State of Maryland

A Data Communications Technician Supervisor is the supervisory level of work planning, laying out, installing and maintaining data communications network lines and devices.  Employees in this classification supervise lower-level Data Communications Technicians.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Computer Operations Manager or other designated administrator.  The work is performed in normal office settings and at users' work throughout the State.  The work performed at users' sites involves running cable in basements, through ceilings and floors, exposure to dust, dirt and insulation which may include asbestos and fiberglass, and requires moving computer terminals and printers weighing up to eighty pounds.  Employees at users’ work sites are required to use specialized safety equipment such as hard hats, goggles and masks and follow strict safety procedures.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The Data Communications Technician Supervisor is differentiated from the Data Communications Technician II in that the Data Communications Technician Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for the work of lower-level Data Communications Technicians while the Data Communications Technician II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.

Plans, schedules, supervises and evaluates the work of lower-level Data Communications Technicians;

Trains lower-level Data Communication Technicians;

Develops and implements training programs for data communications staff and users;

Attends meetings with data processing staff and user representatives to discuss data communications needs and services;

Reviews users' proposals for data communications lines and devices and recommends modifications for efficiency, compatibility with existing lines and devices, reliability and cost effectiveness;

Plans data communications networks determining the type and location of lines and devices;

Writes technical specifications for data communications lines and devices such as modems, routers, digital service units, multiplexors, gateways, multi-station access units, controllers, computer terminals, printers, disk drives, tape drives, network cards and emulators and evaluates vendor bids;

Surveys users' sites to determine where and how to install data communications lines and devices and recommends modifications to floor plans and wiring for network installation;

Develops and implements a maintenance program for data communications lines and devices;

Maintains a database of the structure of data communications networks;

Places service calls to vendors and the computer center to report communications problems and coordinate resolutions;

Prepares statistical and narrative reports of network activities;

May oversee the installation of data communications lines and devices;

May develop Help Desk policies and procedures and oversee the operation of the Help Desk;

May supervise Computer User Support Specialists;

May plan and oversee the installation of computer lines and devices;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the functions and capabilities of data communications networks, modems, routers, switches, digital service units, multi-station access units, controllers, gateways, multiplexors, computer terminals, printers, disk drives, tape drives, network cards and emulators;

Knowledge of the structure of data communications networks;

Knowledge of agency policies and procedures relating to the installation and maintenance of data communications lines and devices;

Knowledge of the diagnostic procedures used to restore users' access to the data communication system;

Skill in planning, installing, maintaining and performing trouble-shooting on data communications networks;

Skill in configuring controllers;

Skill in determining the source of line and device malfunctions;

Skill in following directions in device manuals and procedural guidelines;

Skill in using hand tools such as screw drivers, wire cutters, wire strippers and wrenches;

Skill in using data communication diagnostic equipment;

Skill in maintaining records of Help Desk calls, line and device malfunctions and system downtime;

Ability to plan, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of Data Communications Technicians;

Ability to write technical specifications for data communications lines and devices and to evaluate vendors' bids;

Ability to prepare statistical and narrative reports of network activities;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with users, vendors, computer operators, professional programmers and technical support staff.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Three years of experience planning, laying-out, installing and maintaining data communications network lines and devices.

Note: Candidates may substitute additional experience operating computer equipment for maintaining information or installing, repairing or bench assembling electronic equipment or components on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit as indicated by the designation of S (supervisor), M (manager), T (agency head), U (Board or Commission member), W (student), X (excluded by agency), or Z (confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and therefore, all positions in those agencies are excluded form collective bargaining.