CLASS SPECIFICATION
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN
DEFINITION OF CLASS:
This is full performance level technical work involving the installation, testing,
maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, removal, function changes, and rearrangement
of County owned digital and Internet Protocol (IP) telephones, ancillary equipment,
cabling, and wiring. Contacts are with County employees at all levels in order
to resolve telephone, Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and Voicemail system
problems, present and discuss technical telephone system requirements and suggest
modifications with the supervisor, and to arrange and complete installation,
maintenance, and repair of Private Branch Exchange (PBX), telephone equipment
and associated adjuncts. An incumbent in this class does not normally offer
direct service or assistance to the general public.
An employee in this class is responsible for installation, testing, repairing,
removing, relocating, and maintaining cables, wiring, system trunk lines telephone
instruments, and related equipment. An incumbent also utilizes PBX Administration
software to update PBX databases relating to installation, removal, or maintenance
of County equipment, and maintaining inventory and maintenance records. A Telecommunications
Technician plans the work to be performed, completes assignments independently,
and chooses the appropriate procedures, supplies, and tools. The work is evaluated
for technical soundness, as evidenced by proper telecommunications system functionality;
the methods and approaches used in the work are not reviewed in detail. An employee
selects and applies established manufacturer's specifications, Commercial Building
Telecommunications Wiring and Pathway/Spaces Standards, and County procedures
in performing most work, but must also employ ingenuity in modifying and adapting
cable systems to ensure communications service in emergency situations. The
complexity of the work is characterized by the use of problem solving skills
in the diagnosis of PBX and telecommunications problems, and the technical skill
employed in recommending system changes and making necessary repairs. The work
of this class directly affects the ability of all County departments and agencies
to communicate with others, conduct their business and provide service; 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
in offices, mechanical/telecommunications closets, ceilings and walls, and involves
exposure to moderate levels of dust and dirt. Installation, testing and repair
work is occasionally performed outdoors in all kinds of weather. Employees in
this class occasionally work in close proximity to electrical current, and must
wear protective gear when performing work on construction sites. Employees in
this class occasionally provide support outside of normal business hours. Employees
occasionally lift equipment and supplies that weigh between 25 and 50 pounds,
and must maneuver back-up battery cells weighing approximately 150 pounds (lifting
should be accomplished by two employees). Performance of the work of the class
requires the climbing of ladders, and occasionally crawling and working in confined
spaces.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)
Installs, moves, tests, adjusts, repairs, maintains, troubleshoots, removes
and rearranges County owned digital and IP telephones, voicemail and ancillary
equipment including cabling and wiring.
Updates system configuration for changes, additions and deletions.
Checks/updates equipment firmware.
Adds/removes PBX systems and circuit cards.
Installs, maintains, and repairs complex voice systems and components including
PBX, IVR and voicemail systems.
Diagnoses complex system failures, identifies alternative solutions, and implements
the appropriate corrective action(s).
Performs facility site surveys.
Troubleshoots and performs problem diagnosis for station cabling.
Repairs station cabling and jacks.
Troubleshoots issues related to lines/trunks.
Assists in identification and resolution of CLEC/ILEC line/circuit problems.
Coordinates and acts as focal point for problem resolution for service providers.
Documents preventive maintenance routines.
Maintains records of installations, repairs and modifications to the PBX platform.
Provides technical input to supervisor in the technical planning of installations.
Discuss telephone system and equipment location requirements with employees
of County agencies and contract installers, advises alternative approaches,
and ensures installations by contractors complies with standards and meets contract
specifications.
Prepares equipment orders for various telephone system and ancillary equipment.
Sends equipment for repair that cannot be repaired in-house.
Maintains equipment inventory and records of work performed by contractors.
Recommends changes for work schedules, maintenance plans, installation procedures,
and equipment modifications to meet user needs and increase efficiency of telephone
system, equipment installation, repair and maintenance.
Ensures regularly scheduled backups and tape/disk rotations are completed.
Develops and maintains positive customer relations by ensuring that customer
requests are handled in an efficient, effective and timely manner.
Attends training and meetings as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Three years of experience as a field technician in the installation,
testing, repair, and maintenance of voice and data cabling systems and equipment.
Education: Completion of an accredited two year undergraduate, certificate
or trade school program, which provided training in the installation of telecommunications
system infrastructure, digital circuitry, and signaling modulation techniques.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may
be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of telephone equipment and infrastructure cabling, including
telephone switching equipment, call sequencers, and voice mail systems.
Considerable knowledge of testing and measuring electrical and electronic circuits.
Skill in troubleshooting and analyzing telephone system problems, determining
solutions, and making repairs.
Skill in employing test equipment including oscilloscopes, multi-meters, and
signal generators; comprehending 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 comprehend work orders, technical manuals, circuit wiring
diagrams, floor plans and sketches 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 operate a computer terminal to input changes to telephone switch
databases, and ability to utilize computer applications to track repairs and
work orders, provide reports for management and develop documentation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers,
user agency and contract staff.
Ability to work in confined workspaces, frequently bend or stoop, carry tools
and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, occasionally maneuver back-up battery
cells weighing up to 150 pounds, and climb ladders.
Ability to occasionally work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
Ability to pass a County administered test of recognition of colors commonly
used in wiring in the communications industry.
Ability to perform work, respond to problems, and attend meetings at sites other
than a normal office setting.
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 and Farnsworth color vision test
Class Established: August, 1988
Revised: March, 1992
June 1995 (M)
April 2002 (M)
October 2012
Formerly titled: Telephone Technician