COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN

General Definition

This is full performance work in the installation, maintenance and repair of communications systems and related equipment. An employee in this class installs, configures, programs, troubleshoots, repairs and inspects such communications equipment as telephone systems, communication circuits, network cabling, fiber optic connections and related peripheral and ancillary terminal equipment. Work includes performing system back ups. Work is performed under the general supervision of a technical superior and involves light physical exertion and some disagreeable working conditions.

Allocating Factors:

(The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

Positions in this class must be responsible for installing, configuring, programming, troubleshooting, repairing, and inspecting communication systems and related peripheral and ancillary terminal equipment, including telephone systems, communication circuits, network cables, and fiber optic connections.

Typical Examples Of Work (Illustrative Only)

Configures, installs and programs communication systems and related communication equipment; assembles component system parts; reviews diagrams, schematics, blue prints, floor plans, charts and technical manuals for installation of new systems; conducts site reviews for system installation and makes appropriate recommendations for improving installation based on physical situation; installs and tests coaxial, distribution and station cables, and fiber optic cabling from the communication instrument to the terminal/junction boxes, using testing equipment and hand tools; programs systems users voice mail and data terminal equipment; may design, install and maintain computer network cable systems for networking of computers; installs electronic communication systems and instruments such as modems, facsimile devices, printers, headsets, card swipe terminals, emergency ring-down circuits, television and fiber optic cables for telephone systems and computer networks and components.
Troubleshoots, repairs and inspects communications systems and related equipment such as automatic and digitized systems, buzzers, intercoms, modems, facsimile devices, headsets, card swipe terminals, emergency ring down circuits and cable television for proper operation or to determine malfunctioning components; uses testing equipment to locate trouble source; disassembles and reassembles unit; test for system failures; test for defective system components and damaged communication cables; tests for proper operation of installed system components and related equipment ; works with various communications manufacturer/service provider personnel for problem resolution.
Performs system back ups; downloads and upgrades systems software; saves systems software to disks, using a personal computer.
Makes estimates of time and materials; may provide instructions on the use and application of system features.
Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge Of:

the tools and equipment, and methods used in the installation, maintenance, programming, troubleshooting, repair and inspection of communications systems and related equipment.
various lines/cables utilized in connecting communications systems and equipment.
the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in the installation and maintenance, programming, troubleshooting, repair and inspection of communications systems and related equipment.

Skill In:

the use of tools, materials and equipment involved in the design, installation, configuration, maintenance, programming, troubleshooting, repair and inspection of systems and related equipment.

Ability To:

install, program, troubleshoot, repair and inspect communications systems and related equipment.
read blue prints, floor plans, diagrams, flow charts and technical manuals.
follow oral and written instructions.
explain communication system features and operation to end users.

Minimum Acceptable Training And Experience

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 07/2007.)

Education

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade AND

Specific Experience

Two years of experience as a helper or apprentice, installing, configuring, programming, cabling, repairing and inspecting communication systems and related equipment.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department that has included the specific experience described above.

NOTE:

Certification in NEC systems and/or in two or more areas of cabling may be substituted for the specific experience described above.

Physical And Medical Requirements

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Licenses, Registrations And/Or Certificates

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Telephone Maintenance Technician.

PAY RANGE:

Class Established:
- 1/53
Latest Spec. Revision:
- CSC: 5/07, Ad Board: 7/07
Consolidation with 7K32:
- CSC: 11/11, Ad Board: 12/11

CO/jl

City Of Philadelphia Office Of Human Resources

7K36