Telecommunications Systems Technician Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

SALARY INFORMATION

Description

In this series, classifications serve all of California’s public safety agencies to ensure critical statewide public safety voice and data communications network systems remains operational at all times. Technicians apply knowledge of electronics theory, Radio Frequency (RF) theory, digital networking principles and use appropriate tools and test equipment in accordance with organizational policy, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules, State and Federal rules, government codes, and industry standards to perform a variety of equipment maintenance and repair duties. Typical systems and equipment include, but are not limited to: analog and digital microwave radios; analog and digital multiplex equipment; fiber optic; local/wide area public safety communication networks; P25 equipment in analog and digital modes; low-band, very high frequency (VHF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), 700, 800 megahertz (MHz) base station/repeater 2-way radios, mobiles, portables, trunking radio systems, simulcast, consoles, server based logging recorders, antenna combining systems, console communication center computer systems and networks, desktop work stations, routers, switches, firewalls and servers, network core servers, telephone switches private branch exchange (PBX), trunking, voice over internet protocol (VoIP)/radio over internet protocol (RoIP); and vehicle and fixed emergency warning equipment.

Incumbents diagnose, troubleshoot and respond to emergency system and equipment failures at both the system and component levels; install and maintain the statewide public safety communications network systems, including analog, digital and microwave; install and repair antennas and wiring on communication towers, vehicles, and buildings; tear down, install, retrofit, rebuild and maintain emergency response and law enforcement communication devices and surveillance equipment in public safety buildings, facilities, and vehicles; program communication devices including, but not limited to, portables, mobiles, fixed equipment and networked core servers and dispatch console systems; calibrate and test a variety of public safety communications equipment; install, repair and maintain mobile communication systems; interpret technical diagrams and instructions; test and confirm proper operations in applying public safety communications systems design and engineering concepts during the technical build out and installation phase; analyze the cause and eliminate or minimize sources of radio frequency interference; and monitor and maintain site DC and backup AC power systems. Incumbents may assess and implement organizationally approved information security for all Public Safety Communications (PSC) network systems, including but not limited to install, test and maintain appropriate security software upgrades, updates, patches for servers, pc workstations, desktop imaging, applicable devices and firewalls within the State’s Public Safety Radio Communications networks; and monitor for security threats and intrusions related to public safety communications systems within the State’s Public Safety Radio Communications networks.

Technicians also use knowledge of computer networking principles and operating systems software to diagnose, configure, program, import/export data files and repair computer-based communications network systems for the State’s Public Safety Radio Communications networks.  Technicians also assess and implement organizationally approved security policies, procedures and compliance standards within the State’s Public Safety Radio Communications networks; implement techniques to monitor and troubleshoot Ethernet and internet protocol (IP) multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) backhaul network; assemble various configurations of networks to assist with connectivity and communications needs; test digital transmission formats, protocols, and VoIP and RoIP to meet communication needs and to be in compliance with public safety communications policies and industry standards; and remain current with, including the ability to apply, advancements of industry standards and technologies connected to or used for public safety communications systems.

Telecommunications Systems Technician I

This is the trainee and first working level class in the Telecommunications Systems Technician series. Under close supervision, incumbents will learn to install, troubleshoot and repair a wide variety of public safety communication network systems and equipment using appropriate tools and test equipment. At this level, incumbents carry out tasks that do not require possession of an industry accepted certificate or license to perform installation, operation, maintenance, programming, importing/exporting data files for the PSC and repair duties. Incumbents are expected to exercise initiative to seek both formal and on-the-job training experiences to prepare for the journey level.

Telecommunications Systems Technician II

This is the full journey level.  Under general supervision, incumbents will assemble, install, modify, configure, create, program, diagnose, repair and maintain a wide variety of public safety agency communication network systems and equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and engineering instructions. Incumbents analyze electronic problems and make repairs at both the system and component levels relating to microwave and land mobile radio (LMR). Incumbents are required to have a valid industry accepted FCC certificate or license (as listed in the Minimum Qualifications section) to interpret and apply the provisions of the laws, rules, and regulations of the FCC relating to LMR and microwave communications. Incumbents use precision instruments to detect, eliminate, and prevent sources of radio frequency interference on all public safety communications network systems; and manage, configure, create, program, import/export data files for the PSC, service servers, hosts, desktop work stations, VoIP, RoIP, Telephone switches, PBX servers, routers and networking systems used by clients to support public safety communication systems and equipment.  Incumbents manage MPLS, virtual private wire service (VPWS) services given an existing infrastructure network including modifying, deleting, disabling, re-enabling, and creating these services to support public safety communications networks.

