TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER 35091

7/1/91 B

This is the first class in the Telecommunications Engineering series. Positions in this class are found in agencies which operate and maintain telecommunications systems that supply agency-wide services for voice, data, video, and satellite transmissions. Positions in this class design configurations used to maintain agency-wide integrated telecommunications systems; monitor their performance to detect and resolve potential problems; and diagnose and correct systems failures. This class is distinguished from the Telecommunications Engineer Supervisor by the latter's responsibility for supervising the work of Telecommunication Engineers and Network Analysts, Installation and Repair positions and support staff.

Complexity of Work: Positions in this class perform work of moderate difficulty in applying telecommunications engineering technology in support of telecommunications systems. Maintains and configures switchrooms, exchanges, networks, interface and multiplexing equipment, port connections, transmission lines, control packets and other telecommunications equipment through the use of telecommunications software and diagnostic equipment. Identifies and corrects systems problems through the use of telecommunications hardware and software. Performs periodic preventive maintenance of telecommunications systems by monitoring performance to detect and resolve problems before systems failures develop. Researches and studies new technologies to remain current in the latest technological trends. May maintain current and accurate equipment specifications, vendor files and contracts to ensure timely and proper equipment installations and/or relocations. May supervise or lead Installation and Repair personnel in the repair of voice, data and/or video equipment. May train Installation and Repair personnel to operate telecommunications equipment and to use test equipment which includes volt-ohm meters, signal generators, frequency counters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, time domain refectometers, transmission line test sets, bit error rate testers, data protocol analyzers, power line monitors and other test equipment. May perform network line and connection traces and logging for emergency, or security purposes. May assist in short and long range telecommunications planning for agency telecommunications configurations. May participate in the budget development process in regard to need for supplies, testing and maintenance equipment. May develop and implement automated databases of materials and equipment to track equipment location and to provide information on costs for installations and repairs. May review or develop technical specifications for inclusion in procurement requests.

Supervision Given: Positions in this class may provide direction to Installation and Repair personnel, or other support staff.

Supervision Received: Receives direction from a Telecommunications Engineer Supervisor, Telecommunications Network Supervisor or agency administrator.

Scope: Positions perform work that affects the operational effectiveness of voice, data and/or video telecommunications systems for the agency.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance ensures the operational effectiveness of telecommunications systems and minimizes down time. Ineffective job performance may result in long-term telecommunications systems failures that could be costly in terms of financial loss, disruptions in services and loss of goodwill among clients and the general public.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal contacts with the user community to respond to systems needs, and with other state agencies to provide consultation and to exchange information. Frequent external contacts with carriers concerning tariffs, products and services; with contractors to coordinate projects; and with vendors to research, evaluate and implement appropriate products.

Knowledges: Working knowledge of theories and principles of telecommunications systems engineering and technology; telecommunication hardware operations, software applications and programming in higher level languages; networks; exchanges and carrier services.

Skills: Working skill in the use of testing equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to understand and apply telecommunications technology; to develop programs using higher level languages; to write and understand technical reports; and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: May require Federal Communications Commission, or other industry certification.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in telecommunications, engineering, information systems or related fields.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in telecommunications engineering or information systems which may involve voice, data and/or video telecommunications systems.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledges, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This new class was established as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program and replaces some of the positions in the Electrical Engineer A, Computer Systems Engineer, and Computer Systems Senior Engineer Classes, effective July 1991.