Telecommunications Technician Trainee

Summary Statement

Telecommunications Technician Trainee is a limited term, entry-level trainee position for applicants lacking specific Telecommunications Technician training and experience. Advancement to Telecommunications Technician is earned after satisfactory completion of the Telecommunications Technician Trainee probationary period.The application period may close without notice.

Telecommunications Technician Trainees assist Telecommunications Technicians with installation and maintenance of various types of electronic communication systems and equipment including VHF and UHF two-way mobile systems and microwave point-to-point systems. Telecommunications Technician Trainees often travel statewide, working irregular hours and under hazardous conditions in the performance of their duties. Performs other duties as assigned. This is a competitive classification.

MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.

Physical Assessment

Pass/Fail

Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB)

Weight = 100%

If you have a disability which may require an accommodation,

please notify Human Resources in writing prior to the test date.

Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive)

• Assists Telecommunications Technicians in construction, installation, maintenance, and modification of all types of electronic equipment especially communication equipment, including: mobile, portable, and fixed radio frequency transmitter/receiver; microwave RF transceiver and associated multiplex carrier equipment, analog and digital data transmission equipment; wire and radio telephone, television, and radar equipment.

• Analyzes problems and determines the source of trouble at both system and equipment levels.

• Operates and maintains electronic and communication test equipment.

• Installs and repairs antennas and wiring on communication towers, vehicles, and buildings (must climb and work on tower structures and poles).

• Operates automobiles, truck and snow traversing transportation equipment.

• Interprets technical diagrams and instructions; prepares systems and equipment documentation.

• Maintains service records and prepares reports.

• Travels statewide in the performance of duties in fixed and rotary wing aircraft and land transportation vehicles.

• Satisfactorily completes training objectives, demonstrating skills with DPS telecommunications systems and equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

• provisions of state and federal laws and regulations governing the use of communications equipment owned by the state.
• electrical and electronic theory.
• operating principles of communication systems and components.
• test equipment and tools required for maintenance of communication equipment.
• hazards and safety precautions required in working with energized lines and equipment and in servicing antennas or tower and building structures.

Ability to:

• establish and maintain cooperative relations with other employees and agencies.
• analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action.
• to communicate effectively.
• to prepare clear and concise reports.
• to perform duties in a courteous and considerate manner even in difficult circumstances.
• accomplish assigned course of action.
• safely and effectively use all tools assigned or required in the performance of duties.
• exert considerable physical effort in walking, climbing towers, and working at high altitudes (to 11,000 AMSL) and in great temperature extremes.
• perform work involving personal hazard.
• work irregular hours.
• perform work in or near any part of Arizona.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.

• Completion of a one (1) year or longer formal training program in electronics technology (to include communications electronics courses) from a nationally or regionally accredited technical institute; or completion of 40 semester hours in electronics technology courses (to include communications electronics courses) from a nationally or regionally accredited public post secondary school; or completion of equivalent U.S. Armed Forces school.

• Technical certification (e.g. FCC General Class License, PCIA or APCO Technician Certificate; CET Journeyman Certificate with a Communications endorsement, or equivalent) OR acquisition of the FCC General Class License or the APCO Technician Certificate within twelve (12) months of the date of hire and before taking the Telecommunications Technician examination. Failure to acquire either of these two certificates within twelve (12) months of the date of hire will violate probation status and be grounds for termination.

• Valid Arizona driver's license no later than effective starting date.

• Successful completion of examination process OR if qualifying from the Telecommunications Technician Apprentice, must complete 250 hours or more as a Telecommunications Technician Apprentice for the Arizona Department of Public Safety with a satisfactory employee evaluation and successful completion of the Telecommunications Technician Trainee examination.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt