TeleCom Clinic

TeleCom Clinic's Definitive Guide to Job Descriptions
www.GuideToJobDescriptions.com

Provides overall telecommunications cable plant and equipment installation and maintenance for a complex and multi-building campus setting.

Cable and wire distribution system/outside plant installation, maintenance and repair -- entails splicing, terminating, bonding, grounding, protecting, encapsulating, closing and testing construction grade cable and wire at any campus location where new cable is being placed or existing cable is being repaired. In the case of larger cables, 100 pair or more, this work will involve coordinating with other departments, other employees and contractor personnel. In all cases, it will require the use of tools, equipment and materials specially designed for placing and splicing cable and wire as well as commonly used hand tools.

Cable and wire distribution system/inside plant installation, maintenance and repair -- requires the design, installation, placing, terminating, cross-connecting, testing and repair on building distribution systems. Will entail placing, connecting, terminating and testing media such as twisted pair wire, coaxial cable and fiber optic cable. The incumbent will be expected to have a working knowledge of the services to be provided on a particular medium such as voice, asynchronous and synchronous data communications and LANS. It will be necessary to coordinate activities with facilities services personnel, end users and administrators. It will also be necessary on given jobs to supervise the work of junior technicians.

Systems installation, maintenance and repair -- a working knowledge of business telecommunications hardware such as multi-line (key) and switching (PBX) systems is required, as well as an ability to work with and understand systems associated with software. Incumbent will be responsible for small system design, ordering, receiving, verifying, installing, programming, testing and repair of single-line PBX extensions, multi-line systems, hybrid and small PBX systems. Fact finding with end users to determine and provide appropriate features and functions will also be required.

Data Communication -- Will share responsibility for installing, testing and repair of private line data communications facilities on campus. This entails properly terminating cables and wire according to organization standards and coordinating with computer center personnel to ensure reliable end-to-end communication. Use of test board and transmission test sets may be required.

Coordinate fieldwork with those individuals assigned primary responsibility for PBX operation and maintenance. Incumbent will assist those personnel in the performance of their duties and will be expected to assume an increasing level of personal responsibility for hybrid and PBX operation, as experience is acquired.

It may, on occasion, be necessary to perform duties assigned to this position outside of normal business hours. It may also be necessary to travel over a weekend in the performance of assigned duties.

General direction is received from the Director. Initiative and general independence are encouraged for the day-to-day operations. Works with other technical personnel to coordinate all department efforts.

Training -- working with and training subordinate personnel. These may be part-time or full-time employees. Will occasionally be responsible for the supervision of work crews.

Working familiarity with automated plant records systems, transmission system design and traffic engineering will be considered a plus. Several years experience in the installation and maintenance process of telecommunications networks required. Full range of "color vision" is required. A thorough knowledge of building utility distribution systems, electrical grounding principles and low voltage communications systems is required.

Operation, servicing and maintenance of a tandem switching private branch exchange and associated tape drives, power plant, terminals and all trunk and line interface equipment.

1. Coordinate routine trunk testing with local Telephone Company to establish transmission quality and power levels on all network interface lines.

2. Analyze user generated trouble reports to determine if the reported condition is field or PBX related, resolve the difficulty if PBX related or dispatch to field personnel and cooperate with field repairmen to reestablish service.

3. Input, change and delete as required, station level and trunk level software.

4. Add, test and activate operating system software patches as provided by vendor.

5. Modify long distance call routing algorithm to accommodate new or changed network switching points, types of facilities, and vendors.

6. Test and maintain PBX power plant to insure proper fluid levels and specific gravity in all batteries and insure continual functioning of all rectifiers, and invertor/converters. Cooperate with facilities services personnel to periodically test and insure proper functioning of the PBX emergency power supply.

7. Receive, recognize and respond to PBX generated malfunction alarms, analyze the condition causing the alarm and correct the condition to the extent of, if necessary, performing or arranging for component level repair of the PBX.

8. Establish and run call processing and traffic studies, providing reports as required.

9. Modify the PBX resident data base to accommodate new or changed service billing algorithms.

11. Use an office based test board to assist field personnel in establishing, locating and repairing voice and data circuit malfunctions such as shorts, opens and unbalanced pairs.

Reports directly to the Manager, Communication Systems. Expected to perform daily and routine tasks with a minimum of supervision. Initiative and decision making is encouraged. Works with vendors technicians to coordinate all work related efforts.

