Telecommunications Technician

Telecommunications Technician

This recruitment will be used to establish an 18-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson over the life of the list. The application period may close without notice.

Telecommunications Technicians install and maintain various types of electronic communications systems and equipment such as VHF and UHF two-way mobile systems, microwave point-to-point systems, technical investigative equipment, etc. Telecommunications Technicians often travel statewide working irregular hours and under hazardous conditions in the performance of their duties. Performs other duties as assigned. This is a competitive classification.

Must successfully complete the examination process. Written Exam - Weighted 50% Physical Assessment = Pass/Fail Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB) - Weighted 50%

If you have a disability which may require an accommodation, please notify Human Resources in writing prior to the test date.

Essential Functions (Not Intended To Be All Inclusive)

1. Communicates orally and in writing with Department, other agency personnel, and vendors.

2. Installs, repairs, splices, tests, and terminates various forms of telecommunications and electrical wiring and cabling.

3. Installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs various forms of communications equipment.

4. Installs and repairs antennas and wiring on communication towers, vehicles, and buildings requiring climbing and working on tower structures and poles.

5. Installs, maintains, operates and repairs technical investigative equipment to obtain criminal evidence and ensure the equipment is operating properly.

6. Travels to communications sites located in various cities and towns, and remote mountaintop locations located in various locations throughout the state of Arizona and all adjoining states, for the purpose of installing and maintaining communications equipment.

7. Schedules and/or coordinates services.

8. Documents job-related activity.

9. Installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs radio dispatch consoles, audio voter systems, and audio logging recorders at various dispatch facilities, including some remote facilities.

10. Responds to 24-hour/day, 7 day/week emergency call-outs to perform and/or facilitate emergency equipment repairs anywhere in the statewide communications system.

11. Installs, removes, modifies, repairs, and programs various mobile, portable, and hand held pieces of communications equipment and other electronic equipment.

12. Generates hand drawings and computer generated drawings, creating site documentation.

13. Acquires, purchases, and distributes electronic parts, tools, and programming aids to facilitate the installation, modification, repair and maintenance of communications and other electronic equipment.

14. Repairs and maintains various electronic test equipment and various hand tools.

15. Cleans communications equipment and other electronic equipment which has been removed from various locations in preparation of reinstalling the equipment into a new location.

16. Tests and evaluates new telecommunications equipment to ensure that the equipment meets the parameters of state contracts and stated manufacturer's specifications.

17. Develops and conducts training of criminal investigators on the correct use of technical investigative equipment.

18. Analyzes, searches for, and eliminates sources of RF interference.

19. Installs and troubleshoots failures on site controllers, data modems, personal computers, terminals, and printers used in data applications within the D.P.S. organization as well as other governmental agencies supported by D.P.S.

20. Provides technical assistance to other agencies to install undercover video and audio equipment.

21. Fabricates wooden and/or metal racks and/or brackets for use during the installation of communications equipment and other electronic equipment.

22. Modifies and subsequently evaluates telecommunications equipment to incorporate after-market subassemblies and other features necessary to properly interface with and to satisfy end user system requirements.

23. Cleans work areas using brooms, mops, and other cleaning equipment.

24. Maintains and repairs computer equipment and software installations.

25. Catalogs, maintains shop technical service manuals and reference books.

26. Writes alignment procedures, recommended test methods, and general equipment documentation packets for new telecommunications equipment to support proper system level setting and equipment operation.

27. Performs inspections and cleanup at communications sites for safety issues.

28. Maintains and repairs remote site backup AC power systems.

29. Constructs or assembles new telecommunications equipment to support engineering development efforts.

30. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with public utilities to install electronic investigative equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

KNOWLEDGE OF:

1. the principles, applications, and physics of analog and digital electronics, microprocessors, amplifiers, antennas, transmission lines, land mobile RF, microwave, multiplexing, data circuits, and systems.
2. electronic surveillance equipment (e.g., telephone intercept, microwave transmission, telephone systems, voice transmitters, vehicle tracking devices, video camera, night vision systems, etc.).
3. FCC regulations pertaining to land mobile radio systems, licensing, transmission power, radiated power, modulation limits and spurious radiation.
4. federal and state laws governing the use of oral intercept communication equipment

SKILL IN:

1. soldering techniques.
2. working with others to accomplish tasks when required.
3. using electronic test equipment and documentation to diagnose telecommunications equipment problems and effect repairs, or to ensure proper performance of telecommunications equipment.
4. detecting and correcting electronic surveillance system malfunctions and failures.
5. working independently with minimal supervision when required.
6. following detailed oral and written instructions.
7. oral and written communications to exchange information, explain procedures, techniques, and answer questions in a clear logical manner.
8. the use, care and selection of appropriate hand tools.
9. evaluating and identifying the source of the problem within a communications system with a minimum expenditure of time and resources.
10. gathering technical information for trouble calls from non-technical personnel.
11. installing or removing telecommunications and associated support equipment at fixed locations statewide.
12. the repair of telecommunications and associated support equipment to the board, module, or component level.
13. maneuvering and operating vehicles in all weather and hazardous conditions throughout the state.
14. reading and comprehending technical shop manuals, manufacturers specifications, and troubleshooting guides used in the installation and repair of mobile communications equipment.
15. the use of computers and various types of Dial Number Recorder (DNR) software.
16. providing technical training to others.

ABILITY TO:

1. acquire additional skills to maintain technical and professional skills.
2. safely move objects weighing 50 pounds.
3. be flexible in responding to changes in schedules and job priorities.
4. recognize and use industry standard cable color coding.
5. prioritize work loads.
6. evaluate situations and resolve problems.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

Requires two (2) years of paid work experience within the past ten (10) years, performing system level troubleshooting and repair, down to a module or subassembly on two-way or multi-channel radio equipment (FCC Part 90, Part 101, or military equivalent); OR successful completion of the Telecommunications Technician Trainee probationary period. Must possess a valid Arizona driver license on effective starting date.

Additional requirements: Requires technical certification (e.g., FCC General Radiophonic Operator's License or the equivalent, PCIA or APCO Technician Certificate, CET Journeyman Certificate with a Communications endorsement, or equivalent) OR acquisition of the FCC General Class License or the APCO Technician Certificate within six (6) months of date of hire. Failure to acquire either of these two certificates within six (6) months from the date of hire will violate probation status and be grounds for termination.

Working conditions/physical requirements: Will be required to climb communications towers while carrying all necessary equipment and tools and successfully complete work assignment. Progression to the next step requires an overall performance rating of "Standard" in the last 12 months. Must successfully complete the examination process. FLSA Status: Non-exempt.