Details
Posted: 07-Jun-22
Location: Bartlett, Texas
Type: Full Time
Required Education: High School
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Position Description
Position: Chief Broadband Officer
Department: Communications/Broadband
Reports Directly to: General Manager/CEO
Directs : Broadband Deployment and Service Personnel, as well as
contractors/consultants, on behalf of BEC
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Summary:
The Chief Broadband Officer is responsible for the activities of the Bartlett Electric Cooperative, Inc. broadband/communications subsidiary and the implementation of the broadband/communications venture. This includes, but is not limited to, the development, execution and achievement of business objectives and operating procedures which ensure that the venture is profitable while also providing optimum services to the subscribers. Also includes managing internet services provider (ISP) and internal IT functions.
Essential Functions of Position:
- Position is primarily in an indoor working environment with occasional outside work in varying weather conditions.
- Observes safety rules and practices and recommends to fellow workers the use and practice of the same.
Must possess and maintain the ability to:
- Respond in a positive manner to supervision.
- Work as a cooperative member of a team.
- Interact in a professional and courteous manner with co-workers and members.
- Successfully work within deadlines and time constraints.
- Participates with the General Manager/CEO in the formulation of objectives, procedures, and plans as they related to the Broadband Services subsidiary. Consults the General Manager/CEO regarding major responsibilities and developments, keeping him advised of special events, providing reports of progress and results and advising and assisting him with respect to objectives and plans formulated. Looks to General Manager/CEO for guidance, counsel and necessary approvals.
- Communicates to and obtains understanding and acceptance from subordinates and contractors regarding these objectives, procedures and plans.
- Serves as career coach/advisor to subordinates providing coaching and counselling to personnel regarding special problems and performance of work. Provides necessary guidance, assistance or instruction and gives proper credit for performance. Provides leadership and creates the desire for development among subordinates and a sense of teamwork in the department. Continually assesses the skills and abilities of subordinates.
- Oversees start-up operations of the outside plant components of the broadband network delivering broadband services to subscribers.
- Proficient with broadband system design, construction, troubleshooting, and restoration.
- Coordinates and provides supervision of contractor broadband design and construction activities.
- Coordinates with appropriate personnel and entities in the design of new system extensions.
- Responsible for maintaining the broadband plant system to meet the operating requirements as specified in fiber lease agreements and service level agreements.
- Develops, maintains and coordinates the tracking and accounting of broadband network system through GIS or other software platforms.
- Responsible for compliance and enforcement of all applicable safety, security, environmental rules and regulations and company policies and procedures related to the broadband network.
- Maintains positive and productive relations with vendors, contractors, subscribers, members, and the general public in carrying out the responsibilities of the position. Work with consultants as required ensuring the success of the broadband deployment and ongoing operations.
- Administers contracts and fiber lease agreements.
- Develops, administers and coordinates grant and loan processes applicable to the deployment of broadband plant.
- Leads special projects related to the use or expansion of the broadband system.
- Supports BEC Engineering, Operations and IT in the integration and use of the BEC fiber backbone for electric and transmission communication purposes.
- Maintains technical integrity of outside plant and back office applications, in compliance with FCC specifications.
- Develops and communicates BEC interdepartmental procedures relating to the integration of electric and fiber functions.
- Identifies and recommends solutions for outside plant procedures and customer service issues.
- Develops and coordinates with other BEC departments troubleshooting calls and restoration procedures for fiber plant.
- Responsible for inventory control and purchasing for broadband system.
- Manages and directs operations and activities of Bartlett Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s subsidiary to include hiring and managing employees, preparing reports, establishing budgets, comparing and analyzing options, reviewing and executing vendor contracts, maintaining public relations, marketing services, and managing assets.
- Researches new and emerging technologies to further goals of the company. Evaluates new business and expansion opportunities and recommends new services to the General Manager/CEO.
- Responsible for the designing and planning of the broadband system to assure efficient and reliable broadband service at the lowest reasonable cost consistent with applicable engineering and business practices.
- Responsible for the personnel and/or consultants accountable for developing long- and short-term broadband facility expansion plans, system protection programs, system loss management programs and broadband facility mapping.
- Implements and operates the broadband network within the financial projections and budget approved by the Board of Directors. If modifications are required, develops budget/plan amendments with financial analysis for General Manager/CEO and Board approval.
- Ensures operations comply with applicable federal, state and local regulations.
- Represents the broadband subsidiary with regulatory agencies, legislative bodies and industry associations.
- Enforces and models proper behavior and compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, policies, and procedures and supports Bartlett Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s Mission and Vision in carrying out the responsibilities of the position.
- Supports and keeps abreast of bylaws, guidelines, policies/procedures and philosophies of Bartlett Electric Cooperative, Inc. and its subsidiary to effectively serve and support cooperative members and subsidiary subscribers.
- Considers and reviews recommendations made by subordinates for new changes in present procedure and, when appropriate, makes recommendations to the General Manager/CEO.
- Manages and directs the recruiting, training, leading, and assessing of performance of staff to ensure the effective completion of assigned duties. Manages and directs the selection, promotion, transfer, discipline, and discharge of employees within the subsidiary.
- Responds to, investigates and recommends actions for policy and procedure violations, unsafe practices and any other action or behavior which may have a negative impact upon Bartlett Electric Cooperative, Inc. or the subsidiary.
- Attends and provides fiber and broadband expertise at managerial and/or board meetings.
- Delegates appropriate authority and freedom of actions, but with recognition that he cannot be relieved of his responsibility.
- Keeps abreast of current developments in areas of construction design standards, broadband mapping and applicable codes and inspects work of subordinates to ensure that all applicable specifications and codes are met.
- Possesses working knowledge of broadband design and construction practices and standards.
- Possesses working knowledge of broadband service guidelines and policies.
Equipment Used:
Organizational vehicles, two-way radios, GPS, computer, printer, copier, fax machine, multi-functional phone system, shredder.
Other Important Duties:
- Maintains good working relations with co-workers, BEC members and the general public.
- Represents BEC by attending schools/seminars/meetings for improvement of job knowledge and skills, when requested.
- Continually explores new ideas to enhance job performance, efficiency, productivity, and work relations. Communicates the ideas to the General Manager/CEO.
- Performs other duties as may be assigned by the General Manager/CEO or designee.
Experience, Training, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must obtain and maintain knowledge of Cooperative’s policies related to duties of the position.
- Ability to travel intra/inter-state, as necessary, for training purposes, meetings, or to provide assistance to other electric cooperatives, as required.
- Ability to frequently travel within BEC Service Area and to other locations, as required, in course of daily work.
- Must pass a Department of Transportation or general physical as required.
- Must pass required and random drug tests.
- Ability to move about and within an office building and on various terrain.
- Ability to lift and/or move equipment and tools weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance and in excess of 25 pounds with assistance, frequently carrying such weight over rough terrain on a regular and recurring basis.
- Ability to frequently stand and/or walk and sit for extended periods of time.
- Ability to perform manual and detailed hand work using both hands, sometimes repetitively, climb and balance, squat, stoop, crouch or kneel, push, and pull.
- Ability to bend at neck, waist, legs, and arms, reach above shoulder-level, twist body, and change positions at will.
- Ability to speak and hear clearly to communicate over loud background noise.
- Vision ability that meets the minimum requirements to acquire and maintain a Texas Driver’s license, with or without corrective lenses.
- Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people and personalities. Requires a high degree of interpersonal skills.
- Ability to be tactful and get along with diverse groups of people and personalities. Capable of conveying a positive and professional image.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, even simultaneously, as well as coordinate projects with other employees working to consistently meet deadlines and budgets.
- Ability to listen to and read instructions and other paperwork.
- Ability to use judgment and reasoning skills to perform the Essential Functions of the Position.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a basic understanding of general employment law.
- Ability to determine and handle confidential information in a professional, appropriate manner.
Education, Degrees, Certificates, and/or License Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering or equivalent experience in the telecommunications industry.
- Minimum of 5 years’ hands-on fiber optic experience and knowledge.
- Certifications in fiber optics preferred (BICSI, ETA, FOA, etc.)
- 2-4 years management and supervisory experience in the telecommunications industry preferred.
- Must possess operating and maintenance knowledge of broadband operating processes and procedures.
- Valid minimum Texas Driver’s License and an acceptable driving history.
- Must be eligible to be and remain insured as a driver by the Cooperative’s group liability policy for the automotive fleet.
- Prior exposure to strategic planning and development procedures.
This Position Description is intended to identify the essential functions of a position and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform or assume additional position-related responsibilities other than those stated in this description.
BEC reserves the right to revise or change the position responsibilities as the need arises. This Position Description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The time frames mentioned for successful accomplishment of training phases are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as an implied contract of employment for any amount of time.
