Telecommunications Specialist chez Pitkin County, CO

About the Department

Provides technical support for communications systems; oversees system upgrades and repairs; manages all aspects of the Translator and Radio Systems; and ensures compliance with FCC regulations. 

Position Duties

• Designs, develops and optimizes RF microwave equipment and ensures reliability of equipment and services through various monitoring and control systems. Participates in the planning and design of Pitkin County’s radio systems, multiplex equipment, data, and voice circuits for control of radio repeaters, receivers, base stations, and controls stations; Reviews and maintains FCC license agreements and performs internal audits to see that those agreements are in compliance.

• Develops, administers, maintains, and secures network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points and relevant firmware and middleware technologies. Provides primary role for network infrastructure including LAN/WAN design and configuration, network related wiring plans and network installation, backup, maintenance and problem solving. Troubleshoots, identifies, and resolves problems with network infrastructure in a timely manner. Performs expansion, training, maintenance, support, deployment, and upgrade of services for network equipment and systems. Recommends, schedules, and applies fixes, security patches and other measures required to prevent or respond to a security breach.

• Researches and evaluates current and emerging technologies and recommends products and services. Conducts feasibility studies, gathers operational requirements, and builds business case for new or upgraded services. Plans, coordinates, and conducts end-user training on new or upgraded services. Creates and maintains documentation of deployed services and coordinates preventive maintenance and/or corrective programs. Monitors services ensuring performance is within established service levels. Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding the constant changes in technology and makes recommendations concerning network and communications that should be developed or deployed to improve performance, enhance efficiency and lower costs.

• In accordance with County policy; maintains fixed asset inventory for all tenants and broadcast sites.

• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Level I

• Up to 1 year of telecommunications experience and/or training required; industry certification related to network administration preferred; experience in repair and maintenance of telecommunications systems is preferred.

• Associates degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electronics, Networking or other related field. 

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Tower Climbing Certification (within six months of hire)

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Level II

• 1 to 3 years of progressively responsible experience in the telecommunications field. 

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electronics, Networking or other related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• In addition to Level I experience and Level I certification, must possess Motorola Radio Programming (prior to promotion to Level II or within six months of hire)

Level III

• 3 plus years of progressively responsible experience in the telecommunications field.

• In addition to Level II experience and Level I & II certifications, must possess RF and Microwave Certification (prior to promotion to Level III or within six months of hire), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Network+ Certification.

Knowledge Of:

• County policies and procedures

• State and federal laws and regulations governing work performed

• Record keeping and records management rules and standards

• Systems analysis and information system concepts, techniques and operating principles.

• Safety policies, procedures, and practices for basic construction industry standards.

• Inventory management methods and practices. 

• Personal protective equipment and proper use. 

• Equipment troubleshooting methods.

• General maintenance practice and procedures.

Skill In:

• Application of governing rules and regulations

• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations

• Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds

• Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions

• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and other regional agencies

• Utilizing standard personal computer software programs and specialized State and County software

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing

• Operating, installing, maintaining, configuring and troubleshooting a variety of highly technical networks, servers and peripherals.

Other Qualifications

• Work is performed in a standard office environment and repair shops; requires vision capacity to perform fine calibrations and differentiate between colored wires.

• Some work is performed outside with exposure to adverse weather conditions.  Work is occasionally performed at elevations up to 12,000 feet and/or on communication towers up to 120 feet in height.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.