📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Field Communications Specialist
🔹 Company: ONEOK
🔹 Location: Garden City, TX
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Oil and Gas
🔹 Date Posted: April 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting and maintaining SCADA and Operational Technology (OT) communications infrastructure
- Installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of field communication systems
- Collaboration with SCADA, Control Room, Control Technology, and IT teams
- Ensuring reliable and secure data transmission between field assets and central control systems
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of technical skills and teamwork, with a focus on maintaining critical infrastructure.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assisting in the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of SCADA and IT/OT communication equipment
✅ Installing point to point and point to multi-point radio systems
✅ Supporting installation, configuration, and Local and Wide Area network devices
✅ Performing basic network cabling, terminations, and testing for communication systems
✅ Supporting the installation and configuration of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and edge devices in the field
✅ Installing, terminating, and testing multi-mode and single-mode fiber
✅ Conducting first-line troubleshooting of communication issues in SCADA and IT/OT environments
✅ Performing basic diagnostics and repairs on communication hardware, including antenna alignments and cable testing
✅ Assisting in monitoring system performance, identifying outages, and escalating issues as necessary
✅ Working with vendors and internal teams to resolve equipment failures and network disruptions
✅ Interacting, supporting, and training customers in the use of equipment
✅ Maintaining accurate records of equipment installations, configurations, and maintenance activities
✅ Ensuring compliance with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements related to OT communications
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of hands-on field work and office-based tasks, with a focus on maintaining reliable communication systems.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Associate degree or technical certification in Networking, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, or a related field
Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience
Required Skills:
- 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
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with specific communication equipment used by ONEOK
- Certifications related to networking or telecommunications
ASSUMPTION: While specific experience with ONEOK's equipment is not required, it would be beneficial for the candidate to have some familiarity with relevant communication technologies.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $45,000 - $60,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for entry-level roles in the Oil and Gas sector in Texas)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with potential for extended hours during outages or emergencies
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: ONEOK is a leading midstream operator in the oil and gas industry, providing gathering, processing, fractionation, transportation, storage, and marine export services.
Company Size: ONEOK has 5,001-10,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and development.
Founded: ONEOK was founded in 1906 and has since grown to become a significant player in the energy sector.
Company Description:
- ONEOK delivers energy products and services vital to an advancing world, contributing to energy security and providing safe, reliable, and responsible energy solutions.
- The company operates a vast pipeline network, transporting natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), refined products, and crude oil.
- ONEOK is committed to making its workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Company Specialties:
- Natural Gas
- Energy
- Refined Products and Crude
- Natural Gas Liquids
- Safety and Reliability
Company Website: http://www.oneok.com
ASSUMPTION: ONEOK's size and industry position provide a stable and secure work environment, with opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level position, offering an opportunity to gain experience in the oil and gas industry and develop skills in communication systems maintenance and troubleshooting.
Reporting Structure: The Field Communications Specialist reports to the Field Communications Supervisor and works closely with various teams, including SCADA, Control Room, Control Technology, and IT.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with travel to other locations and job sites out-of-doors required, including extended stays greater than two weeks.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to more senior roles within the communications or IT departments
- Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and demonstrated skills
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in various aspects of the business
ASSUMPTION: ONEOK's large size and diverse operations provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: ONEOK's office is a well-lighted, climate-controlled area.
Office Location(s): ONEOK Plaza, 100 West 5th St., Tulsa, OK 74103, US
Geographic Context:
- Garden City, TX, offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with a population of approximately 10,000 people.
- The area has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
- Garden City is located near major oil and gas production areas, providing ample job opportunities in the industry.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with extended hours or on-call rotations as needed to support critical infrastructure.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment may involve exposure to various weather conditions, dust, fumes, gases, moving mechanical parts, and potential electric shock, as well as frequent repetitive motion and prolonged exposure to vibration.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical skills and knowledge of communication systems
- Troubleshooting abilities and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Familiarity with oil and gas operations and relevant industry-specific knowledge
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume, focusing on communication systems maintenance, troubleshooting, and installation
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure
- Research ONEOK's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit with the organization
ATS Keywords: SCADA, OT, communication systems, maintenance, troubleshooting, installation, oil and gas, networking principles, IP addressing, subnets, routing
ASSUMPTION: ONEOK's application process may vary depending on the specific role and the candidate's qualifications.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SCADA systems
- Operational Technology (OT) communication technologies
- Networking equipment (routers, switches, modems, etc.)
- Radio frequency (RF) communication systems
- Low voltage wiring and field instrumentation
- Fiber optic cabling and termination tools
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate's role and the projects they work on.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety: ONEOK is committed to the safety of its employees, contractors, and the communities in which it operates
- Responsibility: ONEOK takes responsibility for its actions and their impact on the environment and stakeholders
- Integrity: ONEOK conducts its business with honesty, fairness, and transparency
Work Style:
- Collaborative: ONEOK values teamwork and encourages employees to work together to achieve common goals
- Adaptable: ONEOK operates in a dynamic industry and requires employees to be flexible and adaptable to change
- Results-driven: ONEOK focuses on delivering results and achieving excellence in all aspects of its operations
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to safety and a willingness to follow safety protocols and procedures?
- Are you able to work independently and in a team environment, with a focus on delivering results?
- Do you have a strong work ethic and the ability to adapt to change in a dynamic work environment?
ASSUMPTION: ONEOK's company culture emphasizes safety, responsibility, integrity, collaboration, adaptability, and results-driven work.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Exposure to various weather conditions and potential hazards in the field
- Working with legacy communication systems and equipment
- Meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high standards of work quality
- Adapting to changes in technology and industry best practices
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong technical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt to change.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Field Communications Specialist vs. Field Service Technician: Both roles involve field work and maintenance of communication systems, but the Field Communications Specialist focuses more on SCADA and OT communication technologies
- Industry-specific context: The oil and gas industry is cyclical and can be influenced by commodity prices and market demand
- Career path comparison: This role can lead to more senior positions within the communications or IT departments, or to other roles within the oil and gas industry
ASSUMPTION: The specific responsibilities and career paths for similar roles may vary depending on the company and industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Installation and configuration of a new SCADA system to monitor and control field assets
- Troubleshooting and repair of a failed communication link between a remote field site and the central control room
- Upgrade of an existing network to support increased data transmission requirements
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the variety of tasks and responsibilities that a Field Communications Specialist may encounter in their role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to address them?
- How does this role fit into the broader organization, and what opportunities are there for growth and development?
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, and how can I demonstrate them during the interview process?
- How does ONEOK support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the work-life balance like for this role, and how does ONEOK support its employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help applicants better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through ONEOK's careers page
- Customize your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills, focusing on communication systems maintenance, troubleshooting, and installation
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your fit with ONEOK's mission, values, and company culture
- If applicable, prepare examples of your work or projects that showcase your skills and accomplishments
- Follow up with ONEOK after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
