The University of Southern California’s (USC’s) Information Technology Services is seeking a talented Communications Technician with an exceptional commitment to service excellence to join its team. As the Communications Technician, you will be an integral member of the Network Engineering team, collaborating with diverse and talented team members to help solve multidimensional information technology problems, improve customer experience, and generate value for our campus stakeholders across a broad base of departments and constituencies.

THE TEAM

ITS has embarked on a major digital transformation initiative to continually improve services for faculty, staff, and students in support of USC’s ascent as a leading institution of higher education. The ITS vision aligns strategy, business, and services; affirms ITS cultural values; empowers cross-functional teamwork; embraces world-class best practices; and promotes innovation, excellence, agility, and efficiency. To achieve this vision, ITS is committed to providing a modern technology infrastructure that is resilient and delivers the performance necessary to meet the demands of a growing customer base, training in the latest technologies for its highly productive and motivated workforce, outstanding customer experience, and technology services that are aligned with the university’s mission to provide exceptional learning opportunities for students. ITS is creating a workplace where employees can develop cutting-edge skills, take pride in the services they provide, and have access to the roles and career paths that align to their abilities and potential. 

We are looking for top talent to join us on our journey.

ITS CULTURE

USC’s ITS organization represents a diverse and talented team, committed to supporting a collaborative culture and delivering secure and innovative IT services, core to the mission of USC. ITS values accountability, excellence, and commitment to exceptional customer experience. ITS strives for a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages employees to do their best work every day and where individuals are recognized and celebrated for their contributions.

ABOUT USC

USC is the leading private research university in Los Angeles—a global center for arts, technology, and international business. With more than 47,500 students, we are located primarily in Los Angeles but also in various US and global satellite locations. As the largest private employer in Los Angeles, responsible for $8 billion annually in economic activity in the region, we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills across a variety of academic and professional schools and administrative units. As a USC employee and member of the Trojan Family—the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who make USC a great place to work—you will enjoy excellent benefits, including a variety of well-being programs designed to help individuals achieve work-life balance.

Come join the ITS team and work as a trusted partner in shaping an environment of innovation and excellence for the university.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The candidate for the position of Communications Technician must meet the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, or vocational training in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience in information technology or telecommunications.
• Experience delivering reliable, quality network services within a large campus environment, including supporting large-scale network implementations and upgrades.
• Ability to configure and deploy network, wireless, and telecommunications equipment in accordance with a project implementation plan.
• Experience implementing and troubleshooting voice, data, and wireless communications networks.
• Knowledge of LAN/WAN and telecommunications systems.
• Ability to assist with the installation and support of a multitude of campus events and projects.
• Effective communications skills that enable project coordination.
• Flexible with scheduling, overtime work, and after-hours coverage while on-call.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel as required.
• Must currently hold or be eligible to obtain mandatory, university security clearances.
• Foundational knowledge of network technologies such as VLAN, DHCP, VoIP, Spanning Tree Protocol, fiber optics cabling/transceivers, and wireless (802.11).
• Experience using network monitoring tools such as OTDR, CableAnalyzer, T-1 testing equipment, or other network system tools and resources that aid in installation or problem resolution.
• Working knowledge of installation, maintenance, and support of LAN, WAN, and VoIP infrastructure.
• Experience using moving equipment such as a dollies, lifts, and back support.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds safely while using proper form, including lifting, carrying, and transporting switches, UPS, racking, or other networking or infrastructure equipment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience delivering customer-focused service.
• Ability to comply with pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage time effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for the position of Communications Technician has the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, or vocational training in a relevant field.
• More than four years of experience in information technology or telecommunications.
• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator) certifications.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

The Communications Technician supports the stability and integrity of in-house voice, data, and wireless network services. The Communications Technician assists in day-to-day operations of installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization of all network hardware, software, and communication links. This role analyzes and resolves network hardware and software problems in a timely and accurate fashion by collaborating with customers, staff, vendors, and stakeholders. The Communications Technician provides guidance in end-user training where required. The Communications Technician facilitates the proper and efficient interoperability of all voice and data network resources within USC’s existing and future network infrastructure. As a member of ITS, the Communications Technician demonstrates ITS values in action.

Job Accountabilities

The Communications Technician:

• Installs, upgrades, and troubleshoots voice, data, and wireless communication services and equipment throughout the university campus, including wireless access points, switches, fiber, routers, voice over IP, structural cabling, and other communications equipment. Identifies complex technical problems and resolves issues efficiently.
• Communicates with customers across the university campus to obtain the necessary information to effectively recommend solutions for systems, equipment, wiring, jacks, services, and features. Consistently keeps customers informed through timely written or verbal communications.
• Assists in network capacity planning with infrastructure project managers, network engineers, and vendors. Supports the implementation of network architecture improvements. Recommends technical improvements or upgrades where needed.
• Maintains constructive relationships with both internal and external customers to enhance problem resolution. Responds to customer needs and concerns to better identify pain points or issues and to help improve the customer experience.
• Consistently makes sound and timely decisions that create positive outcomes for customers and the organization. Asks pertinent questions and leverages the input of others to aid in the efficient resolution of issues.
• Participates in innovation and continuous improvement by leveraging the latest industry standards and maintaining currency with new technologies in voice, data, and wireless technologies. Displays a willingness to take on new challenges with technologies and processes with a positive attitude. Learns from mistakes and improves upon outcomes. Takes initiative, thinks creatively, and actively experiments with new or more efficient ways of working.
• Contributes to an inclusive environment that values differences by building and maintaining collaborative relationships with team members, peers, and ITS leaders. Actively embodies ITS values and behaviors including accountability, ethics, and best-in-class customer service. Contributes to a culture of trust and transparency by sharing information broadly, openly, and deliberately.
• Supports the vision for Network Engineering. Works closely with team members and management to implement and support effective solutions for network communications. Maintains currency with technology, standards, and best practices. Supports process improvement efforts within the team and across ITS.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.