New Chamber Members
About Us: Blackfoot Communications reliably connects business of all sizes across the nation using the latest telecommunication technology in voice, network, and managed services. With focus on strong connections, we also provide dedicated account management with a goal to get to know our clients so we can help advise on the best solution.
What We Offer: We offer opportunities in the telecommunications and technology sectors with positions in Western Montana and Eastern Idaho. Blackfoot is proud to offer a competitive salary and a fantastic benefits package that includes; comprehensive medical benefits plan, LTD, life insurance, an outstanding retirement pension plan plus a 401k plan that includes employer match, along with other employer paid benefits. We are proud to have received awards and recognition that highlight our strong company culture. These include "Employer of Choice" from the Missoula Job Service Employer's Council, "Top Tech Employer" from the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, and the "Heart Award" from the United Way of Missoula County in recognition of our ongoing community efforts.
Job Summary: This position, working closely with the Field Service Manager, will provide leadership and organization for the work of the Combo Techs in and around Western Montana. This position will provide support and work on an array of outside plant related duties; including the installation and maintenance of residential and business services; splicing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of plant cable and fiber; construction and maintenance of outside plant - all to safely and efficiently serve our customers.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Help coordinate and support the Combo Techs in and around Western Montana. Work closely with Field Service Manager and dispatch to organize and coordinate work and ensure customer needs are met. Complete additional paperwork and projects as instructed by the Manager. Must be proficient and able to adapt to changing outside plant and financial software.
- Work with Field Service Manager to keep crew up to date on training and safety.
- Install, disconnect, provision, wire, rewire, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair new and existing voice and data residential and business services. Perform cutover activities as needed.
- Perform the day-to-day activities of a Combo Tech, including, but not limited to the splicing of aerial and buried outside plant facilities, both copper and fiber optic. Provide outside plant facility support for special circuit line conditioning, splicing and placement of associated hardware; Perform construction and maintenance of outside plant facilities; Perform buried cable locations.
- Inform customers of work, answer questions and concerns, educate customer on functionality issues as needed; take escalated questions and calls as needed; Leave the work site in a condition that reflects positively on the Company and is acceptable to the property owners.
- Operate and maintain assigned equipment including vehicles, test equipment, tools and trailers when used; keep and provide accurate inventory information.
- Work closely with other departments; maintain effective relationships and communications between work groups.
- Work closely with the Field Service Manager on any day-to-day challenges, issues such as customer care, budgeting, purchasing requests, etc., as well as other administrative duties.
- May be required to assist in the installation of wireless radio equipment on towers and rooftops from time to time. A tower climbing certification is required for tower climbing activity, but is not required for employment for a Lead Combo Tech, who’s employment into the Company started before 9/1/2020. (See August 2020 MOU for exceptions.) Management may require tower climbing as a job requirement for a Lead Combo Techs if hired into the company on or after 9/1/2020, depending on operational needs.
Additional Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as required to fulfill job function or as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- company policies, procedures, products and services.
- telecommunications plant equipment operations and maintenance.
- low voltage codes such as grounding, bonding, and premises wiring.
- all systems, network layouts and services for assigned coverage area, and how they function and are maintained to ensure quality product delivery.
- software installed on laptop such as CAD, Oasis FM, WFM, F&O.
- time management and organizational skills.
Skill to:
- gather and report numerical data and produce statistical reports.
- operate service equipment including various hand tools and testing equipment.
- operate various office equipment such as a computer, copy machine, fax machine and multi-line telephone.
- climb a pole, use a ladder, work in a crawlspace and attic.
- adjust and change quickly, utilizing a positive, professional attitude.
- work safely and neatly.
Ability to:
- work independently, think analytically and be a problem solver.
- provide 24-hour technical support for customers by serving “on-call” according to an established schedule.
- communicate effectively, both in writing and in speaking, with customers, co-workers, and various business contacts in a courteous and professional manner.
- work completely and accurately under time constraints and deadlines.
- obtain and maintain a valid CDL Montana driver’s license, have a good driving record and be insured under the Company insurance policy.
- keep tools and equipment cleaned, calibrated, in good working condition, and properly stored when not in use.
- read and interpret documents such as maps, staking sheets, service orders, reports, and operating and maintenance instruction manuals.
- evaluate, test, and repair sophisticated equipment.
- understand new technologies and electronic equipment.
- read, analyze, and interpret instructions and reports.
- provide excellent customer service.
- keep customer information confidential and follow CPNI and Red Flag rules.
- work in a safe and effective manner.
Education and Experience:
Any combination equivalent to the following education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would qualify. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
High School diploma or equivalent, plus some education in electronics and/or telecommunications; 4+ years of experience in some or all of the following: installation and repair of voice services, broadband services, cable splicing, construction equipment, cutover of cable facilities and other related outside plant activities.
