COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Job Specifications

Class Code:	UP4
Analyst:	MM, JS

Date Originated:	11/07
Date Revised:	7/18

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Information Services, the Communications Manager plans, organizes, and manages the daily activities of the Networking and Radio Group in the Information Services Department. Responsibilities of the position include planning, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of data voice and radio/microwave network, as well as the administration of the physical data network infrastructure in the County; and performs other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class is responsible for managing the activities of the Networking and Radio Group. The incumbent supervises the day-to-day work through subordinate staff. This classification is distinguished from other information systems managers by the specialization in radio, networking, voice and data communications. This classification is also distinguished by the necessity to provide communication services to all County departments and other government agencies.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Establish and achieve goals, objectives, and plans for carrying out division functions consistent with overall departmental goals;
• Works to coordinate services, resolve problems and develop procedures by analyzing work activities and programs;
• Directs and participates in the formulation and preparation of the budget; manages the budget;
• Represents county and department in working with other departments, agencies, and outside agencies and entities;
• Develops programs, contracts, grants, policies and memoranda of understanding;
• Plans, assigns, manages, coordinates, determines priorities, reviews and evaluates the work of subordinates engaged in the service, assembly, installation, testing, adjustment, maintenance and repair of a variety of radio, network and related systems, voice and data-networks and related security;
• Monitors and assures all repairs, programs and equipment are current with rules and regulations promulgated by Federal, State, and County laws and ordinances;
• Confers with departments and contract agencies on equipment needs and assignments;
• Establishes and oversees preventive maintenance, emergency repair and safety programs;
• Assist in procurement of outside vendors;
• Develop bid specifications for new communications equipment and system purchases, which include cost effective warranties;
• Recommends retention, reassignment or disposal of equipment;
• Receives and investigates communications interference reports and complaints; implements immediate corrective actions;
• Oversees and monitors equipment licensing program;
• Develops, maintains, analyzes and monitors a variety of reports and records on systems and equipment history, operation, performance, maintenance and assignment and makes appropriate program recommendations based on that analysis;
• Assists in the development of rates and responsible for billings to departments and contract agencies;
• Maintains inspection records;
• Designs and modifies communications equipment and coordinates installation and repair;
• Estimates equipment and repair costs;
• Maintains inventory controls; procures and maintains required levels of parts and supplies;
• Inspects new equipment to ensure operational correctness;
• Performs complex analysis to diagnose, maintain and repair communications systems and equipment;
• Assures accuracy and completeness of the computerized inventory control system;
• Works on an on-call basis as required to assure 24 hours, 7 day-a-week operation;
• In conjunction with the Information Services Assistant Director plans, designs, budgets and coordinates the Countyls communication system including complex technical equipment and various electronic networks;
• Ensures that telecommunications services and equipment is operating in conformance with the Departmentls standards and policies;
• Monitors reports of degraded service and takes steps to restore the affected systems;
• Assists county departments and other agencies in developing medium and long-range telecommunications and data network plans;
• Monitors and takes appropriate action as necessary to ensure that the communication systems are running in conformance with County department needs and vendor operating standards;
• Administers and coordinates requests for communications services, vendor contracts, cost versus benefit analysis and new construction;
• Meets with architects, engineers and other specialists to coordinate communication projects and resolve problems as they arise;
• Performs special assignments or duties as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Principles of technology, planning, and equipment used in radio, microwave, data and voice system design and implementation;
• Analog and digital multiplexing techniques used in wire or cable;
• Radio frequency spectrum allocations;
• Equipment and materials currently available for new and revised communications;
• Federal, State and local regulations governing telecommunications;
• Safe work practices;
• Data equipment capabilities and limitations;
• Current data transmission capabilities for telephone, data networks, wireless and microwave systems;
• Principles and practices of supervision and management;
• Cost and benefit analysis practices;
• Current and developing data communications architectures;
• Basic software such as Microsoft and Networking operating systems and related software for use in diagnostics and the configuration of communication infrastructure;
• Designing communication infrastructures;
• Operation, maintenance, modification, and repair of complex network radio and electronic communications systems and equipment;
• Tools, equipment, practices and methods of installing, testing, adjusting and repairing communications equipment;
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions in the use and maintenance of communications equipment, repair equipment and tools; principles and practices used in preventive maintenance program.

Working knowledge of:

• Radio and voice/data communication design and operation;
• Principles, methods and practice pertaining to the operation of a technical communications maintenance and repair shop;
• Principles of supervision and training;
• Record keeping methods and procedures;
• Budgetary practices and procedures;
• Emergency services and communication needs of law enforcement, fire and other public safety agencies;
• Principles of project management.

Ability to:

• Develop long and short-range communications planning;
• Determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the communications systems remains viable in an emergency;
• Review and evaluate communications systems or engineer proposals for communications projects;
• Analyze systems and equipment malfunctions and implement effective solutions;
• Assess the best methods of providing services to meet the clientls needs;
• Collect and analyze complex fiscal and technical data associated with communications proposals and networking systems;
• Work cooperatively with clients, vendors, and coworkers and effectively interact with all levels of the organization and the public;
• Use automated equipment including computers, applicable software programs, and related test equipment;
• Interpret customer/user requirements and use engineering techniques to design network and transmission systems;
• Interpret data on system usage and develop engineering specifications to support changing service levels;
• Plan, organize, schedule, assign, and supervise the maintenance, repair and acquisition for a large number and variety of technical communications equipment and systems;
• Analyze situations and use sound judgment, particularly in emergency situations;
• Plan, assign and evaluate the work of a subordinate technical staff; recruit, hire and train staff;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Perform journey level technical communications in the installation, adjustment, maintenance and repair of systems/equipment;
• Establish and maintain cost, quantity and quality control systems related to technical communications operations including safety operating procedures and hazardous materials handling procedures;
• Accurately determine equipment, materials and labor needs and prepares costs estimates;
• Read, understand and follow Department and County procedures and policies, government regulations and written directives with respect to purchasing procedures, administrative practices, factory warranties, letters, bulletins, memoranda and technical communications manuals and other business practices;
• Write clear and concise specifications and reports.

Education and Experience

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

• Graduation from high school or its equivalent. Four years of journey level experience installing, adjusting, maintaining, and repairing a variety of two-way radio, electronic, and microwave communications systems and equipment. Two years of supervisory experience, including at least one year in a Networking or Radio infrastructure environment.
• License Required: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License.
• License Desired: Federal Communications Commission (GROL), Data Networking Certification (CCNE or comparable) or a National Association of Business and Education Radio Certificate.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles by the time of appointment.
• Physically and mentally capable of performing the position's essential functions as summarized in the typical tasks of this specification.
• Pass background security check.
• Identify and distinguish colors.
• Exposure to loud noises.
• Subjected to extended work hours in event of emergency.

Bargaining Unit: 11
EEOC Job Category: 02
Occupational Grouping: 84
Workers Comp Code: 0053