Field Communications Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Field Communications Specialist to support and maintain our SCADA and Operational Technology (OT) communications infrastructure ensuring equipment functionality with minimal downtime. This role is responsible for assisting in the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of field communication systems, ensuring reliable and secure data transmission between field assets and central control systems. The specialist will work under the supervision of the Field Communications Supervisor and collaborate with SCADA, Control Room, Control Technology, and IT teams to support critical infrastructure.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• ​Assist in the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of SCADA and IT/OT communication equipment, including radios, cellular modems, satellite terminals, network equipment, security systems and access control. 

• Install point to point and point to multi-point radio systems. 

• Support installation, configuration and Local and Wide Area network devices.

• Perform basic network cabling, terminations, and testing for communication systems.

• Support the installation and configuration of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and edge devices in the field.

• Install, terminate and test multi-mode and single-mode fiber.

• Conduct first-line troubleshooting of communication issues in SCADA and IT/OT environments.

• Perform basic diagnostics and repairs on communication hardware, including antenna alignments and cable testing.

• Assist in monitoring system performance, identifying outages, and escalating issues as necessary.

• Work with vendors and internal teams to resolve equipment failures and network disruptions.

• Interact, support and train customers in the use of equipment. 

• Maintain accurate records of equipment installations, configurations, and maintenance activities.

• Assist in maintaining network diagrams, IP address schemes, and device inventories.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements related to OT communications.

Education

• Associate degree or technical certification in Networking, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic understanding of networking principles (IP addressing, subnets, routing, etc.).

• Familiarity with SCADA and OT communication technologies such as licensed/unlicensed radios, cellular networks, and satellite communications.

• Basic knowledge of low voltage wiring and field instrumentation.

• Strong troubleshooting skills and willingness to learn in a hands-on environment.

• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented field environment.

• Familiarity with oil and gas operations, including SCADA, automation, and pipeline monitoring.

• Prior field experience with radio frequency (RF) communication systems.

Licenses and Certifications

• None required.

Strength Factor Rating - Physical Demands/Requirements

• Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Strength Factor Description - Physical Demands/Requirements

• Standing: Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a workstation without moving about (Frequently)

• Walking: Moving about on foot (Frequently)

• Sitting: Remaining in a seated position (Occasionally)

• Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling) (Occasionally)

• Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder (Occasionally)

• Pushing: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force (Occasionally)

• Pulling: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force (includes jerking) (Occasionally)

• Climbing: Ladders, Stairs (Occasionally)

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling (Constantly)

• Stooping: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist (Occasionally)

• Kneeling: Bending the legs at the knees to come to rest on the knee or knees (Occasionally)

• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the legs and spine (Occasionally)

• Crawling: Moving about on the hands and arms in any direction (Occasionally)

• Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction (Constantly)

• Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand or hands (Manual Dexterity) (Constantly)

• Fingering: Picking, pinching or otherwise working with the fingers primarily (Finger Dexterity) (Constantly)

• Feeling: Perceiving such attributes of objects/materials as size, shape, temperature, texture, movement or pulsation by receptors in the skin, particularly those of the finger tips (Constantly)

• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas/information by means of the spoken word (Frequently)

• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sound by the ear (Frequently)

• Tasting/Smelling: (Occasionally)

• Near Vision: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less (Constantly)

• Far Vision: Clarity of vision at 20 feet for more (Constantly)

• Depth Perception: Three-dimensional vision; ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are (Constantly)

Working Conditions/Environment

• ​Employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions

Working Conditions

• Well lighted, climate-controlled areas (Occasionally)

• Outdoor weather conditions (Frequently)

• Wet or humid conditions (not weather related) (Occasionally)

• Extreme cold (not weather related) (Occasionally)

• Extreme heat (not weather related) (Occasionally)

• Dust, fumes, gases (Occasionally)

• Moving mechanical parts (Occasionally)

• Potential electric shock (Occasionally)

• Prolonged exposure to vibration (Occasionally)

• High pitched noises/loud noises (Occasionally)

• Frequent repetitive motion (Constantly)

• CRT (Computer Monitor(s)) (Frequently)Radiation exposure (Occasionally)

• Electromagnetic energy exposure (X-ray) (Occasionally)

Travel

• Travel to other locations and job sites out-of-doors include extended stays greater than two weeks required

Driving

• Based on assigned tasks, employee may be assigned a company vehicle requiring the applicable driver's license.​​

ONEOK is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, national origin, gender identity, disability, military/veteran status, genetic information or any other categories protected by applicable law.

The job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of ONEOK.

ONEOK is committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request an accommodation email [email protected] or call 1-855-663-6547​.