7K69
COMMUNICATIONS SUPERINTENDENT

This is communications management work supervising, through subordinate technical supervisors, the day-to-day operations of a city-wide communications operations program in the Department of Public Property. The employee in this class serves as an across-the-board assistant to the Communications Division Director, with responsibility for reviewing consultant and contractor plans, designs and specifications for communication equipment and systems, and directing various communication functions dealing with computerized city-wide infrastructures for voice, telephone, data, radio, video, wireless communications systems and contract compliance for the City's public television cable systems and services. Work includes serving as a project manager for the installation of new or improved communications systems, directing the installation, repair and servicing of communication systems for all City departments and quasi-city agencies. Managing requests for use of the City's "rights of way", conferring with technical consultants and meeting with department and agency representatives to assess, evaluate, plan and manage communication projects are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the direction of the Communications Division Director.

1. The position must perform the work in the Department of Public Property.
2. The position must serve as an across-the-board assistant to the Communications Division Director.
3. The position must direct, through subordinate technical supervisors, a communications operations program providing city-wide services.
4. Only one position can be allocated to this class.

• Serves as an across-the-board assistant to the Communications Division Director and directs the day-to-day operation of the Communications Division.
• Reviews and approves contractor designs, plans and specifications for a wide range of communication equipment and systems such as cable television, and closed circuit television, systems, fire and security alarms, public safety radio, and public address systems and wide area computer networks related to the City's telephone system.
• Reviews products and services for purchase by the City; makes recommendation to Commissioner for approval or disapproval.
• Directs, through subordinate technical supervisors, the planning and preparation of emergency communications operations; develops, monitors, and evaluates departmental employee productivity service quality objectives.
• Oversees the management and coordination of all technical work supporting the City’s Special Events programs.
• Meets with representatives of user departments and agencies to plan new services or resolve problems concerning existing communication services; ensures departments and agencies are participating in communication service activities.
• Develops diagrams of the City's communication networks, procedures, functions, and systems; conducts fact finding analysis of City agencies operation to identify areas of improvement and design infrastructure solutions.
• Formulates communication systems to solve client problems; conducts cost studies; monitors divisional and program budgets; provides consultative and technical support to City agencies regarding network designs. Develops and implements cost savings methods to improve efficiency of operations.
• Provides City interface support for various communication vendors and the Mayor's Office of Information Services to ensure compatibility and inter-operability with all City networks and systems.
• Analyzes and evaluates the operation of various units; establishes or interprets established communications policies; directs the implementation of organizational and procedural changes to improve services.
• Instructs and advises subordinate supervisory employees and others; explains new procedures or policy; consults with and advises subordinate supervisors about unit and service problems.
• Prepares reports on operations and activities.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the principles, practices and theories of communications.
• the design, installation and operation of a wide range of communications equipment.
• Voice Processing systems, CENTREX/PBX voice and data network and products.
• PC software and hardware products as they relate to telecommunications.
• current technological developments in the field of Local and Wide Area Networks, topologies and Novell servers.
• current radio technology, computer aided dispatch and closed circuit TV technologies.
• modern management principles and practices.
• federal, state and city codes, regulations and laws applicable to the operations of communications equipment and systems.
ABILITY TO:
• evaluate and review plans, designs and specifications for communication systems prepared by contractors and make technically sound and cost effective recommendations for improvement to the City's communication infrastructure.
• review designs, plans and specifications for telephone network implementation and upgrades.
• analyze and comprehend telephone network problems.
• recognize network alarms and take the action necessary to correct the problem.
• present oral and written reports of findings and recommendations.
• use communication network fault management and performance tools.
• supervise the activities of employees performing administrative, communications, maintenance and other services.
• express oneself effectively both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain good working relationships with city officials, consultants and contractors, a large staff of services employees, and associates.

EDUCATION
• Completion of two years of coursework at an accredited college, university or technical institute in communications, telecommunications, information systems, business administration or a closely related field.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
• Four years of experience in the design, installation, maintenance, operation and/or repair of various communications systems and equipment such as voice, telephone, data, radio, video, and wireless communications systems.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
• Two years of administrative and technical experience supervising the installation and maintenance of citywide communication systems and equipment, overseeing special events and coordinating with engineers, consultants and contractors.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department, which has included the education and 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.

• 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 Communications Superintendent.