Central Office DC Power Decommissioning Technician
Position Summary
The Central Office DC Power Decommissioning Technician is responsible for the safe power-down, disconnection, cable mining, and removal of telecommunications equipment from live Central Office (CO) environments. This role requires strong DC power expertise, experience working in energized -48V environments, and the ability to follow engineered removal plans and carrier standards. Depending on experience level, this role may also involve leading decommissioning crews, executing Method of Procedures (MOPs), and coordinating directly with carrier engineers and Network Operations Centers (NOC).
The ideal candidate has experience in legacy telecom systems, including Nortel, Lucent, Alcatel, Ericsson, Cisco, and Ciena equipment, and understands proper decommissioning procedures to ensure network integrity and safety.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership (Lead-Level)
- Lead decommissioning crews on Central Office removal projects
- Review and execute Method of Procedures (MOPs)
- Conduct pre-job safety meetings and Job Safety Analyses (JSA)
- Coordinate directly with carrier engineers, NOC, and project management
- Ensure compliance with all carrier and site standards
- Mentor junior technicians on DC power safety and removal procedures
Equipment Power Down & Decommissioning
- Safely power down network equipment per Method of Procedure (MOP)
- Verify redundant feeds and coordinate with network operations as required
- Disconnect and cap -48V DC power leads
- Remove fuses and verify zero voltage prior to handling conductors
- Document power removal and update circuit records
DC Power Systems Expertise (Required)
- Work safely in live -48V DC environments
- Identify A/B feeds, redundant power paths, and battery plant sources
- Disconnect large gauge DC cabling (2/0, 4/0, 350 MCM, etc.)
- Remove terminations from BDFBs, fuse panels, and power distribution units
- Ensure proper grounding and bonding practices during removal
- Perform voltage verification and polarity checks
- Mitigate arc-flash and short-circuit risks
- Enforce lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures where applicable
Cable Mining & Circuit Protection
- Mine and remove fiber, copper, and coaxial cabling
- Trace circuits prior to removal to prevent service impact
- Remove abandoned cabling per engineered plans
- Maintain proper labeling and documentation during removal
- Redline drawings and update removal documentation
- Dispose of scrap materials in accordance with site requirements
Equipment & Infrastructure Removal
- Disassemble and remove bays, cabinets, frames, and relay racks
- Remove ladder rack, overhead cable rack, and seismic bracing when required
- Safely handle, palletize, and track equipment for salvage or disposal
- Ensure proper material segregation (scrap copper, batteries, electronics)
- Maintain site cleanliness throughout the project
Documentation & Compliance
- Follow approved Method of Procedures (MOPs)
- Redline drawings and document removed circuits
- Adhere to carrier standards and Central Office access rules
- Follow OSHA and site safety protocols
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of Central Office experience (installation or decommissioning); 5+ years and prior crew leadership experience preferred for lead-level consideration
- Strong hands-on DC power experience (-48V systems required)
- Experience disconnecting and removing telecom equipment in live environments
- Ability to read and interpret engineered drawings, removal plans, and power schematics
- Understanding of grounding and bonding practices
- Experience cable mining in Central Office environments
- Experience working in redundant DC power systems
- Ability to pass background screening for CO access
- Valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications
- Nortel equipment training or experience (DMS, legacy transport, power systems)
- Experience with Lucent, Alcatel, Ericsson, Cisco, or Ciena systems
- Prior experience leading decommissioning or installation crews, or serving as site lead/foreman
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification
- First Aid/CPR certification
- Experience working with major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Lumen, Frontier, etc.)
Leadership Competencies (applicable to lead-level candidates)
- Strong safety-first mindset
- Ability to manage risk in live DC environments
- Clear communication with carriers and internal teams
- Ability to manage crew productivity and timelines
- Detail-oriented documentation skills
- Conflict resolution and field decision-making ability
Physical Requirements
- Lift up to 75 lbs
- Ability to work on ladders and overhead cable racks
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Comfortable working in active telecom environments
- Travel required
Work Environment
- Live Central Offices
- Battery plants and power rooms
- Data Centers
- Legacy Telecom Facilities
- Industrial Indoor Settings
Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: On the road
