Under general supervision, diagnoses, analyzes, repairs, maintains, adjusts for optimum performance and installs complex two-way radio communications systems and related electronic equipment; other work as required. Advanced journey level position, which serves as lead-worker and technical expert. In addition to performing the full range of communication equipment maintenance and repair, incumbents are expected to diagnose the most technical and complex problems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

DESCRIPTION:

• Installs, tests, maintains and services fixed and mobile two-way radio equipment and related electronic equipment.
• Diagnoses problems and repairs less complex equipment such as mobile and base transmitters and receivers, antennas, pagers, public address equipment, security equipment, generators, motors, and audio recorders.
• Tests and adjusts equipment, systems, circuits and components using a variety of specialized testing and measurement devices.
• Diagnoses, analyzes, adjusts for optimum performance, maintains and repairs a variety of more complex communications systems and equipment, including fixed and mobile radio systems, comparator systems, radio paging systems, dispatch consoles, portable transmitters, sirens and related equipment.
• Installs and maintains complex networking equipment including security appliances, switches, routers, and fiber optics.
• Maintains virtual machines, servers, databases and software.
• Identifies need for and orders replacement parts.
• Reads and interprets schematics, diagrams, instruction manuals and written instructions.
• Drives to various locations; maintains records and prepares reports on work performed.
• Inputs, accesses and analyzes information using a computer.
• Trains new technicians and installers.
• Works inside and outside, in a variety of weather conditions, at heights up to 100' such as on radio communication towers, around moving objects, high voltage, sources of non-ionizing radiation such as radio transmitters, high levels of noise and unpleasant odors.
• Performs technical tasks relative to the City’s radio communication infrastructure including; Licensed VHF and UHF radios, communication sites, FCC licensing.
• Acts as lead-worker, which includes assigning and monitoring work and assisting in training; diagnoses the most difficult communications systems and equipment problems; performs the most complex and technical repair work; and assists in designing and implementing communications systems.
• Serve as the point of contact for contracted services.
• Manage service contracts, major contracts; coordinate, supervise, and inspect contracted work.
• Prepare and maintain reports, records, drawings and files related to assigned area of responsibility.
• Participate in the development and preparation of the annual budget; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for budget requests and expenditures.
• Research, review and obtain estimates for the purchase of equipment and replacement parts and/or for system upgrades.
• Assist with electrical, instrumentation, and traffic signal work as required.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Must be able to work safely.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

      KNOWLEDGE OF:

• The operation, maintenance, modification and repair of complex radio and electronic communications systems and equipment.
• The operation, maintenance, modification and repair of complex wired and wireless networking equipment and hardware.
• The tools, methods, practices, materials and equipment used in the installation, testing, adjustment, maintenance and repair of communication systems and equipment.
• Safety practices to be observed when repairing electrical and electronic equipment.
• Electrical and electronic theory and principles.       
• The tools, methods and equipment used in the routine installation, maintenance and repair of two-way radio and related equipment.
• The operational principles of radio and electronic communications equipment.
• Project planning, coordination and scheduling techniques.
• Microwave communications design and operation.
• The technical communication needs of a variety of public safety agencies.
• Automotive electrical and ignition systems
• The operational principles of electronic communications equipment.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions related to the work.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Budget preparation methods and techniques.
• Safe work habits.

       ABILITY TO:

• Install, test and service fixed and mobile radio equipment.
• Test, diagnose problems, adjust and make repairs to a variety of less complex radio and other communication equipment such as mobile and base transmitters and receivers, public address systems, antennas, pagers and recorders.
• Install, test, adjust, modify, repair and maintain a variety of complex communication systems and equipment, such as fixed and mobile radio systems, microwave systems, comparator systems, radio paging systems, dispatch consoles, portable transmitters, sirens and similar equipment.
• Diagnose complex system and equipment problems.
• Read and interpret complex schematics, diagrams, instruction manuals and written instructions.
• Keep accurate records of work performed.
• Work cooperatively, as part of a team, on assigned projects.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others.
• Perform tasks requiring strength, such as ascending and descending 100-foot communication towers and carrying equipment, such as a mobile service monitor, to remote work sites.
• Work in and from bucket trucks, platforms, lifts over and around water, power lines, and obstructions.
• Drive vehicles, such as cars, vans and emergency vehicles, including patrol cars and ambulances; drive fire trucks within the parking lot in order to test mobile communications systems and related equipment.
• Operate hand and small power tools.
• Distinguish colors, such as color-coded electrical wires.
• Perform repair work on micro parts.
• Assess the condition of tower mounted equipment from ground level.
• Hear and distinguish various sounds, such as voices of co-workers in noisy environments and sounds of operating equipment.
• Diagnose and correct the most complex systems and equipment problems.
• Assist in establishing procedures.
• Serve as lead-worker, including assigning and monitoring work and assisting with training of technicians and installers.
• Organize and maintain records and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Work irregular hours as needed.
• Work Safely.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

• Receives direction from the Public Works Operations Manager-Control Systems. Supervises, trains, and inspects contractors and technicians as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma, or equivalent, plus the equivalent of two (2) years of college level coursework in Electronics Technology, (Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Technology, Communications or other closely related field, is preferred) and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience installing, adjusting, maintaining and repairing a variety of two-way radios and electronic and microwave communications systems equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that could provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to speak English clearly in order to communicate over the radio daily and in emergency situations. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental rules and regulations; write reports, business correspondence, and procedure, operation and maintenance manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Strong math skills. Ability to calculate formulas, equations and apply concepts of algebra and geometry to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY: Strong analytical skills. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret and apply common sense understanding to carry out a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.