Exercises significant supervision of vendors technicians by prioritizing and scheduling switch room work. In conjunction with network administrators, determines timing of shutdown and maintenance events.

Satisfactory completion of at least a two-year curriculum in electronics technology, applied physical sciences or a closely related field. A minimum of two years experience in the operation and maintenance of a large digital PBX. Ability to read, interpret and understand system level and component level telecommunications schematic drawings. Ability to use organization provided test equipment to perform circuit analysis and fault correction at component and system levels.

Ability to read, understand and continually update manual and automated record systems for PBX database, outside plant, and assignment records. Ability to read, understand and use assembler/compiler level system programming language.

DESC. NO.: T3-1020
JOB TITLE: TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK SPECIALIST, JR.

Install, move, add, change, maintain, and adjust telecommunications terminal communications equipment and associated power, cabling, wiring, and equipment.

Under general supervision, responsibilities include: installing and maintaining digitally switched telecommunications equipment, facilities, networks and services for switched telecommunications, in addition to certain equipment, cabling, and wiring associated and used in data communications; evaluate methods for the maintenance and trouble‑shooting of hardware and software problems related to switched telecommunications. Documents equipment failures, helps coordinates preventive maintenance and/or corrective programs with vendor service personnel. May work in a group responsible for planning, implementing and directing specific projects.

Maintenance of equipment inventories and stock supply records; maintain order and repair records; helps survey and estimating of installation work; and work in cooperation with Local Telephone Company, American Telephone and Telegraph Information Systems, and other telecommunications equipment and services vendors used by the organization. Will work closely with the assigned vendor maintenance team.

Other responsibilities may include the repair of station equipment and maintenance on the telecommunications system itself.

Although this position provides no direct supervision, working with vendors staff and technicians provides the opportunity to influence critical decision making.

College degree in related area preferred. Minimum one (1) years experience in the installation and maintenance of Bell System or standard industry accepted telecommunications equipment or installation and maintenance of data communications hardware and software, including experience with user and vendor contacts, cabling, wiring, and associated hardware, or combined equivalent education and work experience. Experience with a digital telecommunication system preferred. Good knowledge and working experience with industry standard test and cable punch down equipment and testing procedures and industry telecommunications transmission standards plus an intimate knowledge and hands on experience with Bell System and industry installation Standard Practices is preferred. Experience working in and around a multi‑building campus environment desirable. Willing to work weekends and nights when necessary.

DESC. NO.: T3-1020
JOB TITLE: TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK SPECIALIST, SR.

Install, move, add, change, maintain, test, trouble shoot and adjust telecommunications terminal/station/PBX communications equipment and associated power, cabling, wiring, and equipment.

Under general direction, responsibilities include: all phases of designing, installing and maintaining digitally switched telecommunications equipment, facilities, networks and services for switched telecommunications, in addition to certain equipment, cabling, and wiring associated and used in data communications; develop, direct, and evaluate methods for the maintenance and trouble‑shooting of hardware and software problems related to switched telecommunications. Documents equipment failures, coordinates preventive maintenance and/or corrective programs with vendor service personnel. May assume supervisory responsibilities for a group of assigned staff for planning, implementing and directing specific projects.

Maintenance of equipment inventories and stock supply records; maintain order and repair records; purchase of equipment and supplies; survey and estimating of installations work; interpret telecommunications work requisitions; assist Telecommunications Analyst in the design and selection of user department telecommunications equipment configurations when appropriate; and work in cooperation with Local Telephone Company, American Telephone and Telegraph Information Systems, and other telecommunications equipment and services vendors used by the organization. Will work closely with the assigned vendor maintenance team.

Other responsibilities may include the repair of station equipment and maintenance on the telecommunications system itself.

Receives general supervision from the Manager of Service and Switch Room Operations.

May exercise supervision of other Network Specialists while out in the field and on special assignments. May perform training of lower grade Specialists. Responsible for supervising vendors staff while in switch room and on organizations field operations.

College degree in related area preferred. Minimum three (3) years experience in the installation and maintenance of Bell System or standard industry accepted telecommunications equipment or installation and maintenance of data communications hardware and software, all including experience with user and vendor contacts, cabling, wiring, and associated hardware or combination of equivalent education and work experience. Experience with a digital telecommunication system preferred. Thorough knowledge and working experience with industry standard network test and cable punch down equipment and testing procedures and industry telecommunications transmission standards plus an strong knowledge and hands on experience with Bell System and industry installation Standard Practices is preferred. Experience working in and around a multi‑building campus environment is extremely desirable. Person must be personable, articulate, and able to work in stressful situations. Willing to work weekends and nights when necessary.

Under direct supervision, coordinates and schedules technical planning for an organization-wide telecommunications network, including system design and technical support to develop, install and maintain state-of-the-art board-band voice, video, and data communications systems.

1. Plan and coordinate the distribution, technical installation and maintenance of the organizations telephone system.

2. Plan, coordinate and schedule engineering design and system design, recommend future systems and perform cost/benefit (technical performance improvement) analysis.

3. Use detailed knowledge of electronics and telecommunications to diagnose and correct communication problems.

4. Schedule, coordinate and conduct analyses testing and solving complex problems involving telephonic and computer interfaces.

5. Ensure adequate procedures and timely documentation is available for departmental personnel who routinely interface with customer and vendors.

7. Monitor existing telecommunications networks, utilizing various performance and capacity analyses disciplines, advising on the best use of resources, cost effectiveness and implementation.

8. Analyze switch and network reports to insure maximum utilization using traditional network engineering disciplines.

9. Review drawings and specifications for new construction and major renovation projects and ensure compliance with telecom specifications.

10. Do computer programming utilizing 'C' and Unix as appropriate for telecommunications tasks.

11. Assist in establishing telecom specifications and annual review and revision thereof.

13. Interface with necessary organization groups, telephone company personnel, and Computer Services to develop operation parameters for proposed systems.

CONTACTS: Frequent contact with organization's technical personnel, staff, administrators, vendors and consultants.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Types and frequency of physical efforts; for example, lifting, visual concentration, standing. Will be required to visit outside and underground facilities.

Works in conjunction with Telecommunications Engineer Sr. and jointly report to the Manager for Switch Room Operations. Receives specific projects and is expected to seek solutions to problems with supervision of Manager and Sr.

Provides no direct authority or supervision of others. Does provide guidance through technical leadership and problem solving.

QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. degree required, preferably in Engineering or Computer Science, or equivalent combination of work and educational experience. Knowledge of Private Branch Exchange (PBX), excellent written and oral communication skills and supervisory ability required. Five-seven years related experience, or 7-9 years without degree.

Under general direction, provide technical and financial planning of a organization-wide telecommunications network including system design, project management and technical support to develop, install and maintain state-of-the-art broad-band voice, video and data communications systems.

1. Provide technical innovation and design for system development; prepare technical and cost benefit analyses, system design, and execute implementation of design.

2. Use detailed knowledge of electronics and telecommunications to diagnose and correct communication problems.

3. Monitor existing telecommunications networks, utilizing various performance and capacity analyses disciplines, advising on the best use of resources, cost effectiveness and implementation.

4. Develop long-range plans and specifications, including design, documentation and implementation of new systems. Liaison with consultants to develop system design utilizing state-of-the-art concepts.

5. Solicit and evaluate proposals, technical contract terms, project management, and instruction of operating personnel, i.e., supporting engineers and consultants.

7. Interface with organizations special interest groups, telephone company, and computer services to develop operating parameters for proposed systems.

8. Manage related projects for system distribution, interconnect details, interface, etc.

CONTACTS: Organizational technical personnel, staff, administrators, vendors, outside institutions and organizations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Will be required to occasionally tour outside and underground facilities.

Reports directly to the Manager of Switch Room Operations. Expected to perform daily and routine tasks with a minimum of supervision. Initiative and decision making are encouraged. Works with other managers of technical areas to coordinate all Consultation efforts.

Directly supervises 2-3 maintenance managers who supervise 4-5 hourly employees.

Provides indirect authority and supervision of other Jr. Engineers. Provides guidance to vendor staff and personnel through technical leadership and problem solving.

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Engineering or Computer Science. In depth knowledge of Private Branch Exchange (PBX), excellent written and oral communication skills and supervisory ability. Minimum 7 years related experience.

To develop user documentation and training materials and, develop documentation and manuals for technical personnel in the operation and management of a large and complex telecommunications environment.

Writing and editing end user policies, proposals, manuals, training and marketing materials. Heavy interface with users and technical staff to determine, define and plan communication strategies and providing technical support for public relations.

Develops technical documentation in accordance with corporate polices and guidelines. Helps establish documentation standards to be followed for documents and articles produced or edited by technical staff.

