Apprentice / Helper

Job Description

Job Description

Apprentice / Helper

Position Overview

The Apprentice/Helper will assist Senior Systems Engineers and Certified Security Technicians with the inspection, preventive maintenance, installation, repair, testing, and documentation of physical access control and video surveillance systems.

This is a developmental position that performs work under the direction of qualified technical personnel. The Apprentice/Helper will not independently perform tasks requiring manufacturer certification, system-administrator privileges, or unsupervised technical approval unless appropriately trained, certified, and authorized.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist technicians during preventive maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, repair, and installation activities.
• Transport, organize, stage, and account for tools, replacement parts, batteries, cameras, readers, cabling, and other materials.
• Assist with inspecting access-control readers, request-to-exit devices, door contacts, power supplies, batteries, cameras, enclosures, and equipment cabinets.
• Help remove and replace defective field devices and related components under direct supervision.
• Assist with low-voltage cable routing, labeling, termination, testing, dressing, and documentation.
• Support installation and replacement of readers, cameras, interface devices, power supplies, panels, and related equipment.
• Assist with ladder setup, work-area preparation, protective coverings, barricades, cleanup, and tool control.
• Record equipment information, serial numbers, inspection findings, test results, materials used, and work completed.
• Assist with continuity testing, voltage testing, cable testing, battery testing, and basic device verification under supervision.
• Observe system testing and help confirm device functionality after repairs.
• Maintain clean and orderly work areas and protect laboratory property and sensitive security equipment.
• Follow all safety, electrical, tool-control, access, escort, and security procedures.
• Immediately report damaged equipment, unsafe conditions, wiring issues, or security concerns to the supervising technician.
• Participate in required technical, safety, and site-access training.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Senior Systems Engineer or Certified Security Technician.

Qualifications/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Enrollment in or completion of vocational, apprenticeship, technical, electrical, electronics, information technology, telecommunications, or low-voltage training is preferred.
• Previous experience supporting electrical, electronic security, structured cabling, telecommunications, construction, or maintenance work is preferred but not required.
• Basic knowledge of hand tools, power tools, cable installation, and electrical safety.
• Ability to follow written instructions, technical drawings, checklists, and verbal direction.
• Willingness to learn electronic access-control, surveillance, networking, and security-system technologies.
• Ability to work effectively under the direct supervision of certified personnel.
• Dependable attendance and availability for scheduled and emergency work.

Required Skills

• Basic mechanical and electrical aptitude
• Safe use of common hand and power tools
• Basic low-voltage cable handling
• Ability to label and organize components
• Attention to detail
• Accurate recordkeeping
• Ability to follow safety procedures
• Ability to work as part of a technical team
• Ability to communicate problems promptly
• Ability to protect sensitive equipment and information
• Willingness to complete manufacturer and site-specific training

Certification

Manufacturer certification is not required at entry level unless the individual will independently perform manufacturer-restricted work.

Preferred or developmental training includes:

• OSHA 10
• Basic electrical safety
• Low-voltage cabling
• Ladder and lift safety
• CPR/First Aid
• Introductory RS2, HID, Avigilon, or EasyLobby training

The Apprentice/Helper must work under appropriately certified supervision whenever performing tasks involving certified platforms or critical system functions.

Clearance/Security

• Must be eligible for access to a secured Department of Energy national laboratory.
• Must present a valid, unexpired REAL ID-compliant credential or passport.
• Non-U.S. citizens are subject to advance administrative review and approval.
• Must complete all required orientation, safety, escort, and access training.
• Personnel performing more than 40 hours of on-site service must complete required General Employee Training before unescorted badge issuance.

Place of Performance and Availability

• Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, New Jersey
• On-site work is required.
• Standard hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Must be available for scheduled after-hours work when supporting maintenance or emergency restoration.
• Work will be performed under the direction of a Senior Systems Engineer or Certified Security Technician.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, move, and organize tools, cable, batteries, devices, and replacement components.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and climb ladders.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors and in equipment, communications, electrical, and mechanical areas.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to assist with physically demanding tasks safely and follow lifting requirements.

Salary

TBD