Telecommunications Technician - Buildings & Grounds Department (2026-27)

Technician, Telecommunications

Under the direction of assigned supervisor, the Telecommunications Technician is responsible for telephone hardware and cabling infrastructure support, trouble shooting, daily repair and maintenance of the telephone environment, related communications equipment and intercom/bell/clocks/speaker systems. The Telecommunications Technician is responsible for the maintenance and installation of voice wiring. Will provide timely resolution, provide technical guidance to end-users and support general operations.

Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to reflect the principal job elements accurately.

Essential Functions:

• Install, diagnose, program, and repair a variety of analog, digital telephone, IP switches, intercom/bell/clocks/speaker systems and related equipment at schools and other district sites.
• Install, terminate, test and troubleshoot voice cable systems.
• Suggest problem resolution strategies related to cable infrastructure problems.
• Use a variety of test equipment for repairs and computers for diagnosis and programming needs.
• Monitor the telecommunications work of outside contractors to ensure that the projects are satisfactorily completed and within local, state, federal and District codes, regulations and specifications.
• Install and relocate telephone and intercom/bell/clocks/speaker systems and equipment as directed by assigned supervisor.
• Install and repair of voice and intercom/bell/clocks/speaker wiring with full knowledge of Category 5-6 (or standard) copper wire and fiber optic cabling requirements.
• Operate hand and power tools.
• Determine needs and order materials for the maintenance or replacement of equipment or systems.
• Make labor and materials cost estimates.
• Work from blueprints and schematic diagrams.
• Confer with contractors regarding the installation and repair of lines and equipment.
• Maintain records including time, inventory, stock usage, and items repaired or in need of repair.
• Respond to emergency repair needs.
• Provide assistance to end-users by demonstrating the operation of telephones, intercom/bell/clocks/speaker and voice mail services.
• Attend and participate in approved meetings, conferences and seminars to maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field.
• Coordinate and work with personnel from other areas to complete assignments.
• Drive a light truck; transport a variety of tools, equipment and supplies to ensure the availability of materials required at job site.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Training, Education and Experience: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by college-level course work or vocational training in telecommunications equipment repair and three years experience in the installation and repair of telephone switches and voice systems. Training in electronics, intercom/bell/clocks/speaker and communication systems may be substituted for experience. Telephone Company experiences a plus.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Manufacturer's certification is desirable
• Valid California Driver's license with no restrictions which would preclude driving on the job is a continuous requirement
• Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance

Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and District codes, safety codes, regulations, policies and procedures governing work scope
• Telephone company facilities including trunks, ISDN, and T1
• Telecommunication terminology
• Analog and digital station equipment
• Category 5-6 (or current standard) cabling and termination
• Fiber optic cable requirements and termination
• All standards of phone/data transmission wiring, repair and termination
• Proper color coding for wire installation
• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques
• Diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of District students
• Interpersonal skills using, tact, patience and courtesy
• Reading and writing English communications skills
• Computer software, hardware, and related technology

Ability to:

• Install, program, troubleshoot, and repair a variety of telephone switches, and intercom/bell/clocks/speaker and related electronic communications equipment
• Provide technical training and support to District staff in the use of telecommunications equipment, intercom/bell/clocks/speaker and related systems
• Expand telephone networks and related systems
• Operate specialized test equipment and hand and power tools
• Map strategies to solve problems
• Read blueprints, plans and specifications
• Communicate with various customers in the school environment
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Maintain records
• Read, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Stay current with the changes in the telecommunications and cabling field
• Work independently with little direction
• Operate personal computer, related software, and other office equipment

Working Conditions:

Environment: Indoor and outdoor setting; school and central office sites; working around machinery with moving parts; construction areas; exposure to electrical power supply; driving a vehicle to conduct work; fast-paced work; constant interruptions; emergency call-out

Physical Requirements: Strength and energy sufficient to maintain a rigorous work schedule involving driving and/or continuous, heavy physical exertion; hearing and speaking to exchange information; seeing to perform assigned duties; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate tools and equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to make repairs; lifting heavy objects.

Non-Discrimination Policy: The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.