MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 3425

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND Grade 19

CLASS SPECIFICATION

SENIOR TELEPHONE TECHNICIAN

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is advanced, technical work involving the support of County-owned telephone systems and the installation, maintenance, repair, removal, and rearrangement of County-owned telephones, ancillary equipment, cabling, and wiring. Contacts are with telephone system vendors, service representatives and engineers to discuss capital projects and work orders and to troubleshoot problems; and county employees at all levels in order to plan telephone systems, resolve telephone problems and to arrange and complete installation, maintenance, or repair of telephone equipment. An incumbent of this class offers no direct service or assistance to the general public.

An employee in this class is responsible for supporting the implementation of the telephone system Capital Improvement Program (CIP) by planning and overseeing new installations and upgrades to County-owned key telephone systems and related equipment such as voice mail systems. An incumbent also operates a computer terminal in order to change telephone switch databases, and may help install, remove, or maintain cables and other equipment in support of County video systems. An incumbent completes assignments independently, choosing the appropriate procedures, supplies, and tools. The work is evaluated for technical soundness, as evidenced by proper telephone system functioning; the methods used in the work are not reviewed in detail. An employee uses established manufacturer's specifications, FCC and PSC standards and tariffs, and County procedures in performing the work, selecting, applying, adapting and modifying available technical guides as necessary. The complexity of the work is characterized by the analysis of system needs and associated costs, and the diagnosis of telephone system problems and the technical skill employed in making the necessary repairs. An incumbent must also keep informed of rapidly changing technology in telephone systems. The work of this class affects the operation of all County Departments and Agencies and the ability of the public to contact County Government offices to obtain information or service. The work is performed primarily throughout County Government buildings, but occasionally work may be performed outdoors. An incumbent is occasionally exposed to high voltages, and occasionally works at heights, lifts and carries objects 25-50 pounds, or works with tools while crouching or stooping. An employee is required to observe safety precautions to avoid injury.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Directs County-performed activities supporting implementation of the CIP by overseeing new key telephone system installations and upgrades.

Maintains liaison with County agencies which use telecommunications and equipment and services to furnish technical advice and assistance and to provide cost-effective information. Periodically assesses the agencies' voice and data needs.

Tracks work orders for all voice and data adds, moves and changes, and provides recommendations regarding technical and cost considerations.

Installs, removes, and rearranges County-owned telephones and ancillary equipment, including cabling and wiring.

Maintains key telephone equipment by performing preventive maintenance and troubleshooting normal and emergency repair calls.

Changes database for switching systems (the computerized telephone system that makes call connections).

Provides technical oversight to Telecommunications staff and troubleshoots escalated voice and data network problems.

Attends planning meetings for new building construction, renovation or agency relocation projects, obtains information to define telecommunication requirements.

May install or modify (as part of a team) systems which require telephone-line interface or cabling such as radio, data circuits, or video systems.

Infrequently may develop test procedures and construct (with others) test devices for bench repair of electronic equipment or components.

Recommends changes for work schedules, maintenance plans, installation procedures, and equipment modifications to meet user needs and increase efficiency of telephone installation, repair, and maintenance.

Prepares records of installations, repairs, or modifications to the telephone system and maintains records of equipment and materials used.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Three years of full performance level experience in the installation, repair, and maintenance of telephone systems, including some experience in system needs analysis and installation planning.

Education: Completion of an approved certificate program or trade school training of at least one year in length in telephone technician work.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of key telephone equipment and cabling and wiring techniques, including PBX telephone switching equipment, call sequencers, and voice mail systems and other peripheral equipment; and basic knowledge of the IBM cabling system for local area networks.

Knowledge of Local Exchange Carrier and Other Common Carrier service offerings and tariff structures.

Knowledge of testing and measuring electrical and electronic circuits.

Knowledge of the functioning of switchboard consoles and the ability to operate consoles.

Skill in using test equipment and data such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators, telephone test set, decibel meter, and digital and analog readouts and the ability to compare readings with manufacturer's listed specifications in order to properly diagnose problems and adjust equipment.

Skill in the use of a wide variety of hand and power tools; such as wire cutters and strippers, drills, screwdrivers and wrenches, ratchets and sockets, micrometers, and scales.

Ability to read and interpret work orders, technical manuals, and circuit wiring diagrams in order to plan, layout, and complete the installation of telephones and related equipment.

Ability to observe all necessary safety procedures related to work on electronic circuits.

Ability to use a personal computer.

Ability to occasionally work in crouched positions, bend and stoop, carry weights 25-50 pounds, and climb ladders and work at heights.

Ability to occasionally work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

Ability to wear and use protective clothing and equipment when occasional-ly exposed to dust, fumes, or other irritants to eyes, nose, ears and respira-tory system.

Applicant must pass a County administered test of recognition of colors commonly used in communications system wiring.

LICENSE:

Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Individuals appointed or promoted to this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Core Exam, Fainsworth Color Vision Test

Class Established: March, 1992