Waterford Institute

Waterford Research Institute, developer of Waterford Early Reading Program™ and Waterford Early Math and Science™, is currently looking for a skilled, knowledgeable, and hardworking Telecommunication Administrator who is passionate about giving every child the chance to succeed. If you are interested in working for a non-profit organization whose mission is "to enable every child with the finest education possible by providing high-quality educational models, programs, and software," we would like the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the possibility of you joining the Waterford team.

The Telecommunications Administrator’s responsibility is to plan, develop, and implement the Company’s telecommunications infrastructure. This includes installing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all telephone systems and services, voicemail and PBX communication systems, and video conferencing environments. The person will also analyze and resolve telecommunications circuit issues in a timely and accurate fashion, and support user needs where required.

Waterford is looking for an experienced Telecommunications Administrator who loves a challenge and can work in a dynamic and still developing environment.  You must be able to collaboratively work with others across multiple departments to come up with a best solution to problems and issues that will work best for all stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have a strong background and experience with Asterisk/Trixbox on Linux.  This candidate will have a good understanding and working knowledge of VoIP, SIP and IAX in a real office/production environment including a call center as well as with remote users.

We need long-term solutions to build scalable high-performance systems on a non-profit budget. 

We need smart hardworking individuals with real hands on working skills who want to contribute to Waterford’s mission of providing children the finest education possible, through the development of high-quality educational models, programs and software.

Note: Candidates will be pre-screened via a 10 to 20 minute conference call for basic knowledge and skills prior to being brought in for a first interview

Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Manage and administrate entire telecommunications infrastructure and its associated software, including PBXs, call management systems, voice mail, interactive voice response, and video conferencing systems
• Develop long range telecommunications development plans in accordance with stated business strategy
• Design and oversee telecommunications projects with a goal to improving or expanding the current infrastructure
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and training plans for telecommunication systems administration and appropriate use
• Work with end users to establish service level agreements based on user requirements.
• Assess need for any system reconfigurations (minor or significant), make recommendations, and execute them as required

Acquisition & Deployment

• Conduct research on emerging products, services, protocols, and standards in support of telecommunications equipment procurement and development efforts
• Prepare telecommunications budget recommendations

Operational Management

• Administer add, move, and change requests from end users as well as new line installations as required
• Monitor and identify capacity and performance issues for telecommunications traffic to ensure continued, uninterrupted operation of telecommunications systems
• Generate telecommunications usage and inventory reports as required
• Conduct testing and development of disaster recovery plans to detect faults, minimize malfunctions, and backup systems
• Oversee and implement the acquisition and installation of state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment
• Interact with technical staff to ensure the safe and proper installation of cabling, wiring, and other electrical hardware
• Provide on-call technical support
• Manage and/or provide guidance to junior members of the team

Requirements

Formal Education & Certification

• College or university degree in a related field and/or 3+ years equivalent work experience
• Certifications in areas of Telecommunications

Knowledge & Experience

• Working technical knowledge of PBX, voice mail, interactive voice services, call management systems, and telecommunications accounting systems, including Asterisk/Trixbox
• Strong hands-on knowledge of the installation, implementation, and maintenance of telecommunications equipment, video teleconferencing equipment, and voice/data equipment including switching and QoS
• Working technical knowledge of current telecommunications practices, protocols, and principles, including IAX, SIP and H.263
• Ability to research, prepare, and present cost estimates, budget reports, capacity forecasting, and systems upgrade recommendations
• Hands-on experience designing, installing, and troubleshooting cabling and wiring systems
• Adept at reading, writing, and interpreting technical documentation and procedure manuals

Attributes

• Knowledge of applicable privacy practices and laws
• Strong interpersonal skills, oral communication skills, and proven analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to conduct research into telecommunications issues and products as required
• Highly self motivated and directed
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Strong customer service orientation
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• On-call availability
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and to handle other communications/computer components
• Occasional inspection of cables and wiring in floors and ceilings
• Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as telecommunications equipment and peripherals

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan, matched up to 5%
• Medical, dental, life, STD, LTD, and AD&D insurances
• Opportunity to research and work with latest technologies   
• Consistent 40-hour work week   
• Free drinks and healthy breakfast snacks
• Complimentary UTA/Trax pass   
• Great work environment

Applicants should submit a cover letter as well as a current resume with references. Please e-mail information to hr@waterford.org. Please reference job posting Telecommunications Administrator in email subject line.

Waterford Institute is a non-profit research center dedicated to helping children learn through the effective use of technology.