Telecommunications Supervisor

About the Department

Position Duties

• 1. Plans, organizes, assigns work to, supervises and reviews the work of subordinate personnel in the installation, modification, testing, repair and maintenance of telecommunications systems and associated equipment. 2. Analyzes and troubleshoots communication radio systems to maintain DPS and other state agencies' telecommunications systems. 3. Travels to communications sites located in various cities and towns, and remote mountaintop locations throughout the state of Arizona and all adjoining states, to install and maintain communications equipment, confer with customers and subordinates, or attend user association or staff meetings, using conventional cars and trucks, 4-wheel drive trucks, towed vehicles, snow-traversing vehicles and, where appropriate, riding in fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft in all forms of weather (e.g. extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, blizzard, heavy snowfall, icy roads, muddy roads, etc.). 4. Responds on a 24-hours/day, 7-days/week emergency callout to perform emergency evaluation and repair of the statewide communication system for DPS and other supported agencies. 5. Evaluates subordinates' work performance to advise of the requirements and expectations of the position and provide feedback on performance. 6. Travels to local and out of state sites/locations to perform tasks or to confer with customers and subordinates on tasks that need to be done, or to attend user association or staff meetings. 7. Diagnoses/troubleshoots electronic equipment on a component and systems level in order to ensure its accuracy and reliability by repairing, testing, or analyzing problems with telecommunications equipment. 8. Inspects communications systems remote site installations and facilities to ascertain compliance to established standards. 9. Establishes contracts as required, and procures parts, supplies, equipment and services necessary to repair or enhance the operation and/or maintenance of communications systems. 10. Assesses conditions of and needs for vehicles assigned to unit and recommends or oversees repairs or replacements necessary. 11. Coordinates with Department engineering personnel to insure future designs interface correctly with existing configurations and that adequate system equipment exists for future needs. 12. Documents job-related activity (e.g. service orders showing work performed, location of equipment, time and parts used for repairs and/or modifications, weekly time sheets, travel claims, etc.). 13. Installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs various forms of communications equipment (e.g. analog and/or digital microwave point-to-point radios; analog and/or digital multiplex equipment to interface carrier equipment with specific local equipment; low-band, VHF, UHF, 800 MHz base station/repeater 2-way radios; site security alarm and control equipment; site grounding grids, etc.). 14. Participates in mountaintop user associations to reduce problems related to mountaintop site operations (e.g. interference, access, etc.). 15. Climbs radio towers at communications sites to inspect and/or repair tower items (e.g. antennas, ice shields, RF transmission lines, guy wires, the tower itself, etc.). 16. Initiates and recommends personnel actions (e.g. new application screening, interviewing, hiring, termination, etc.). 17. Designs system configurations for the statewide telecommunications system (e.g. microwave operation, multiplex systems, ground systems, site improvement systems, land mobile, etc.) and maintains appropriate records and database. 18. Instructs and trains subordinates and customers on operation of communications equipment to ensure user knowledge of systems. 19. Assists in recruiting applicants for technician positions by contacting industry associates or providing possible contacts for Human Resources to pursue. 20. Surveys radio coverage for radio systems maintained by the Department to ensure needed coverage is provided and to analyze coverage complaints.

