10/24/2003 01080

RADIO SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR

DEFINITION: This is responsible technical, administrative and supervisory work in the modification and maintenance of the Pennsylvania Public Safety Radio System.

Employees in this class are responsible for supervising, coordinating, and reviewing assigned projects to support the modification and maintenance of the integrated statewide radio/data telecommunications system that provides a standard framework for shared communication among state and local emergency management, law enforcement, and emergency medical services agencies. Work involves overseeing the operation and maintenance of sites; supervising the development of proposals and budgets for equipment, facilities, and services; negotiating and managing vendor contracts; monitoring contractor performance; and supervising the Network Operations Center. Work also involves initiating contact with representatives of governmental and private organizations, contractors, consultants and others interested in providing or receiving public service radio support or services. Supervision is exercised over subordinate specialists that coordinate participant activities and perform technical functions. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by an administrative/technical manager through periodic conferences and upon completion for adherence to established standards and for results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Supervises specialists responsible for coordinating the design, maintenance, installation and operation of sites and equipment.

Supervises the surveying of organizational telecommunication needs and capabilities to evaluate cost effectiveness of equipment, systems, services, methods being used, to determine shared-costs of participating organizations and conduct economic studies.

Supervises the operation of the Network Operations Center (NOC) that controls all activities at remote site locations including vendor visits for maintenance, alarms, malfunctions of equipment, or intrusions on the site.

Analyzes current radio systems operations statewide and makes recommendations for changes and/or enhancements.

Implements standardized operating procedures for installation, maintenance and operation of radio frequency equipment, after development by coordinators. Negotiates and manages telecommunications contracts for statewide contractor service order work, the purchase and installation of radio systems, the purchase of a wide range of radio/data telecommunications equipment and cable products, network management systems and related equipment.

Monitors contractor performance and other staff during site construction, equipment installation and the operability of radio frequency equipment and related functions at sites across the radio system.

Reviews and recommends approval for proposed and existing radio/data telecommunications systems applications, resource requests, studies, design concepts, specifications, plans and drawings, vendor bid lists, letters of intent, contracts and other documents and items relating to systems.

Develops cost and budget estimates and prepares report of conditions related to the telecommunications systems in order to predict performance and adequacy of the systems under changing conditions and to recommend equipment or procedural modifications.

Serves as a representative of the Commonwealth for the radio system by presenting technical and administrative reports to potential system partners, current participants, legislative groups, and Commonwealth administrative superiors.

Represents the Commonwealth in radio frequency conflict negotiation cases involving radio system non-participants.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of radio/data telecommunications systems: planning, design, development, installation, operation and compatibility.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of project management and effective supervision.

Knowledge of the principles of organization, methods and procedures as they relate to government operations involving radio, microwave and
related telecommunications.

Knowledge of Federal and state regulatory agencies, laws, rules and regulations pertaining to radio/data telecommunications.

Knowledge of the current engineering and design/testing standards that apply to radio/data telecommunications systems.

Ability to plan, supervise, and evaluate the work and resources of subordinates, contractors and participant organizations to implement the statewide radio/data telecommunications network.

Ability to interpret topographical maps and in setting up, operating and interpreting electronic test equipment.

Ability to perform technical analysis of telecommunications systems plans and specifications, identify problems, and recommend solutions.

Ability to prepare and review detailed designs, proposals, specifications, and cost estimates for various radio/data telecommunications networks and systems.

Ability to present technical information in a clear, concise manner, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various governmental agencies, vendors, and private organizations.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Radio Specialist Coordinator,

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Five years of radio, microwave or related telecommunications experience which includes one year of supervisory or project coordination, one year of system design or configuration, and three years of general telecommunications experience that involved the installation, repair or maintenance of commercial and/or government systems or systems engineering analysis with a public utility, governmental agency or private company.

A bachelor’s degree or post high school training in telecommunications technology, radio communications or electronics with emphasis in radio or microwave telecommunications may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to two years of general telecommunications experience.