JOB SUMMARY:
Under the oversight of the Operations Manager in Forsyth, the Data Network Supervisor is responsible for leading the Data Network division which includes the responsibility of managing assigned technicians. This role plans, develops, and maintains all network operations and technologies. It is positioned to monitor and maintain network availability, security, and performance. It provides maintenance of billing systems configuration related to system provisioning automations. This role is expected to travel when necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS:
1) Leads the Data Network team in partnering with other departments and locations for project planning, implementing, and monitoring corporate and customer projects, ensuring completion and results are operational. Projects include, but not limited to, are the development, maintenance, and repair of:
a. Provisioning, upgrading, and maintaining the access systems.
b. Customer facing telephony and data connections.
c. Provision, maintain, and upgrade customer premise network equipment.
2) Provisioning, upgrading, and maintaining layer two switches and some routing.
3) Provisioning, upgrading, and maintaining wireless networks.
4) Monitoring and dispatching alarms.
5) Broadband performance testing and support of service orders and trouble tickets.
6) Support assigned staff with Operational Support Systems (OSS) and other software program maintenance.
7) Work with vendors of access equipment and software to provide input and feedback on corporate and customer experiences, preferences, and interests.
8) Team with vendor support staff to troubleshoot and remedy data network issues that require external support.
9) Coordinate data network projects assigned and contracted with Range’s approved external vendors.
10) Support staff, technicians, and customers with troubleshooting network issues, hardware set up and configuring, and software issues. Components may include, but are not limited to customer management software, broadband and voice delivery equipment, wireless, and residential Wi-Fi.
11) Plans, develops, and maintains all network operations including but not limited to administration of routers, firewalls, network switches / hubs, servers, and other data network related equipment / technologies.
12) Define limitations and acceptable parameters for data network operations. Set up indicators and alarms to ensure programs and systems are alerting. Data Center Technicians and Data Network Technicians when attention is needed.
13) Monitor corporate and customer systems, along with network connections to ensure they are operational, perform optimally and minimize downtime.
14) Perform and supervise monitoring and testing of system and customer related programs.
15) Research, identify and select the optimal software programs, and hardware tools / equipment to meet and exceed our mission in providing telecom services to our regions, customers, and employee day-to-day functions and routines.
16) Participate in demonstrations and testing of new potential software and hardware solutions / upgrades for Range to consider for internal and external use.
17) Engage and participate in supporting and training customers with access and use of Range technologies.
18) Supervises Work of Others / Personnel Actions:
19) Fiscal Responsibilities / Budget Management:
20) Meeting and maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulations across all areas of this role’s oversight is an expectation and key objective.
21) Uphold and demonstrate your commitment to Range’s values in everything you do. Be Innovative-Create the environment where we continually improve and adapt, Be Kind—Our actions make a difference, Be Trustworthy—Do the right thing, take responsibility for our actions, and honor our commitments, and Be United—People are our purpose; unified teams build the strongest networks.
22) Performs various other related functions and duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION): (A combination of demonstrable years’ experience and applicable alternative training(s) may be considered in lieu of the following qualifications).
Preferred qualifications include:
Certifications:
Preferred Degree:
a) 4-year / Bachelor’s degree with an Information Technology, Networking, or Telecommunications focused major, or a degree from a similarly related field of study.
COMPETENCIES OR KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA’S):
1) Information Technology Related Knowledge: Comprehensive Data Network related knowledge (theories, concepts, and practices) and the ability to apply knowledge in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations. Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations.
2) Analytical Skills: An advanced capability and skill with observing and assessing a situation and determining how to respond in a prompt and professional manner. Applies highly proficient and specialized skills that allow employees to function in situations that are varied, complex, and/or non-routine. Such as leading multiple employees through existing conflicts or problems and supporting those involved in a professional manner while working toward a resolution. Must be able to see patterns and trends and draw conclusions from observations across various situations.
3) Project Management Skills: At an advanced level, be proficient with organizing the planning process. Develop and direct detailed project schedules including tasks, accountabilities, and deadlines. Anticipate problems that may impede work. Communicates changes and progress.
4) Advanced Computer / Technical Skills: At an advanced level, be proficient with word processing and data entry tools and develop spreadsheets and presentations efficiently. Creates moderate -to- complex documents, perform intermediate-to-advanced spreadsheet analyses and generate graphics. Programs at an advanced level. Conducts advanced level of systems analyses and troubleshoots issues.
