COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN II 7174

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under administrative supervision, an employee in this class performs the work of a technical evaluator and supervisor of a complex communications system for a County department. The incumbent may supervise a number of communications personnel engaged in the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic communications equipment. The incumbent acts as a technical support liaison to an administrative supervisor. Work is performed with some technical independence and work is reviewed by an administrative supervisor through conferences and written reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Makes technical suggestions with respect to bid proposals, modifications of contracts and implementation of new communications programs;

Advises administrative supervisors on all purchases of electronic equipment;

Operates computerized electronic communications equipment;

Designs and adopts modifications in electronic equipment to enable its use with existing equipment;

Directs the installation, maintenance and repair of all radio equipment in mobile units, communications centers and tower radio equipment;

Oversees the repair of mobile radios by outside contractors;

Supervises a number of technical personnel in the maintenance and repair of two-way communications systems or mobile units, base stations, microwave links, voice operated automatic logging recorder equipment, emergency generators, transistorized portable radios, marine radios, megaphones, various intercom systems and other related electronic and electrical equipment;

Oversees the installation and maintenance of necessary base stations/mobile antennas and monitors, signal alarm systems and other electrical and electro-mechanical equipment;

Acts as a frequency coordinator with the Federal Communications Commission;

Supervises the maintenance and repair of radio systems in all VHF, UHF, 800MH2 and microwave bands;

Maintains and repairs tape recording equipment, simple telephone and time recording systems.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the technical methods and procedures involved in testing and maintaining communications equipment including wire, radio and microwave; thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of electronics; ability to plan and design improved systems of communication; ability to plan and supervise the work of personnel in a manner conducive to high morale and full performance and efficiency of work performed; ability to evaluate bid proposals, service contracts and to prepare efficiency reports; ability to follow oral and written requests; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in written reports; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

(a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Communications or a related field, and one (1) year of experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of two-way radio and microwave communications systems; or,

(b) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with an Associate's Degree in Electronic Communications or a related field, and three (3) years of experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of two-way radio and microwave communication systems; or,

(c) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and five (5) years of experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of two-way radio and microwave communication systems; or,

(d) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a), (b), & (c).

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Communications Technician I.

R11/08/02

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive