TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS PLANNER 35171

7/1/91 B

This is the first class in the Telecommunications Systems Planner series. Positions in this class are found in agencies or universities which operate and maintain telecommunications systems that supply agency-wide services for voice, data, video and satellite transmissions. Positions are responsible for determining requirements needed to create or upgrade telecommunications systems by assessing current systems, designing routine technical specifications for the procurement of new equipment, and developing cost estimates for construction and renovation projects. This class is distinguished from the Telecommunications Systems Planner Senior by the latter's responsibility for providing agency-wide telecommunications systems planning, conducting long range planning for telecommunications systems, and researching telecommunications advancements to improve services.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty which involves determining telecommunications systems requirements and design of hardware and software configurations for voice, data, and video circuits or networks. Consults with users to gather information on current and proposed telecommunications systems; determines hardware and software requirements; designs technical specifications for telecommunications equipment and services along with associated cost estimates for systems upgrades and construction projects; orders telecommunications equipment and services; creates and tracks electronic work orders within agency to meet design objectives; and monitors implementation of plans in order to achieve deadlines. Coordinates telecommunications facilities installations with contractor and physical plant staff. Performs short and long-range telecommunications planning for on-campus, off-campus or agency networks and communications services. Ensures adherence to established quality assurance standards and guidelines for the agency's telecommunications systems.

Supervision Given: Positions in this class typically do not supervise, however direction may be provided to contractors or Installation and Repair staff during systems upgrades or construction projects.

Supervision Received: Receives directions from a Telecommunications Systems Planner Senior, Telecommunications Support Services Manager or higher level administrator.

Scope: Positions in this class affect telecommunications systems which provide voice, data, and video transmissions for on-campus, off-campus and agency networks.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance ensures quality telecommunications services. Ineffective job performance can be costly in terms of time, money, and resources and may result in the failure of voice, data, and video transmission services.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal contacts with staff for the purpose of developing and enhancing telecommunications services. Frequent external contacts with software and hardware vendors and local telecommunications carriers for the purpose of gathering product information, evaluating hardware and software, and ordering vendor products and services.

Knowledges: Working knowledge of telephone and related hardware; data communications theory, equipment, facilities, networks, protocols, and transmissions; communications software; and of industry standards.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to design telecommunications specifications and cost estimates for construction projects; to coordinate communications circuits or network upgrades; to budget for supplies and equipment associated with communications projects; and to maintain effective working relationships with agency or university staff, faculty, students and vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

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

Level and Type of Experience: Technical experience in voice, data and video communications.

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

This is a new class established as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program and replaces some of the positions in the Computer Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineer A and University Communications Services Manager A classes, effective July 1991.