Career Center

The University of Southern California’s Information Technology Services (ITS) 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 information technology problems, improve customer experience, and generate value for the university 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

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: 

• Bachelor's degree or combined experience/education as a substitute for minimum education
• Minimum 2 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.
• Knowledge of LAN/WAN and telecommunications systems, and experience implementing and troubleshooting voice, data, and wireless communications networks.
• Ability to configure and deploy the network, wireless, and telecommunications equipment, in accordance with project implementation plans.
• 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 dolly, lifts, and back support.
• Ability to assist with installation and support of numerous campus events and projects
• Experience delivering customer-focused service.
• Ability to comply with pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage time effectively.
• Valid California driver's license.
• Must currently hold or be eligible to obtain mandatory, university security clearances.

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.
• Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present the business side of technical topics to non-technical audiences, and persuasively and effectively interact with various stakeholders and diverse individuals and groups.

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.

Job Accountabilities

• 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.
• Collaborates with the team, infrastructure project managers, network engineers, and vendors with network-capacity planning.
• Supports the implementation of technical and network-architecture improvements and upgrades, where needed.
• Regularly engages and interacts with customers across the university to obtain data and effectively recommend solutions for systems, equipment, wiring, jacks, services, and features.
• Keeps customers and stakeholders informed in timely written or verbal communications
• Leverages the latest industry standards and best practices to make sound decisions and create positive outcomes that facilitate innovation and continuous improvement.
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with internal/external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and industries. Monitors and documents regular/repetitive customer complaints and identifies pain points so as to reduce issue frequency.
• Maintains currency with technology and supports the network engineering team’s vision through process-improvement efforts and the implementation of emerging, cost-effective solutions.
• Aids the cultivation of an inclusive environment and a culture of trust and transparency, sharing information broadly, openly, and deliberately.
• Actively embodies ITS values and behaviors (e.g., accountability, ethics, best-in-class customer service). Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

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.