SUPERVISING COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN

Job Specifications

Class Code:	MY7
Analyst:	JD

Date Originated:
Date Revised:	6/81 11/83 9/85 3/87

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under direction, to plan, organize and supervise the installation, maintenance and repair of a County-wide coordinated communications system; to assist in the design and modification of communications systems and equipment; to perform shop and field work; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class is responsible for assuring 24 hour, 7 day-a-week operation of a public safety communications system. The incumbent operates with a high degree of independence, particularly in the event of equipment difficulties during emergency situations. This class schedules, supervises and reviews the work of technical communications personnel, and serves as a technical expert performing shop and fieldwork.

TYPICAL TASKS

Plans, assigns, supervises, coordinates, reviews and evaluates the work of technicians engaged in the assembly, installation, testing, adjustment, maintenance and repair of a variety of radio, electronic and microwave communications system and related security, alarm, public address and intercom equipment; develops and implements preventive maintenance and emergency repair programs; trains subordinate employees, establishes work standards, and evaluates work; designs and modifies communications equipment and coordinates installation and repair; estimates equipment and repair costs; assists in making annual budget estimates; maintains required levels of parts and supplies; maintains records and prepares periodic and special reports; provides technical support to subordinates in complex installation, maintenance and repair situations; performs complex shop and field work to analyze, diagnose, maintain and repair communications systems and equipment; assist in designing and implementing a computerized inventory control system; works on an on-call basis as required to assure 24 hour, 7 day-a-week operations.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of the operation, maintenance, modification, and repair of complex radio and electronic communications systems and equipment;
• Thorough knowledge of tools, equipment, practices and methods of installing, testing, adjusting and repairing communications equipment;
• Some knowledge of microwave communications design and operation;
• Some knowledge of emergency services and communication needs of police and fire agencies.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, assign, supervise, train, review and evaluate the work of a subordinate technical staff;
• Establish work standards, develop preventive maintenance programs, and implement work procedures;
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with others contacted in the course of work;
• Accurately estimate labor and material needs and costs;
• Analyze situations and use sound judgment, particularly in emergency situations;
• Perform skilled shop and field work in the installation, adjustment, maintenance, and repair of communications systems and equipment;
• Assist in the design of communications systems and communications equipment;
• Read and interpret schematics, diagrams and written instructions;
• Identify and distinguish colors;
• Stoop, bend, crawl and climb towers up to 100 feet in height.
• Lift objects weighing up to 75 lbs.;
• Learn to operate a computer terminal to input, access and analyze data.

Training and Experience

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledges and abilities would be:

Two years of journey-level experience installing, adjusting, maintaining, and repairing a variety of two-way radio, electronic and microwave communications systems and equipment

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possess and maintain a valid California class C driver license. 

Possess a valid F.C.C. General Radiotelephone Operator’s License.

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 07

Occupational Grouping: 42

Workers' Comp Code: 1160