Tower Climber / Oil & Gas Communications Technician

Company Description:

VanZandt Controls and Eagle Automation together are a complete lifecycle solutions and services provider. Headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, VanZandt Controls and Eagle Automation has 250 employees in 13 locations in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Oklahoma. VanZandt Controls is a premier distributor of valve automation, flow measurement, instrumentation and controls products with unmatched capability in valve production and machining. Eagle Automation is a world class systems integrator, services, application engineering, panel shop and board repair provider. We win together with a purpose. Faith, family and diversity are our foundation. Safety and integrity are our pillars. Maintaining these priorities allows us to serve our customers, hire and retain top talent, and have great manufacturer partnerships on a long-term basis. We take pride in our Brand Promise - 1st to Quote, 1st to Deliver, Reliable Service. We are a rapidly growing organization with endless potential for career growth.

Position:

Job Summary:
We are seeking a safety-driven Tower Climber / Communications Technician with experience in oil & gas field communications. This role is responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting radio and network systems that support SCADA, telemetry, and operational communications across remote well sites, compressor stations, and tank batteries. The ideal candidate is certified in tower climbing, experienced with industrial radio systems, and comfortable working in rugged field environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Climb and work on communication towers, masts, and elevated structures at well sites and facilities
• Install, align, and maintain RF equipment including licensed and unlicensed radios, antennas, and microwave systems
• Deploy and support SCADA and telemetry communications for oil & gas operations
• Install, terminate, and test coaxial, fiber optic, and Ethernet cabling
• Troubleshoot communication issues impacting PLCs, RTUs, and field instrumentation
• Perform path alignment, signal testing, and RF optimization
• Read and interpret site drawings, P&IDs, network diagrams, and technical specifications
• Conduct preventative maintenance and inspections on towers and communication equipment
• Ensure strict adherence to OSHA, company, and oilfield safety standards (LOTO, H2S awareness, etc.)
• Document installations, service work, and testing results with detailed reports and photos
• Coordinate with engineers, SCADA teams, and operations personnel

Required Qualifications:

• Current tower climbing certification
• Experience with industrial radio systems (e.g., FreeWave, MDS, Cambium, Motorola, Ubiquiti, etc.)
• Working knowledge of SCADA systems, RTUs, and PLC communications
• Strong understanding of RF fundamentals and network troubleshooting
• Ability to work at heights and in remote, physically demanding environments
• Familiarity with oil & gas field operations and safety requirements
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to remote job sites

Preferred Qualifications:

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification
• H2S certification and First Aid/CPR
• Experience with licensed microwave and FCC-regulated systems
• Fiber optic splicing and testing experience
• Basic networking knowledge (IP addressing, routing, switches, firewalls)
• Experience working with hazardous location equipment (Class I, Div 1/2)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to climb towers and ladders for extended periods
• Lift and carry 50–75 lbs regularly
• Work outdoors in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, dust)

Work Environment:

• Field-based role supporting oil & gas operations in remote locations
• Exposure to active industrial sites including well pads, compressor stations, and processing facilities

Training:

VanZandt Controls and Eagle Automation provides ongoing hands-on equipment training and personal development plans.

Website (for more information):

https://vzcontrols.com