 
Technicians at the journey level may be required to assist and train/instruct others while performing daily public safety telecommunications technical functions.

Telecommunications Systems Technician III

This is the technical specialist and responsibilities may include lead-person duties.  Under direction, incumbents are required to have a valid industry accepted FCC certificate or license (as listed in the Minimum Qualifications section) to interpret and apply the provisions of the laws, rules, and regulations of the FCC relating to LMR and microwave communications. Incumbents perform the full-range of technician responsibilities required to ensure continued operation of all public safety communication network/systems and equipment, which requires comprehensive knowledge of all public safety communication network/systems, including the most critical and complex. Incumbents demonstrate a good understanding of MPLS and the establishment of labeled switched paths (LSPs) using either labeled distribution protocol (LDP) or resource reservation protocol with traffic engineering (RSVP-TE); and troubleshoot internet enhanced services (IES), (VPWS), virtual private LAN services (VPLS) and virtual private routed network services (VPRN). In a lead capacity, incumbents will plan, organize, oversee and coordinate the work activities of other technicians within an assigned geographic shop or microwave area to ensure the quality, quantity and timeliness standards are met; assist to obtain the resources required to facilitate proper completion of work and foster communications with individuals, organizations and other public safety agencies served.

Technicians at this level are required to assist and train/instruct others while performing daily telecommunications technical functions.

Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor I

This is the first supervisory level. Under direction, incumbents either (1) supervise an office staff and all levels of telecommunications systems technicians within an assigned geographic area, which may include several shop areas and are responsible for the telecommunications networks served by these technicians, or (2) supervise telecommunications systems technicians to maintain and coordinate statewide public safety telecommunications network systems and projects; exercise functional supervision and coordination of field activities and assist telecommunications engineers in the overall operation of a statewide public safety communications network system.

Incumbents communicate and coordinate activities with client agencies; oversee and approve client billing; manage operational support functions including maintenance areas, parts inventories, vehicles, and tests equipment as part of field operations; and may develop and coordinate statewide technical training.

Incumbents provide technical and tactical direction to staff; plan and organize subordinate staff workloads, assignments and schedules while adjusting to meet changing priorities, resources, and workload; confer with telecommunications engineering staff to coordinate work activities; provide technical assistance on complex technical issues and projects; encourage open communication and input from staff through a variety of methods; and provide feedback to employees on their performance and; when necessary, manage staff performance issues by planning and implementing measures to improve performance.

Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor II

This is the second supervisory level and the first administrative level.  Under general direction, incumbents provide direction and oversight to the Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor I, relative to the installation, repairing, programming, importing/exporting data files and maintaining public safety communications network systems and equipment for all public safety agencies.

 
Incumbents work closely with client agencies to ensure service levels are being met and emergency responses to equipment failures are quickly resolved. Incumbents identify future staffing needs based on proposed or expected changes to policies, procedures, technologies, or budget; review and resolve sensitive staff performance issues; review technical documentation and drawings; review reports and recommend steps to resolve safety issues; develop budgets and assess the effectiveness of current department programs, policies, or procedures to identify changes necessary to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of the statewide public safety communications program.

Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor III

Under the administrative direction of the executive team, incumbents have administrative and management responsibility for the statewide public safety telecommunications programs.

Incumbents communicate regularly with executive staff to identify operational issues and interfaces with client agencies at a policy level to ensure current and future public safety communication needs are met; assess the scope of incoming work to plan assignments; track projects and intervenes at an early stage to ensure all project milestones and timelines are met; prepare the program budget and administers division resources; monitor and interpret changes in laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that may affect operational needs and requirements; develop policy for the acquisition and use of technician tools and equipment; and participate in strategic planning efforts, including workforce succession planning, that affect the future direction.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels

License: Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination but must possess the license prior to appointment.

Telecommunications Systems Technician I

Education: Completion of 17 semester units or 25.5 quarter units in an electronics technology curriculum at the community college level or equivalent, or a course of study within a related military occupational specialty; and

Experience: One year of experience in the field of electronics technology. Work experience, including military experience, in the field of electronics technology may be substituted for the required education on the basis of one year of experience being equivalent to 17 semester units or 25.5 quarter units in an electronics technology curriculum.

Telecommunications Systems Technician II

Education: Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college in electronics and telecommunications technology, or a course of study within a related military occupational specialty.  (Additional experience, including military experience, in the field of electronics and telecommunications technology may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.); and

Certification: Possession of at least one valid industry-accepted certificate or license from the list below that meets the qualifications to perform transmitter installation, operation, maintenance, and repair duties:

1. FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
2. FCC 1st Class or 2nd Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate (May also be referred to as the Radiotelegraph Operator (T) License)
3. APCO Two-Way Radio Technician Certificate
4. NARTE Technician Certificate
5. NABER License

Applicants may be admitted to the examination without possessing the required license or certificate, but must possess the required license or certificate prior to appointment; and

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a classification with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Telecommunications Systems Technician I; or

II

Two years of telecommunications experience performing duties to maintain, repair, modify, test, program, import/export data files and install electronic telecommunications equipment. The required experience must have been with VHF, UHF, 700, 800 MHz and/or microwave; and had experience with managing, configuring, programming and servicing MPLS, servers, hosts, routers, desktop work stations, VoIP, RoIP, PBX switches and networking systems in public safety communications equipment.

Telecommunications Systems Technician III

Education: Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college in electronics and telecommunications technology, or a course of study within a related military occupational specialty. (Additional experience, including military experience, in the field of electronics and telecommunications technology may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.); and

Certification: Possession of at least one valid industry-accepted certificate or license from the list below that meets the qualifications to perform transmitter installation, operation, maintenance, and repair duties:

1. FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
2. FCC 1st Class or 2nd Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate (May also be referred to as the Radiotelegraph Operator (T) License)
3. APCO Two-Way Radio Technician Certificate
4. NARTE Technician Certificate
5. NABER License

Applicants may be admitted to the examination without possessing the required license or certificate, but must possess the required license or certificate prior to appointment; and

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a classification with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Telecommunications Systems Technician II; or

II

Three years of telecommunications experience within the last five years performing duties to maintain, repair, modify, test, program, import/export data files, and install electronic telecommunications equipment.  The required experience must have been with VHF, UHF, 700, 800 MHz and/or microwave; and had responsibility to manage, configure, program and service MPLS, servers, hosts, routers, desktop stations, VoIP, RoIP, PBX switches and networking systems in public safety communications equipment.

Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor I

Education: Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college in electronics and telecommunications technology, or a course of study within a related military occupational specialty. (Additional experience, including military experience, in the field of electronics and telecommunications technology may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.); and

Certification: Possession of at least one valid industry-accepted certificate or license from the list below that meets the qualifications to perform transmitter installation, operation, maintenance, and repair duties:

1. FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
2. FCC 1st Class or 2nd Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate (May also be referred to as the Radiotelegraph Operator (T) License)
3. APCO Two-Way Radio Technician Certificate
4. NARTE Technician Certificate
5. NABER License

Applicants may be admitted to the examination without possessing the required license or certificate, but must possess the required license or certificate prior to appointment; and

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a classification with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Telecommunications Systems Technician III; or

II

Three years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a classification with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Telecommunications Systems Technician II; or

III

Five years of telecommunications experience within the last ten years performing duties to modify, test, program, import/export data files, and install electronic telecommunications equipment. Three years of the required experience must have been with VHF, UHF, 700, 800 MHz and microwave; and had responsibility to manage, configure program, and service MPLS, servers, hosts, routers, desktop stations, VoIP, RoIP, PBX switches and networking systems in public safety communications equipment.

Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor II

Education: Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college in electronics and telecommunications technology, or a course of study within a related military occupational specialty. (Additional experience, including military experience, in the field of electronics and telecommunications technology may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.); and

Certification: Possession of at least one valid industry-accepted certificate or license from the list below that meets the qualifications to perform transmitter installation, operation, maintenance, and repair duties:

1. FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
2. FCC 1st Class or 2nd Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate (May also be referred to as the Radiotelegraph Operator (T) License)
3. APCO Two-Way Radio Technician Certificate
4. NARTE Technician Certificate
5. NABER License

Applicants may be admitted to the examination without possessing the required license or certificate, but must possess the required license or certificate prior to appointment; and

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a classification with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor I; or

II

Six years of broad and extensive experience within the last ten years in the field of telecommunications repair and maintenance.  The required experience must have included supervisory and administrative responsibilities over a group of technicians involved with VHF, UHF, 700, 800 MHz and microwave telecommunications equipment repair, install, modify, program, import/export data files, maintain, test, manage, configure, and program; and had responsibility to service servers, routers, MPLS, hosts, desktop stations, VoIP, RoIP, PBX switches, and network systems in public safety communications equipment.

Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor III

Education: Equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college in electronics and telecommunications technology, or a course of study within a related military occupational specialty. (Additional experience, including military experience, in the field of electronics and telecommunications technology may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.); and

Certification: Possession of at least one valid industry-accepted certificate or license from the list below that meets the qualifications to perform transmitter installation, operation, maintenance, and repair duties:

1. FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
2. FCC 1st Class or 2nd Class Radiotelegraph Operator’s Certificate (May also be referred to as the Radiotelegraph Operator (T) License)
3. APCO Two-Way Radio Technician Certificate
4. NARTE Technician Certificate
5. NABER License

Applicants may be admitted to the examination without possessing the required license or certificate, but must possess the required license or certificate prior to appointment; and

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a classification with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor II; or

II

Three years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a classification with a level of responsibility equivalent to a Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor I; or

III

Eight years of broad and extensive experience within the last ten years in the field of telecommunications repair and maintenance.  Five years of which must include management and administrative responsibilities over a group of technicians involved with VHF, UHF, 700, 800 MHz and microwave telecommunications equipment to repair, install, modify, program, import/export data files, maintenance, and test, manage, configure, and program; and had responsibility to service servers, routers, MPLS, hosts, desktop stations, VoIP, RoIP, PBX switches, and network systems in public safety communications equipment.

Knowledge and Abilities

All Levels

Ability to frequently lift and carry items of equipment weighing up to fifty pounds. Assist others in lifting and carrying objects weighing more than fifty pounds.

Ability to: Climb and perform work on antenna structures and towers, after proper training, for the purpose of installation, repair and maintenance of VHF, UHF, 700, 800 MHz and microwave antenna systems and related equipment; work in varied and, at times, adverse weather conditions; after proper training, traverse in snow cats at higher altitudes; fly in helicopters, and work on uneven surfaces to access remote telecommunications sites. (Training and certification will be provided by Public Safety Communications.)

Telecommunications Systems Technician I

Knowledge of: Basic electrical and electronic principles relating to circuits, resistance, voltage, amperage; the wiring (including color coding), cabling, and connectors used to successfully interconnect various pieces of electronic equipment; safety procedures to reduce risk of injury applicable to working with electrical energy, and hand and power tools; basic math utilizing both whole numbers and decimals; basic algebra and electronic formulas; proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to ensure accuracy of documents; computer operating software to meet work requirements; and knowledge of safety regulations and procedures of public safety communications tools, vehicles, and equipment.

Ability to: Utilize tools related to electricity to effectively measure and safely maintain electrical equipment; and safely use and operate electrical power and hand tools. Read and comprehend technical manuals, schematics, drawings, manufacturer specifications, troubleshooting guides used in installation, configuration and programming of communications equipment; understand mechanical relationships to use mechanical tools and equipment; use algebra and electronic formulas to prepare summaries, and to perform electronic calculations. Install public safety communications equipment; safely operate public safety communications tools, vehicles, and equipment; and diagnose basic problems with radio and communication network systems at the module level to ensure operability of equipment.

Telecommunications Systems Technician II

Knowledge of: All of the technical knowledge required above relating to radio and microwave communications to ensure compliance; RF communications systems and equipment both analog and digital; procedures and techniques used in the installation and modification, diagnosis, repair, programming and maintenance of communications equipment and network systems; MPLS, servers, hosts, desktop station, VoIP, RoIP PBX Switches and network systems in public safety communications equipment at the systems and component levels, manufacture software applications to effectively configure, program, import/export data files; computer based communications network systems, equipment and digital transmission formats; backup power systems.

