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Job Description

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

JOB CODE 74280

Effective Date:	3/97A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform highly skilled electronic work in the design, installation, maintenance, and repair of telecommunications systems and equipment, such as data and voice systems including digital computers, peripheral equipment, mobile digital terminal equipment, multi-line telephone systems, various types of PBX's, station equipment, call sequencers and distributors, electronic processors, microwave radios, transmitters, receivers, consoles and other communications equipment. Work involves evaluating present systems and recommending system expansion, modification, and replacement. Incumbents of the class direct projects by supervising Communications Technician Aides, and Communications Technicians. Work is performed under general supervision of a Lead Telecommunications Specialist or Communications Foreman and is subject to review through conferences, reports and observation of results achieved. Some positions require shift, weekend, and holiday work hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Evaluates the utility and condition of multi-line telephone systems, paging systems, radio base station equipment and other data and voice communications equipment;
• Uses hand tools and diagnostic equipment appropriate for installation, maintenance and repair of electronic communications equipment;
• Checks equipment, including test instruments, for preventive maintenance and to ensure compliance with FCC requirements;
• Services and maintains digital computers such as those utilized in the Police and Fire Department Computer Aided Dispatching Systems;
• Creates and updates records of electronic systems performance, work accomplished or related information;
• Utilizes specialized test equipment and diagnostics to locate and correct faults and trouble in the computer system and associated peripheral equipment;
• Services electronic equipment and systems associated with departmental radio dispatching operations;
• Evaluates the utility and condition of consoles, map boards, or other control or display systems;
• Installs and maintains mobile data terminals in department vehicles;
• Constructs or creates complex communications equipment or test devices;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• The electronic communications field, with mastery in digital communications systems and associated peripheral equipment.
• The uses, calibration, and care of electronic test equipment.
• Specialized test equipment and diagnostics used for troubleshooting computer systems.
• Computer programming, computer communications systems, and peripheral equipment.
• Preventive maintenance procedures for computers and peripheral equipment.
• Cable distribution and basic principles of electricity.
• Advanced voice and data communications systems and equipment.
• Standard communications wiring, color coding, and connection schemes.
• Computerized and microprocessor controlled telecommunications systems operation and theory.
• Analog and digital electronics.

Ability to:

• Perceive the full range of the color spectrum in working with electrical wires.
• Diagnose problems or malfunctions and accomplish repairs in a minimal amount of time.
• Make independent decisions quickly in emergency situations.
• Remain aware of changes in the field by reading, attending training, actively participating in the day-to-day activities of the job, etc.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees.
• Communicate orally in the English language with individuals in a face-to-face, one-on-one setting or by telephone.
• Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language and understand and follow complex schematics, circuit diagrams, service orders, work sheets, floor plans, electrical wiring plans, construction blueprints and related documents.
• Make skillful, controlled manipulations of small objects such as wiring, tools, and small equipment parts.
• Work in small cramped areas, such as ceiling spaces, and equipment enclosures.
• Climb ladders or steps to reach objects.
• Move objects weighing 50 pounds or more short distances.
• Learn job-related material through oral instruction, observation, structured lecture, and reading.
• Enter data or information into a computer terminal, personal computer, or other keyboard device.
• Perform mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and algebra.
• Work under pressure, handling significant problems or tasks which come up simultaneously or unexpectedly.
• Establish priorities for own workload.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work assignment, location or shift.
• Some positions require the use of a personal or City vehicle on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Appointments to positions in the Police Department are subject to meeting appropriate polygraph and background standards.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years of journey level experience in installation and maintenance of digital systems, radio and electronic communications systems, or telephone station equipment, systems, and related distribution systems. Other combinations of experience and education which meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.