC systems)
• Security, WiMAX, and site ancillary systems

Tools & Software

• Proficient with telecom and power system test equipment (OTDRs, spectrum analyzers, RF test sets, battery analyzers, etc.)
• Comfortable using vendor and utility-approved telecom software, configuration tools, and diagnostic platforms
• Capable of working with laptops and field software in secure utility environments

• Diploma or degree in Telecommunications, Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field
• 5–7+ years of hands-on experience in utility or industrial telecom environments
• Demonstrated experience working on BC Hydro or similar utility systems preferred
• Strong understanding of utility safety rules, lockout/tagout, grounding, and energized work practices
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License
• Eligible for or registered with ASTTBC
• Comfortable working in remote locations, substations, and generating stations

Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Clear technical communication and documentation skills
• High attention to safety, quality, and procedural compliance
• Ability to mentor junior technologists and support team execution

Work Environment & Requirements

• Field-based role requiring travel across British Columbia
• Work in substations, powerhouses, remote sites, and adverse weather conditions
• Participation in emergency response and on-call rotations as required
• Safety-sensitive position subject to site and client requirements

Why Join Shermco

• Work directly on critical BC Hydro infrastructure
• Exposure to complex, high-voltage utility telecom systems
• Strong safety culture and technical excellence
• Opportunity to grow into senior technologist, lead, or specialist roles