DPS - IOD - Communications Electronic Technician III - IV - 0284 - 0285

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Communications Electronic Technician III:

Performs highly complex (senior-level)technical work to configure, program, install, maintain, and repair electronic communications equipment, installing and operating digital and analog telecommunications components and interoperability equipment. May train others in installation, use, maintenance and troubleshooting of electronic and hardware components used in police vehicles as well as complex communications equipment. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Communications Electronic Technician IV:

Performs advanced and/or supervisory (senior-level) technical work to configure, program, install, maintain and repair electronic communications equipment, ensuring maximum reliability and effectiveness of constant statewide radio communication within TXDPS and between TXDPS and other law enforcement agencies. Develop templates and best practices to facilitate progress of interoperable communications goals and objectives. May supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position.

Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Electronic Technician III:

Installs two-way mobile, base station, repeater control, and repeater site radio communications equipment at fixed sites throughout the state. Installs point-to-point digital microwave radios, and associated multiplex communications components, control consoles and digital “VOIP” remote stations control units at dispatch centers and remote sites.

Performs routine maintenance, modifications, troubleshooting, alignments, and repairing of highly integrated microprocessor controlled analog conventional radio systems with digital encryption and digital radio systems with digital encryption, base stations, repeater controls, repeaters, microwaves, control consoles, two-way mobile and portable radios, wireless mobile data systems, mobile video and other associated equipment.

Performs routine maintenance, modifies, troubleshoots, aligns, and repairs mobile emergency lighting systems, traffic directing arrow sticks, headlight wig wags, shotgun and rifle locks, anti-theft devices, K-9 over temperature wireless warning devices, and video recording systems consisting of a temperature controlled trunk mounted vault encased VCR or digital DVR recorders, windshield mounted camera, remote monitor, wireless microphone, interior overhead mounted controls, emergency equipment wiring harness power distribution panels and other related equipment.

Perform routine maintenance, install, troubleshoot and repair or replace Global Position system receiving equipment. Uses conventional and specialized test equipment, hand tools, schematic diagrams, design drawings, manuals, and personal knowledge to modify, troubleshoot, align, and repair electronic equipment.

Utilizes personal computers to create design drawings and schematics for shop use; program channel frequencies, options, features, and/or align portable, mobile, base station, repeater radios and control stations; program communications console parameters, and other microprocessor controlled communications equipment.

Perform video data recovery as needed using specialized software and a personal computer. Drives state vehicle as assigned to perform installs, troubleshoot, repair equipment at locations as needed.

Stages, deploys and supports emergency communications equipment as required. Troubleshoots and repairs mobile scale racks and scale battery charging systems.

Assembles and installs mobile data information terminals and tracking equipment. Troubleshoots and repairs equipment associated with these mobile data systems.

Designs, installs, aligns, troubleshoots and repairs tower light malfunction detecting equipment at tower sites and alerting equipment at dispatch centers.

Installation, maintenance, configuration and servicing of video security and monitoring systems, security cameras, and associated cabling. Proximity and card swipe access control and entry systems. Panic and duress activation alarms and systems.

Documents inventoried equipment as it is installed or removed from service by completing property transfers to appropriate budget codes. Works with parts clerks procuring & inventorying equipment.

Provides ground level assistance to tower technicians to install, troubleshoot, and repair base station, repeater, control, and microwave antennas and transmission lines.

Coordinates with other technicians in the design and construction of special electronic and test equipment that is not available as a manufactured unit.

Assists with developing maintenance and testing procedures for new and complex communications and electronic equipment.

Attends workshops, seminars, and manufacturers’ schools regarding specific equipment as assigned.

Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

Perform other duties as assigned

Communications Electronic Technician IV:

Coordinates the planning and preparation for the communications equipment and networks

Performs all types of maintenance in modifying, troubleshooting, aligning, and repairing communications equipment and associated networks.

Troubleshoots, repairs, tests, installs, and customizes communications equipment to support the communication network.

Develops templates and best practices to facilitate progress towards interoperable communications goals and objectives.

Coordinates the preventative maintenance of communications equipment and networks. Responsible for associated software and supporting equipment.

Installs two-way mobile, base station, repeater control, and repeater site radio communications equipment at fixed sites throughout the state.

Installs microwave and communications control consoles at dispatch centers and remote controlled base station sites throughout the state.

Organizes and establishes operating controls and procedures for the communication system.

Uses conventional and specialized test equipment, hand tools, schematic diagrams, design drawings, manuals, and personal knowledge to modify, troubleshoot, align, and repair analog and digital electro

Deploys and supports emergency communications trailers and related equipment to provide communications for special functions and disasters throughout the state.

Designs, installs, aligns, troubleshoots and repairs tower light indicating and malfunction detecting equipment at tower sites and alerting equipment at dispatch centers.

Designs and constructs special electronic and test equipment that is not available as a manufactured unit.

Develops maintenance and testing procedures for new and complex communications and electronic equipment.

Trains technicians in applying troubleshooting, alignment, and repair procedures and serves as project leader on specific tasks involving other technicians.

Tests, evaluates and reports findings regarding newly developed equipment so that recommendations regarding its acquisition and use can be made.

Drives state vehicles as assigned to perform installations, troubleshoot, and repair equipment at locations throughout the state as needed.

May perform supervisory duties on a relief basis during absences of the supervisor.

Installation, maintenance, configuration and servicing of video security and monitoring systems, security cameras, and associated cabling. Proximity and card swipe access control and entry systems. Panic and duress activation alarms and systems.

Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS

Education – Graduation from an accredited two-year college with Major in electronic technology or graduation from an accredited military, vocational, or technical school of electronics preferred.

Experience –

Communications Electronic Technician III:

Minimum of five (5) years’ extensive experience in programming, maintaining, and repairing two-way radio communications and electronic equipment (sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform effectively at the Communications Electronic Technician III level).

Substitution Note: Additional work experience of the type described or other related education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis

Communications Electronic Technician IV:

Minimum of seven (7) years’ extensive work experience in programming, maintaining, and repairing two-way radio communications and electronic equipment.

Substitution Note: Additional work experience of the type described or other related education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Licensure and/or Certification – Must possess a valid driver license and automobile insurance.

Technical Skills/Knowledge – Knowledge of basic electricity, electronics and automotive electrical systems. Demonstrable knowledge and experience in the correct and safe use of hand and power tools, soldering iron, and test equipment; ability to install and maintain radio equipment; and ability to learn the principles of antenna orientation and radiating patterns. Ability to perform installation, maintenance, and repair of base station antennas, microwave antennas, transmission lines, and associated equipment.

Regulatory Knowledge – Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State, and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures. Ability to understand and follow governmental rules and regulations on tower installation and maintenance including lighting.

Interpersonal Skills – Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy and an ability to establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers.

Organizational and Prioritization Skills – Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness or professionalism. Ability to effectively coordinate section casework and court appearances.

Presentation/Communication Skills – Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.

Research and Comprehension – Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information, and be able to utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.

Analytical Reasoning/Attention to Detail – Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, and be able identify trends, relationships and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.

Technology (computers/hardware/software/operating systems) – Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Basic networking skills and IP addressing.

Confidentiality and Protected Information – Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance and dissemination of information.

Safety – Must be able to work and promote working in a safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must be able to comply with safety standards and best practices.

Travel and/or Schedule – Availability for after-hour and weekend work is required.

PHYSICAL and/or ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environment: Office, Outdoors, and Vehicle; Ambulatory skills, e.g. stand, walk, sit; Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity; Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity; Ability to transfer weights of 30 pounds anticipated for this position; Ability to work effectively, in concert with others, to move cumbersome and heavy equipment (up to 200 pounds) safely, in a variety of conditions such as steep stairwells and loading and unloading vehicles; Driving requirements: Extensive (60%).

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information:

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.

A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.

Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS WE DO NOT ACCEPT TELEPHONE CALLS. ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

State of Texas retirees may be rehired for full-time, non-commissioned positions only under very specific circumstances.

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