5) Administrative / General Office Equipment Operation: Efficiently use common office equipment (computer, digital camera, scanner, fax machine, copier, phone). Identify operational problems with common equipment and determine resolution. Repair and upgrade office and/or basic equipment.
6) Confidentiality: Daily, maintain confidentiality of personnel / health-related information and sensitive business matters, and when facing a wide range of circumstances. Be knowledgeable on who are the authorized key contacts for disclosure of and to communicate with regarding confidential information.
7) Time Management: Requires the ability to use one's work time effectively and productively,
8) Customer and Personal Service: Working knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
9) Office / Administrative Support: Skilled and knowledgeable at an advanced level with drafting, editing, proofreading internal and external correspondence. Understand and direct the organization of department data and files. Perform data entry accurately. Schedule meetings and appointments for multiple contacts and maintain calendar(s).
10) Decision Making: Decisions have significant, broad implications for the management and operations of a division. This position contributes to decisions on the overall strategy and direction of the entire organization.
11) Problem Solving: Problems are highly varied, complex and often non-recurring; require novel and creative approaches to resolution. New concepts and approaches may have to be developed.
12) Attention to Detail: Successful performance requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
13) Teamwork and Cooperation: Successful performance in this role requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Develop and maintain relationships to enhance workflow and work quality. Persuade, gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas or collaborate on significant projects. Handle sensitive issues and facilitate collaboration at the highest level.
14) Integrity: Successful performance in this role requires being honest and ethical.
15) Independence of Action: Results are defined; incumbent sets own goals and determines how to accomplish with limited guidelines, although past practices may exist; supervisor/manager provides broad guidance and overall direction.
16) English Language: This role requires proficient working knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
17) Oral Comprehension and Expression: The ability to listen / understand information / ideas presented through spoken words and sentences, paired with the ability to communicate information / ideas in speaking so others understand.
18) Written Comprehension and Expression: The ability to read / understand information / ideas presented through written / typed words and sentences, paired with the ability to communicate information / ideas in writing so others understand.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
This role performs assigned work duties within a general office environment. Employees are protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes. Other functions and demands, include the following:
a) Sitting / standing at an office desk for up to 8 hours/day or longer depending on the demands of the job.
b) This role may perform work function in an outdoor environment and may not be protected from weather conditions during performance of those functions.
c) Frequent use of technology, computers, devices, keyboards, etc. (Repetitive hand motion and typing like functions)
d) Hearing, listening, talking, standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, squatting, balancing, pushing/pulling, and climbing stairs are all expectations of this role, although some of these functions may be more seldom performed than others.
e) Must follow all company safety policies/procedures and always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
f) Must be able to lift 30 pounds at times.
g) Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.
EEO STATEMENT
RANGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. RANGE does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.
Range Telephone Cooperative, Inc. “Range” is a local exchange carrier providing telecommunication services to southeastern Montana and northeastern Wyoming. Established in 1953 as a non-profit cooperative, Range currently serves over 6,000 subscribers in eighteen telephone exchanges. Included in that area are the six Montana counties of Rosebud, Treasure, Custer, Powder River, Carter, and Big Horn, and the five Wyoming counties of Campbell, Johnson, Weston, Sheridan, and Crook.
Throughout the year’s Range saw many growth opportunities. In 1991, Range acquired Dubois Telephone Exchange, Inc., which serves customers in Dubois, Crowheart, and Baggs, WY. In 1993, Range purchased sixteen exchanges in Wyoming from US West and formed RT Communications to serve those exchanges. Due to changes in the telecommunications industry and a focus to expand the long-haul fiber network, Range’s leadership formed Advanced Communications Technology, Inc. in 1997.
During the summer of 2020, Range rebranded to focus on becoming “One Company, One Network.” This change combined network capabilities and industry expertise. Not only did it unite the four companies into one brand name, Range, Range’s CEO Rob Johnstone said, “One brand is a game-changer for us as a company and fulfills our mission to provide a quality customer experience.”
Today, Range serves over 13,000 broadband subscribers to over 30 communities, operates over 4,700 miles of fiber-optic network, and employs more than 160 communications experts with an expertise in engineering, construction, project management, operations, and network maintenance. Collectively the executives that lead Range have a combined 150 years of experience in the communications and broadband industry. The corporation continues to grow and fulfill the demand for next-generation communication services. Range plans to invest a minimum of $150 million in fiber optic infrastructure over the next ten years.
With office locations in Forsyth, MT, Sheridan, WY, Worland, WY, and Dubois, WY, Range offers next-generation communication services to Business and Residential customers. Range will continue to expand its fiber-optic network and deliver the best in customer experience.