Communications Systems Engineer

Job Description:

Communications Systems Engineer

Description

Job Summary
Installs, operates, and maintains a variety of telecommunications systems, including wired and wireless voice and data systems for all City of Bryan departments, and performs related duties as assigned.
Essential Job Functions

• Maintains wired and wireless voice and data communications systems and equipment, including but not limited to, fiber optic cabling, copper cabling, and two-way radios. Researches, analyzes, and implements software patches or hardware changes.
• Performs analytical work on land mobile radios, trunked radio systems, digital mobile radio systems, E911 dispatch consoles, microwave transport networks, internet protocol (IP) based communications systems, Access Control systems, SCADA radio communications systems, and inside/outside fiber optic/copper cable plant.
• Installs Distribution Automation SCADA antenna networks on utility poles
• Receives and responds to reports of trouble related to voice and data communications systems and equipment. Uses electronic testing equipment to diagnose problems. Repairs, tests, and installs equipment as needed.
• Provides proactive diagnostic and analytic measures of wired and wireless voice and data communications to ensure system reliability and overall system health. Plans and implements improvements and replacements as needed/required.
• Monitors and reviews projects to ensure that deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Acts as subject matter expert to end users on wired and wireless data communications systems and equipment.
• Ensures the readiness and adequacy of backup wired and wireless communications equipment and systems, parts inventories, and contingency plans, including 24-hour service for critical public safety and utility requirements.
• Documents changes made to systems and/or equipment through appropriate communications and record-keeping, records work into logs, files, and other records, and, through communications, both verbal and written, with other team members and management staff.
• Ensures the City’s compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and requirements applicable to wired and wireless communications systems. Keeps abreast of legal changes and proposals that may affect the City’s operations.
• Attends and participates in meetings and on committees, working with local, state, and federal agencies on communications, participating in the procurement process, and instructing employees on the proper use and care of the radio equipment.
• Acts as a vendor liaison during installation, rearrangement, and/or removal of communication equipment.
• Remains current on industry standards and principles through regular review and study of technical journals, periodicals, and textbooks; attends training on troubleshooting and installation policies, practices, and procedures; attends vendor and other industry training courses and seminars.
• Responds to calls for service outside of normal business hours as needed; works on a 24 × 7 on-call rotation to provide after-hours support.
• Occasionally travels to conferences, training, and other events to foster personal development and growth. Must professionally represent the City and IT Department at all times during such travel.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Responds regularly and promptly to work.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with significant coursework in Communications, Electronics, Computer Science, or Engineering, or a related field plus some experience performing the installation, maintenance, and repair of electronics and/or wired/wireless communications systems is strongly preferred; OR an Associate’s degree with significant coursework in Communications, Electronics, Computer Science, or Engineering, or similar field plus at least two (2) years of related experience as listed above; OR a High School Diploma or GED with significant coursework/training beyond High School in Communications, Electronics, Computer Science, or Engineering, plus at least four (4) years of related experience as listed above.
Equivalent combinations of education, experience, certification, and training may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications & Special Requirements
Licenses

• Texas Class C driver’s license with a good driving record as measured by the City’s evaluation system.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to access Texas Criminal Justice Information Services ( CJIS ) System data. As a result, the person selected for the position cannot possess a felony or Class A misdemeanor conviction; or a Class B misdemeanor conviction within the past 10 years.

Certifications

• Fiber Optic Installer ( FOI ) Certification and/or General Communications Technician ( GCT ) Certification preferred.

Certification Pay Program

• The City of Bryan IT Department provides a Certification Pay Program ( CPP ). New employees are eligible after the first 90 days of employment. Employee must be in good standing to qualify.
• The primary goal of the IT CPP is to develop the technical skills of the IT staff to improve/focus on the overall service level of IT support services.
• Receive up to $450/month in certification pay for qualifying certificates. (Ex: Fiber Optic Installer ( FOI ) Certification, General Communications Technician ( GCT ) Certification, etc.)
• Reimbursement is available for qualifying passed certificate exams while employed by the City of Bryan IT.

Salary:

$55,000-$65,000/year (depending on qualifications)