COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN III 7175

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class writes technical specifications and designs, evaluates and supervises complex communication systems for County departments. The incumbent supervises a staff of communications personnel who install, maintain and repair electronic communications equipment. This position differs from that of Communications Technician II in that the duties are administrative in nature and include meeting with consultants, the formulation and modification of bid proposals and contracts and the implementation and interfacing of new communications programs. The incumbent exercises considerable initiative and technical independence in the performance of duties and work is reviewed by administrative supervisors through conferences and written reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Designs and implements complex communications systems for County departments;

Coordinates and interfaces existing programs and new emergency communications systems;

Formulates bid proposals and the modification of contracts for the installation of communications systems;

Approves schedules and appoints responsibility for installation, maintenance and repair of radio equipment in mobile units, base stations, monitors, communications centers and remote sites;

Supervises technical personnel in the design and specification writing for two-way communication systems;

Acts as frequency coordinator with the Federal Communications Commission;

Oversees designs, adaptations or modifications in electronic equipment to enable its use with existing equipment;

May operate computerized electronic equipment;

Advises administrative supervisors on purchases of electronic equipment.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the methods and procedures involved in designing and implementing complex two-way communications systems; comprehensive knowledge of the technical methods and procedures involved in testing and maintaining communications equipment including wire, radio and microwave systems; 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 three (3) years 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 five (5) years of experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of two-way radio and microwave communications systems; or,

(c) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and seven (7) years of experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of two-way radio and microwave communications systems; or,

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

PROMOTIONAL

One (1) year of permanent competitive status as a Communications Technician II.

R11/08/02

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive