Headend Specialist

Job Summary
Under general supervision, responsible for maintenance, repair, additions, alterations and general upkeep of primary headends, secondary headends, hub sights and relay sights, antennas, towers, earth stations. Reception, processing, combining and transmission of standard analog and digital CATV services, high speed internet and telephony duties. Periodically tests all equipment and the quality of signals throughout the cable network. Maintains required logs, records and other documentation pertaining to headend operations. Installs and become familiar with new technology as projects and company goals require.


Supervisory Responsibilities
No direct reports.

Illustrative Accountabilities

• Performs all job responsibilities and duties of a Broadband Technician IV with experience in HFC preventative and demand maintenance, fiber splicing and as a service technician.
• Performs regular maintenance, repair, testing alignment, alterations and adjustment on all headend equipment including, but not limited to, processors, modulators, demodulators, encoders, decoders, satellite receivers, all types of switchers, fiber optic transmitters, fiber optic receivers, other fiber optic equipment, RF combining networks, digital headend equipment, telephony equipment, generators, air conditioning, power conditioning and other headend and plant equipment.
• Ability to perform regular proof of performance and other headend and plant testing, documentation and reporting in accordance with FCC rules.
• Performs headend alterations including design changes, service additions, service changes, channel rearrangements, equipment improvements and changes including air conditioning, power conditioning, standby generators, towers, antennas and satellite RX/TX stations.
• Maintains through and current proficiency of FCC performance specifications, and can, without supervision, initiate and complete comprehensive testing including (but not limited to) all FCC required or recommended tests and measurements. Insures that the headend and all related equipment is properly maintained within these specifications at all times.
• Maintains all equipment assigned in proper working order including regular calibration, repair, adjustment and alignment.
• Familiar with setup and operation of cable modem termination systems, cable modems, and basic networking equipment. Able to work closely with network engineers to facilitate proper operation, maintenance, and restoration of high speed data network.
• Competent on fiber optic troubleshooting, preparation and fusion splicing.
• Utilize optical time domain reflectometer to perform splice acceptance tests as well as fault location.
• Effectively maintains headend and hub site locations in an extremely neat and orderly manner with a strong attention to detail.
• Knowledgeable on microwave transmitters-receivers, radio backhauls and wireless HSD systems preferred.
• Responsible for insuring the proper tower and site maintenance schedule is followed.
• Test and maintain backup powering systems- including generators, uninterruptible power supplies, and temporary feeds.
• Install and align satellite dishes. Includes fine tuning of feedhorns and replacement of low noise block converters. May include multi-feed assemblies.
• Properly protects and defends equipment, property and material against loss, theft or damage.
• Install, maintain, and test emergency alert systems.
• Performs training of personnel as directed
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; trade school education is highly desirable.
• Able to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and straightforward manner.
• Networking and IT background preferred.
• Must know and understand applicable Federal Communication Commission regulations and National Electric Safety Code.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to have a pleasant, courteous and business like appearance in dealing with customers.
• Requires a valid driver's license and a good driving record.
• Punctual, regular and consistent attendance record.
• Requires strong demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
• Must be willing to work various shifts including weekends, late nights, inclement weather etc.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
• Must be able to work independently and as a group.

Essential Job Functions

• Field exposure to one or more disagreeable or hazardous conditions 100% of work schedule.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 70 lbs.
• Must be able to operate basic hand tools.
• Must be able to climb poles and ladders.
• Travel may be required.