Minimum Qualifications

• KNOWLEDGE OF: the principles, applications, and physics of analog and digital electronics, microprocessors, amplifiers, antennas, transmission lines, land mobile RF, microwave, multiplexing, data circuits, and systems. FCC regulations pertaining to land mobile radio systems, licensing, transmission power, radiated power, modulation limits and spurious radiation. Department General Orders, Bureau, and Section policies and procedures SKILL IN: thinking clearly and responding quickly during times of emergency and to adapt to new situations and unusual working environments. working with others to accomplish tasks when required. working independently with minimal supervision when required. following detailed oral and written instructions. using electronic test equipment and documentation (e.g., spectrum analyzer, service monitors, time domain reflectometers, field strength meters, digital and analog meter displays, etc.) to diagnose telecommunications equipment problems and effect repairs, or to ensure proper performance of telecommunications equipment. applying the principles, operational requirements and engineering design of the multiple systems maintained. understanding the design characteristics of the numerous land mobile systems maintained by DPS. gathering technical information for trouble calls from non-technical personnel. maneuvering and operating vehicles (e.g., automobiles, 4-wheel drive trucks, snow traversing vehicles, trailers, etc.) in all weather and hazardous conditions throughout the state (e.g., extreme temperatures, snow, ice, steep or narrow unimproved roads, etc.) at all times during the day and night. evaluating and identifying the source of the problem within a communications system with a minimum expenditure of time and resources. using industry part codes and cross reference replacement guides to determine appropriate replacement parts. reading and comprehending technical shop manuals, manufacturers specifications, and troubleshooting guides used in the installation and repair of mobile communications equipment. giving detailed instructions as necessary. radio propagation to predict areas of coverage and dead spots in radio coverage. preparing detailed, legible and understandable written documents (e.g., reports, records, instruction, forms, etc.) using various formats. oral and written communications to exchange information, explain procedures, techniques, and answer questions in a clear logical manner. analyzing situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action. applying the principles and operational requirements of carrier systems (e.g., analog or digital microwave, fiber or commercial carrier.) applying the principles and practices of supervision and management. finding the source of RF interference in communications systems. serving in the absence of a manager. applying wire and coaxial cable termination standards (codes, power handling capabilities and loss characteristics of different types of coaxial cable). the use, care and selection of appropriate hand tools. the application of mathematics (e.g., Algebra, Trigonometry, Logarithms, etc.). working under hazardous and/or physically demanding conditions (e.g., climbing, balancing, lifting, along energized lines, on mountain road, in extreme heat or cold, in rain, snow, extreme altitudes, poor lighting, poor ventilation, fumes, ice, mud, etc.). climbing towers for purposes of inspection and maintenance of antennas, transmission lines and the tower itself using safety equipment and procedures in accordance with OSHA regulations. the use of duplexers, combiners, and multicouplers in a complex transmit/receive system and antenna array. checking and adjusting audio levels and troubleshooting problems of line quality through land lines and microwave circuits. applying the land use policies of various agencies (e.g., Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, State of AZ, etc.) pertaining to communications sites. ABILITY TO: be flexible in responding to changes in schedules and job priorities. recognize and use industry standard cable color coding. acquire additional skills to maintain technical and professional skills. safely move objects weighing 50 pounds service and maintain emergency power systems. perform necessary modifications (e.g., fabricating special brackets and fixtures) for installing and repairing telecommunications equipment. apply basic survival skills in extreme weather conditions associated with mountaintop sites (e.g., extreme heat and cold conditions, heavy rain, snow, and ice, etc.). handle heavy or hazardous materials (e.g., solvents, batteries, chemicals, fuels, etc.) in a safe manner in compliance with OSHA regulations. repair CTCSS, tone, DC, and digitally controlled remote base station interfaces. install or remove equipment in vehicles.

KNOWLEDGE OF

SKILL IN

• thinking clearly and responding quickly during times of emergency and to adapt to new situations and unusual working environments.
• working with others to accomplish tasks when required.
• working independently with minimal supervision when required.
• following detailed oral and written instructions.
• using electronic test equipment and documentation (e.g., spectrum analyzer, service monitors, time domain reflectometers, field strength meters, digital and analog meter displays, etc.) to diagnose telecommunications equipment problems and effect repairs, or to ensure proper performance of telecommunications equipment.
• applying the principles, operational requirements and engineering design of the multiple systems maintained.
• understanding the design characteristics of the numerous land mobile systems maintained by DPS.
• gathering technical information for trouble calls from non-technical personnel.
• maneuvering and operating vehicles (e.g., automobiles, 4-wheel drive trucks, snow traversing vehicles, trailers, etc.) in all weather and hazardous conditions throughout the state (e.g., extreme temperatures, snow, ice, steep or narrow unimproved roads, etc.) at all times during the day and night.
• evaluating and identifying the source of the problem within a communications system with a minimum expenditure of time and resources.
• using industry part codes and cross reference replacement guides to determine appropriate replacement parts.
• reading and comprehending technical shop manuals, manufacturers specifications, and troubleshooting guides used in the installation and repair of mobile communications equipment.
• giving detailed instructions as necessary.
• radio propagation to predict areas of coverage and dead spots in radio coverage.
• preparing detailed, legible and understandable written documents (e.g., reports, records, instruction, forms, etc.) using various formats.
• oral and written communications to exchange information, explain procedures, techniques, and answer questions in a clear logical manner.
• analyzing situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action.
• applying the principles and operational requirements of carrier systems (e.g., analog or digital microwave, fiber or commercial carrier.)
• applying the principles and practices of supervision and management.
• finding the source of RF interference in communications systems.
• serving in the absence of a manager.
• applying wire and coaxial cable termination standards (codes, power handling capabilities and loss characteristics of different types of coaxial cable).
• the use, care and selection of appropriate hand tools.
• the application of mathematics (e.g., Algebra, Trigonometry, Logarithms, etc.).
• working under hazardous and/or physically demanding conditions (e.g., climbing, balancing, lifting, along energized lines, on mountain road, in extreme heat or cold, in rain, snow, extreme altitudes, poor lighting, poor ventilation, fumes, ice, mud, etc.).
• climbing towers for purposes of inspection and maintenance of antennas, transmission lines and the tower itself using safety equipment and procedures in accordance with OSHA regulations.
• the use of duplexers, combiners, and multicouplers in a complex transmit/receive system and antenna array.
• checking and adjusting audio levels and troubleshooting problems of line quality through land lines and microwave circuits.
• applying the land use policies of various agencies (e.g., Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, State of AZ, etc.) pertaining to communications sites.
• be flexible in responding to changes in schedules and job priorities.
• recognize and use industry standard cable color coding.
• acquire additional skills to maintain technical and professional skills.
• safely move objects weighing 50 pounds
• service and maintain emergency power systems.
• perform necessary modifications (e.g., fabricating special brackets and fixtures) for installing and repairing telecommunications equipment.
• apply basic survival skills in extreme weather conditions associated with mountaintop sites (e.g., extreme heat and cold conditions, heavy rain, snow, and ice, etc.).
• handle heavy or hazardous materials (e.g., solvents, batteries, chemicals, fuels, etc.) in a safe manner in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• repair CTCSS, tone, DC, and digitally controlled remote base station interfaces.
• install or remove equipment in vehicles.

Other Qualifications

• High school or equivalent. Successful completion of a formal electronics technology program of instruction from a recognized public or private school or Armed Forces Service school. Technical certification (e.g., FCC General Class License, PCIA or APCO Technician Certificate, CET Journeyman Certificate with a Communications endorsement, or equivalent). Valid Arizona driver license on effective starting date. Requires two (2) years of experience as a Telecommunications Coordinator with the Arizona Department of Public Safety; OR four (4) years of experience as a Telecommunications Technician with the Arizona Department of Public Safety; OR four (4) years of work experience in electronics technology leading or supervising the repair, down to a module or subassembly, on two-way or multi-channel radio equipment (FCC Part 90, Part 101, or military equivalent). WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Work outside in extreme heat and cold, as well as rain and snow. Lifting and carrying up to 50 pound. Must successfully complete the examination process. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• High school or equivalent.
• Successful completion of a formal electronics technology program of instruction from a recognized public or private school or Armed Forces Service school.
• Technical certification (e.g., FCC General Class License, PCIA or APCO Technician Certificate, CET Journeyman Certificate with a Communications endorsement, or equivalent).
• Valid Arizona driver license on effective starting date.

Benefits

• A summary of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Benefits is linked here .

Supplemental Questions