County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, provides technical support on voice and data communications needs and assists in the planning and updating of Fire Department telecommunications systems; troubleshoots system problems and implements immediate solutions or schedules appropriate provider services; and performs related work as requested.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Fire Department Telecommunications Specialist is a journey level position located in the Fire Department. Incumbents in this classification work under the direction of the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Battalion Chief or Fire Dispatch Manager to provide the Fire Department with technical expertise and advice in voice and data communications systems and equipment, including maintenance, trouble shooting, purchase, and repair of mobile and portable radios, mobile data computers, modems, and various associated fire station and vehicle installations.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Advises Fire Department management regarding system design, equipment specifications and costs, and maintenance and repair needs for Fire Department voice communication and data telecommunications systems.
2. Assists in the design of Fire Department facilities, apparatus and equipment relative to Land Mobile Radios, Apparatus Headset / Intercom systems and other Telecommunication needs.
3. Troubleshoots and maintains electronic equipment such as mobile and portable radios, pagers, cellular and voice phones, scanners, PCs, printers, modems and peripherals as needed.
4. Troubleshoots equipment problems (including radios, telephones, computers and electronic equipment), makes repairs or coordinates the appropriate services to make the repairs.
5. Trains Fire Department personnel regarding capabilities and use of radios, electronic and other telecommunications equipment.
6. Initiates suggestions and recommendations to improve the operability and sustainability of Fire Department communications systems.
7. Recommends among available contractors or service providers for purchase of hardware and software communication system needs.
8. Liaison with other agencies and County departments regarding voice or telecommunication services.
9. Provides technical direction and support to Fire Department management and other staff on specific assignments as needed.
10. Schedules and oversees technical tasks performed by contractors and/or other employees as it relates to voice and data communications needs.
11. Participates in budget preparation and in purchases and receipt of equipment and supplies.
12. Advises and consults with Fire Department management regarding the Fire Department’s Telecommunication systems needs and Fire Department radio frequency coordination needs.
13. Maintains an updated electronic asset management software application for work order tracking and asset inventory control.
14. Attends required meetings and conferences; maintains current knowledge of new technology, equipment requirements and recommendations of regulatory agencies related to telecommunications systems, standards and operations.
15. Prepares reports and correspondence.
16. Drives a Fire Department vehicle to Fire Department work sites to install, service, repair communications equipment or as directed by Fire Department management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:
The equivalent of three years of full-time experience installing, supporting and repairing mobile data equipment (modems, laptop docks, power).

The equivalent of three years of full-time experience implementing, supporting and overall good understanding of 700/800MHz/UHF/VHF conventional and digital trunked radio systems (to include: conventional and trunked subscriber radios, pagers, radio transmitters and receivers or voice and data hard-line and wireless transmissions systems.)

Experience in public safety communications and emergency dispatch systems highly desirable. Experience must be within the last five years.

AND
Education:

Graduation from high school in the United States or possession of an acceptable equivalency certificate, such as the General Educational Development Certificate (State of California).

License:

All candidates must possess a valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Special Requirements:

Candidates must pass a psychological evaluation, a medical examination and a thorough background evaluation before an offer of employment will be made. Any felony conviction will result in disqualification.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Telecommunications principles, technology, planning and equipment used in the design installation, maintenance, and operation of a wide variety of telecommunications, radio, telephone, satellite, microwave, fire station alerting, paging and data network systems.
• Federal, State and local rules and regulations affecting radio and telecommunications systems, standards and operation, including FCC rules applicable to licensing and operation of public safety radio equipment.
• Understanding of modern telephone sets and voice mail, personal computer applications, including spreadsheets, databases and word processing.
• Understanding of current technologies in mobile data environment, Telecommunications Systems i.e. voice mail, VOIP,
• Understanding of personal computer applications, including spreadsheets, databases and word processing.
• Understanding of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and Telecommunications terminology.
• Basic arithmetic calculations.

Ability to:

• Read, analyze, and prepare simple LMR and Telecommunications blueprints.
• Analyze problems and solutions; gather and interpret data and draw conclusion.
• Plan, organize and coordinate work.
• Determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the LMR and Telecommunications networks and equipment remain viable in an emergency situation.
• Design, review and evaluate LMR and Telecommunications systems or engineering proposals for telecommunications projects.
• Analyze systems and equipment malfunctions and implement effective solutions.
• Research and evaluate new LMR and Telecommunications technologies with respect to their utility in a public safety environment.
• Follow safe working practices and procedures.
• Complete written reports, forms, and other required paperwork.
• Use automated equipment including computers, software, and related test meters and equipment to troubleshoot and analyze systems.
• Perform troubleshooting, maintenance and installation of various radio and telecommunication equipment including, but not limited to, mobile radios, modems, on board mobile gateways, mobile data computers, antennas, power supplies, computer cabling, low voltage wiring, electronic relays and associated fire station ringdown system components.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

MH:po 2/11/09
Newspecs: 8213.doc
CSC Date: 3/25/2009
MH:cs Revised 8/17/11
CSC Date: 09/07/11
MAH:cs Revised 2/2/12
CSC Date: 2/8/12

BENEFITS

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.