Broadband Specialist

Position Summary

The Broadband Specialist is responsible for assisting in the delivery of technical assistance to municipal and regional entities for broadband expansion including planning and infrastructure/construction of technology. The Broadband Specialist works with program and administrative staff, ensuring effective communication and integration with other EMDC programs, and outcomes.

EMDC delivers high-quality and impactful economic, community, business and workforce development services to municipalities, employers and individuals throughout the northeastern region of Maine. Services include small business impact lending to support job retention and boost the region’s economic vitality, business technical assistance, land use and transportation planning, government contracting technical assistance, and climate resiliency services. Our work is framed by building partnership and collaboration.

EMDC will build on existing and establish new relationships to cultivate Eastern Maine anchor institutions as potential investors in community-driven broadband solutions. The connections between affordable and equitable access to broadband can be connected to the mission of these institutions, be it health and wellness, education, economic development, or another focus.

Essential Functions

• Provide support and education to communities and groups of communities within the Eastern Maine Counties of Penobscot and Piscataquis to assist with the support of broadband planning and community-driven infrastructure solutions;
• Serves clients and colleagues in an honest, professional, and effective manner;
• Be a supporting role with engagement of municipal broadband committees;
• Support existing relationships of communities not yet developing broadband strategies to connect them with their peers and encourage engagement;
• A supporting role with National Digital Equity Center helping to develop a regional digital inclusion plan as part of a statewide plan;
• Support data collection and research; as needed;
• Assist with identifying potential community anchor institution broadband investment opportunities;
• Other tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Working knowledge of the principles, and practices, and applications of broadband accessibility.
• Ability to assist in communication with local, state, and federal officials, and colleagues in other public and private agencies and institutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to present technical information and planning concepts clearly and effectively to a range of audiences.
• Up-to-date working knowledge of federal and state legislation, programs, regulations, and procedures related to broadband.
• Ability to assist with organizing and facilitating group and committee discussions leading to clear and identifiable outcomes.
• Ability to work with limited supervision, to organize and execute work assignments in a thorough and timely manner, to work under frequent time pressures and be able to keep several projects in progress at the same time.
• Willingness to travel, and to attend frequent night meetings, using personal vehicle for business use (reimbursable).

Education/Experience

Experience in project oversight, planning, outreach, and meeting facilitation. Knowledge of the concepts, theories, principles, and practices of broadband project development and economic development at the regional and local level. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Working Conditions

General business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, though exempt positions will typically require work to be performed outside general business hours. Work is generally performed in an indoor, professional office environment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit at a desk working on a computer. The employee is often required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee must travel to various locations and must be able to provide their own transportation.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.24 - $28.12 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Hourly pay

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $28