COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Transcription

1 Northwest Fire District Position Description COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Reports to: Dispatch Captain FLSA: Non-Exempt Division: EMS/Training/Communication Status: Full-Time Location: Supervises: Communications in EMS None Grade(s): Pay Range: 88 Min $49,450 Max $70,150 Reviewed: Norman K. Bradley III, Fire Chief Revised: 10/2018 The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This description is subject to modification as the needs and requirements of the position change and does not represent in any way a contract of employment. POSITION SUMMARY This position exists to perform, under general direction, the installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of two-way radios, microwave systems, telephone systems, computer network related and other electronic communication, monitoring, and accessory equipment. The Communications Specialist completes required projects and repairs in accordance with diagrams and manufacturer's specifications. This position requires the use of hand tools and electrical measuring instruments. This position may require flexibility to work outside of the normal work schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS o Schedule and set priorities for the servicing, maintenance and repair of communications equipment. o Install, monitor, maintain, repair, and document the District's electronic communications systems including network infrastructure and component parts such as hubs, shelves, cards, and multiplexers, service packs, hot fixes, updates and alarm resets and restorations, fiber optic cabling, and copper wire. o Assemble, install, maintain, adjust, and evaluate fixed, mobile and portable VHF, UHF and microwave radio communication transmitters and receivers such as radio pagers, radar speed meters, digital and logic circuitry, microprocessor-controlled devices, automatic receiver selectors, and remote-control consoles. o Test communications equipment (e.g., components and subassemblies) to ensure proper functioning, using such test equipment as combination meters, frequency/deviation monitors and counters, oscilloscopes, signal generators and RF watt-meters. o Read work orders, blueprints, plans, datasheets or site drawings to determine work to be done. o Prepare preliminary drafts of schematic and interconnection diagrams. Page 1 of 5

2 o Generate requisition of materials, estimate costs, maintain records and prepare reports. o Complete reports related to project status, progress, or other work details using computer software. o Interface and coordinate with PCWIN for maintenance and programming. o Make field trips to locate and clear radio interference, network alarms and resets. o Make and record measurements required by FCC rules and regulations. o Research and prepare specification and scope documents for installations and/or competitive bid documents. o Climb towers to access components, using safety equipment such as full-body harnesses. o Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment. o Install or repair tower lighting components. o Install all necessary transmission equipment components, including antennas or antenna mounts, surge arrestors, transmission lines, connectors, or tower-mounted amplifiers (TMAs). o Inspect completed work to ensure all hardware is tight, antennas are level, hangers are properly fastened, proper support is in place, and/or adequate weather proofing has been installed. o Test operation of tower transmission components using sweep testing tools or software. o Oversee the assembling of and/or lifting of tower or equipment into position, using cranes and rigging tools or equipment such as gin poles. o Run appropriate power, ground or coaxial cables. o Install, connect, or test underground or aboveground grounding systems. o Transport equipment to work sites, using utility trucks and equipment trailers. o Take site survey photos or photos of work performed. Knowledge of: o Federal Communications Commission regulations. o Means and methods used in the maintenance and programming of communications and related electrical equipment. o Color codes used in telephone and electrical work. o Solid-state circuitry and digital electronic circuitry devices. o Technical electronic, microwave and radio theory. o Applicable safety rules, practices and procedures. o Communication trends and new equipment. o Communications installation, repair, maintenance, and service techniques and procedures. Skills in: o Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools. o Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. o Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. o Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it. o Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. o Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Page 2 of 5

3 o Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. o Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. o Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. o Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. o Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. o Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others. Ability to: o Provide information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, , or in person. o Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language with customers, clients, employees and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings, in group settings, or using a telephone. o Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar. o Understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language. o Comprehend and make inferences from written materials in the English language. o Operate a personal computer and related software and demonstrate proficiency to prepare work orders, documents, spreadsheets, and recording of time, and to assist other staff with related questions and problems. o Climb tower heights of up to approximately 100 ft, perform maintenance or repairs, which could last hours, and return safely to the ground. o Encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. o Develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintain them over time. MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING An Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in electronics, computer sciences is required, and two (2) years of experience in troubleshooting and repairing complex electronic, communication, and computer networking equipment at the component level is required, and a Valid Arizona Driver s License with acceptable driving record is required. OR An Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in electronics, computer sciences is required, and technical training through technical vocational schools, academies, or organized training programs with emphasis on two-way radios and microwave is required, and a Valid Arizona Driver s License with acceptable driving record is required. OR An Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in a closely related field is required, and three (3) years of experience in troubleshooting and repairing complex electronic, communication, and computer networking equipment at the component level with a public safety Page 3 of 5

4 radio system is required, and a Valid Arizona Driver s License with acceptable driving record is required. Certifications UPON HIRE: If the selected candidate does not possess the below certifications, they must be attained within the first 90 days of employment. o Competent Climber o Competent Rescuer o RF Awareness o CPR o First Aid NOTE: It is a requirement of this position that the above certifications are maintained annually, with District sponsorship. The following certifications, if not already held, from an accredited institution, may be required after employment: General Communications Technician, Microwave Radio Technician, Mobile Communications and Electronics Installer. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS (see Definitions for underlined word[s]) Driving Position: This position requires possession of a valid driver s license with an acceptable driving record for the pre-employment background check process. Based on Arizona State Law (reference link below) requirements, upon the date of hire and throughout the period of employment, the employee must present and possess a valid Arizona Driver s License and maintain an acceptable driving record. Definitions 1. Acceptable Driving Record: means that the driving record of the employee and volunteer has 3 points or less for the previous 12 months, or 16 points or less for the previous 36 months (as defined by the Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division [MVD] (reference link below) Driving Position: means a job which requires operating a vehicle on District Business or operating a District vehicle as part of its range of duties, which may be primary or secondary within the range of duties. 3. Valid: means that an individual s current driver s license is not expired, refused, cancelled, revoked, suspended, or restricted. 4. Driving Level: Primary Page 4 of 5

5 Driving Levels for driving District vehicles or personal vehicle: a. Primary level is where the employee or volunteer drives either daily or weekly. b. Secondary level is where the employee or volunteer drives monthly or less frequently. Driver s License Type: Operator License (Class D) (reference link below). An operator license allows you to drive any vehicle that does not require a motorcycle or commercial driver license. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for an operator license. Commercial Driver s License (CDL) Endorsements: None Automobile Insurance Requirement (Refer to District Policy 5.4 Driver s License) Employees who drive their personal vehicles for District business are required to have and maintain their current automobile insurance upon the date of hire and on an on-going basis. Safety Sensitive Position: Yes (Refer to District Policy 5.2 Drug and Alcohol Testing) Safety Sensitive Position means any job designated by an employer as a Safety-Sensitive Position or any job that includes tasks or duties that the employer in good faith believes could affect the safety or health of the employee performing the task or others, including any of the following: (A) Operating a motor vehicle, other vehicle, equipment machinery or power tools. (B) Repairing, maintaining or monitoring the performance or operation of any equipment, machinery or manufacturing process, the malfunction or disruption of which could result in injury or property damage. (C) Performing duties in the residential or commercial premises of a customer, supplier, or vendor. (D) Preparing or handling food or medicine. (E) Working in any occupation regulated pursuant to A.R.S. Title 32, Professions and Occupations. (A.R.S ) Pre-employment Drug Testing Required: Yes Page 5 of 5