Ability to: All of the technical abilities required relating to radio and microwave communications; diagnose problems or malfunctions with radio, microwave, and communications network systems; modify and assemble communications equipment to properly interface with communications network systems in accordance with specifications and engineering instructions; detect, eliminate, and prevent sources of radio frequency interferences; use precision instruments for measuring radio frequencies, power, deviation, modulation and other parameters; monitor and maintain backup power systems; create or edit drawings, schematics, or other documentation that illustrates layouts of equipment to maintain accurate records; be adaptable and flexible to work assignments and schedules to meet changing priorities of work objectives, personnel resources, and workload demands; and determine necessary equipment repairs and methods required to meet communications needs.

Telecommunications Systems Technician III

Knowledge of: All of the technical knowledge required above and the laws, rules and regulations of FCC relating to radio and microwave communications to ensure compliance; and effective team leadership principles, practices, and techniques to plan, oversee, and lead the work activities of personnel; departmental policies regarding the procedures used to lead personnel; and various on the job training methods.

Ability to: All of the technical abilities required above and interpret and apply the laws, rules, and regulations of FCC relating to radio and microwave communications to ensure compliance; plan, organize, act as lead for and direct the work activities of personnel to ensure quality, and timeliness standards are met; facilitate meetings and discussions to ensure participants are active and remain focused on the intended topic; provide detailed instructions for assigned personnel to ensure comprehension, and proper completion of tasks; consistently establish and maintain priorities in order to complete projects and assignments within timelines.

Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor I

Knowledge of: All of the technical knowledge required above and effective leadership principles, practices and techniques to plan, oversee, and direct the work activities of personnel to ensure that work projects are conducted and implemented effectively and efficiently; knowledge of principles and practices of personnel management for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development, and for maintaining a work environment which is free of discrimination and harassment.

Ability to: All of the technical abilities required above and plan, organize, and direct public safety communication projects and network systems and equipment maintenance program, import/export data files and repair work to ensure quality, quantity, and timeliness standards are met; and work within tight and competitive timelines to complete projects or assignments effectively.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with client agencies and other governmental jurisdictions; facilitate area and shop meetings and discussions to ensure participants are active and remain focused on the intended topic; develop appropriate material and make effective oral and written presentations to clients, executive management, trainees and staff; administer the use of parts inventories, vehicles, and test equipment; use basic algebra and electronic formulas to prepare various reports, summaries, and to perform electronic calculations; effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor II

Knowledge of: All of the knowledge above and State administrative personnel, budget principles, procedures and practices; contract provisions and interpretations; conflict resolution techniques; basic strategic planning principles and concepts; change management principles and concepts; and organizational evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of organizational performance.

Ability to: All of the abilities above and develop a regional telecommunications repair and maintenance program plan, and related budget; manage administrative activities within the region to ensure functions are operating efficiently; track multiple projects run by multiple staff members to assess the: status of projects and to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget; and to coordinate project activities with other organizations and units to ensure project activities are integrated and supported properly.

Telecommunications Systems Operations Supervisor III

Knowledge of: All of the knowledge required above and financial analysis principles and concepts to assess the fiscal impact of operations, projects, policies, and procedures and assist in the development of an annual budget; cost/benefit analysis principles to assess the impact and effectiveness of programs, projects, policies, and procedures; succession planning and workforce development; and organizational evaluation methods.

Ability to: All of the abilities required above and assist executive management to prepare the annual statewide telecommunications program budget and supporting documents; communicate effectively with executive management and foster good relations and team building; evaluate operational activities to assess the efficiency and effectiveness in meeting defined objectives; develop strategic and tactical plans to implement the goals, objectives, and strategies of the department; and assess the impact of politics and political decision-making on work unit operations to evaluate the need for changes to policies, procedures, or strategic plans.

Preferred or Desirable Qualifications

Willingness to stay abreast of current technological changes in the field of telecommunications and electronics by attending formal and informal training courses.

Establish and maintain a working relationship with staff in order to facilitate a productive work environment; work as a team when necessary to complete duties in a cohesive and professional manner; work quickly and accurately; be reliable and dependable and cooperate effectively with individuals, organizations, and agencies served.

Required to respond to emergency situations; travel statewide for extended periods of time; and work as required on standby duty, various shifts, at night and on weekends.

All Employees must have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.

Class History