Job Summary

DEFINITION

Communication Specialist I:

Under direct supervision, to support the administration of communication network infrastructure including radio, wired & wireless data, telecom/VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol); and perform other work as assigned.

Communication Specialist II:

Under general supervision, to support the administration of communication network infrastructure including radio, wired & wireless data, telecom/VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol); and perform other work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Communication Specialist I:

This is the entry level classification in the network and communication series of the Infrastructure Division of IT, which provides support for agency voice and data communication networks. Incumbents perform routine duties under close supervision necessary to support complex, high-impact networks and technologies relied upon by a large amount of the organization in a relatively independent fashion. Errors are limited to specific assignments or project tasks, and impact is generally limited in terms of dollars, lost time, or department image

Communication Specialist II:

This is the journey level classification in the network and communication series of the Infrastructure Division of IT, which provides support for agency voice and data communication networks. Incumbents provide a full range of moderately di?cult activities necessary to support complex, high-impact networks and technologies relied upon by a large amount of the organization in a relatively independent fashion. Errors may result in loss of customer/user time and or data and may have substantial impact on department image.

REPORTS TO

Network Administrator Communications Manager Information Technology Director

CLASSIFICATIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED

None.

About The County

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

Communication Specialist I:

Assists with service, installations, and upgrades of various communication infrastructure including radio, telecommunication, and data.
Coordinates and works with in-house sta? and outside contractors to resolve various communication and networking issues and may also troubleshoot and repair physical cable problems.
Supports end-users and subscribers to ensure proper installation, configuration, and programming necessary to keep communication equipment functioning.
Reviews and analyzes specifications to ensure compliance with standards and proper installation.
Monitors and reports on network tra?c, usage, and performance.
Handles moves/adds/changes to existing network and phone infrastructure.
Develops documentation pertaining to configuration and troubleshooting for communication networks.
Travels to remote site to transport related equipment as necessary.
Participates in relevant meetings and discussions.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Communication Specialist II:

Performs advanced level service, installations, and upgrades of various communication infrastructure including radio, telecommunication, and data.
Assists with the design, configuration, and implementation of communication network infrastructure.
Supports end-users and subscribers to ensure proper installation, configuration, and programming necessary to keep communication equipment functioning.
Oversees and ensures the development of high quality documentation pertaining to configuration and troubleshooting for communication networks.
Makes recommendations and modifies network configurations to improve e?ciency and cost e?ectiveness based on tra?c, usage, and performance reports.
Reviews and analyzes specifications to ensure compliance with standards and proper installation.
Researches feasibility, cost, equipment needs, and time constraints/allocations for assigned projects.
Travels to remote site to transport related equipment as necessary.
Participates in relevant meetings and discussions.
May provide basic mentoring, training, and coordination for junior sta?.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits Highlights

QUALIFICATIONS

Working knowledge of:

Communication Specialist I:

Basic telecommunication practices and principles, including wired and wireless networks, VoIP communication systems, video conferencing, and related services.
Proper telecommunication equipment operation, usage and procedures for installing, maintaining and testing of system functionality.
Applicable network cabling industry standards.

Communication Specialist II:

Telecommunication practices and principles, including wired and wireless networks, VoIP Communication systems, video conferencing, and related services.
Radio communication systems and associated infrastructure.
The principles, practices and methods of installing, maintaining, and supporting communication networks and cable plant infrastructures.
The principles, practices, terminology and trends in network, wireless and telecom/VoIP communication systems and services.
Methods and techniques of troubleshooting network, wireless or VoIP related hardware, software and interconnectivity problems.
Problem analysis techniques such as Root Cause Analysis.

Some Knowledge Of:

Communication Specialist I:

Methods and techniques of troubleshooting network, wireless or VoIP related hardware, software and interconnectivity problems.
Radio communication systems and infrastructure.
The principles, practices and methods of installing and maintaining cable plant infrastructures.
Problem analysis techniques such as Root Cause Analysis.

Communication Specialist II:

The principles, practices and methods of project management.
General knowledge of Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Feasibility Study Reports (FSR).
Proper telecommunication and radio equipment operation, usage and procedures.

Ability And Willingness To:

Communication Specialist I:

Assist with the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of critical communication systems.
Accurately develop and maintain a variety of technical service records and documentation.
Operate applicable troubleshooting equipment and analyze cable problems using appropriate test equipment.
Monitor networks for performance issues or faults.
Train users on voice system and equipment operation.
Read, interpret and apply information from technical publications and documentation.
Communicate e?ectively, both orally and in writing.
Work cooperatively and e?ectively with other sta? members, customers, contractors and vendors.
Distinguish color-coded wires.
Lift items weighing up to 40 pounds.
Work in confined/cramped body positions and climb ladders to work at elevations of 4-12 feet.
Serve as a Disaster Service Worker during certain emergency operations.
Be service oriented, e?ectively represent the County's Information Technology Department, and inspire others to think creatively for the good of the County.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Maintain confidentiality.

Communication Specialist II:

Guide the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of critical communication systems.
Oversee and assist with the maintenance of a variety of technical service records and documentation.
Operate applicable troubleshooting equipment and analyze cable problems using appropriate test equipment.
Monitor networks to analyze performance issues or faults and determine corrective action.
Interpret customer/user requirements and use engineering techniques to design network and transmission systems.
Mentor fellow sta? on relevant networking and communication system topics.
Read, interpret and apply information from complex technical publications and documentation.
Present complex topics to technical and non-technical audiences.
Distinguish color-coded wires.
Lift items weighing up to 40 pounds.
Work in confined/cramped body positions and climb ladders to work at elevations of 4-12 feet.
Serve as a Disaster Service Worker during certain emergency operations.
Be service oriented, e?ectively represent the County's Information Technology Department, and inspire others to think creatively for the good of the County.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Maintain confidentiality.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

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

Communication Specialist I:

Completion of structured training in radio communications, or at least two courses in Cisco networking principles and VoIP, or some and one (1) year of experience in a communications related field.

OR

Two (2) years of experience in a radio communications or network related field.

Communication Specialist II:

An Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a computer related field and two (2) years of experience working with communication networks;

OR

Formal training in radio communication systems, valid CCNA, or related voice or network certification and three(3) years of experience in a network or radio related field.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to perform physical work that includes lifting items up to fifty pounds, climbing ladders in excess of 12 feet, towers (with proper training), working in confined/cramped body positions, and distinguishing color coding.

Additional Information

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is generally performed indoors though a considerable amount will take place in the field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Satisfactory completion of a Department of Justice background investigation.
Possession of a valid driver’s license and occasional need to drive in excess of 100mi./day.
May be asked to work other than a normal 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM shift including On-Call/After-Hours emergency support.

This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each incumbent. Additionally, incumbents will be required to follow instructions and to perform other job related duties as may be required.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

City of Thomaston

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Communication Specialist I/II