Typical assignments include: development of operating manuals to be used by field and operations staff, business office/accounting staff, help desk and general support staff; specific end user instructional and marketing material to enhance the use and hence the utility of the organizations telecommunication systems; editing and production of telecommunications support software documentation, including the telecommunications management system, establishing standardized methods and procedures. May provide input to organizations voice mail/response system for scripting specific applications.

Helps develop press releases and technical articles for the user services division and other departments as required. Verify and encourage media coverage as correct and represents the departments goals and technical status. Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Generally reports to the Director of Information Services. Because of the wide area of responsibility of this position, direct supervision comes from various sources depending on the assignment.

As a technical writer, a great deal of discretion is encouraged to perform the functions outlined above. Although the position requires no direct supervision of staff, the position does have an impact on the way the staff provides information and the documentation they produce. Directly supervises the production of documentation with printers and artists.

A BSEE or BSCS with strong writing skills or a BA in English or Communications with a computer or telecommunications background. Requires telecommunications hardware or software development, training and implementation experience. 3-5 years experience with installation and reference documentation for telecommunications systems. Strong word processing skills, preferably with Word Perfect or another high end word processing software. Desktop publishing skills with Page Maker, Ventura or another high end DTP program.

Superior writing, editing and planning skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and a minimum of 3 years experience in corporate communications, journalism or telecommunications. Technical writing experience for newspaper/magazines helpful. Experience in desktop publishing, integrated text/graphic/image processing, document layout/formatting software documentation. Excellent presentation and communication skills are required as this position will include heavy interface with technical personnel.

Proven ability to plan, design and write high quality, medium to long length, documentation for a variety of telecommunications situations including software, hardware and training.

Develops and presents user training programs for the University Telecommunications System for faculty, administration, staff and students, administers the training programs and publishes user documentation.

Under general direction, provides educational, training and marketing leadership for the University Telecommunications System. Primary contact for all telecommunications educational and training information. Responsibilities include: determines the appropriate course and level of training for each training/education class offered; performs actual training/educational sessions and provides individual training when necessary; works with vendors to develop training programs; coordinates the technical training programs for telecommunications staff; designs and produces statistical management reports on the status of training and education and its effects on the system. Responsible for the editing, publication and distribution of the "Telecommunity Newsletter," the distribution of all educational materials and the advertisement of all telecommunications announcements. Develops, in conjunction with other Telecommunications Coordinators, marketing programs for the dissemination of critical telecommunications information to all University users. Develops, collects and maintains a training materials library comprised of manuals, videos, publications and training schedules. Responsible for the distribution of all educational material.

Works closely with managers of Support Operations, User Services and Systems/Applications to keep current with new products, services, dialing plans and all telecommunications information which must be disseminated to the University environment. Performs other duties as required.

Receives general supervision from the Manager of Client Support. May receive specific assignments for training and documentation from other managers.

Provides direct supervision of own clerical and training staff when necessary. Works with Telecommunications Analysts for purposes of training and documentation support.

College degree, preferably a B.S. or B.A., minimum of two years experience in providing education/training in the field of telecommunications, data communications or data processing, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Working knowledge of educational/training programs and experience in administering the programs in one of the above areas. Exposure to large IBM/Rolm or other large telecommunications system and knowledge of PBX systems in general preferred. Experience with PC's, desk top publishing systems software and hardware helpful. Experience working with a large, complex University or corporate structure environment preferred. Knowledge of University environment helpful. Must have excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and feel comfortable talking to large audiences. Ability to interface well with users and staff. Must be able to work in stressful situations.

Provides technical and administrative support by analyzing and reviewing tariff fillings and cost information submitted by the utility, city, state and federal authorities.

Responsibilities include: participating in telecommunications hearings of state PUC and federal FCC hearing and proposals, drafting staff recommendations, drafting orders, investigating regulatory areas of rate structures, revenue levels, revenue allocations, rate of return, cost of service and capital structures. Reviews organizational services being provided by carriers for tariffs offered and performs audits to ensure that organization is operating under the least expensive tariffs available. Reviews industry updates on regulatory matters and keeps up to date on changes that could effect organizations network services.

Prepares reports reflecting current tariff status and those that are contemplated by local, state and federal agencies.

Maintains active involvement in state and national associations involved with rate and service structures.

Receives direct supervision from Director of Telecommunications, and when necessary, Legal Council.

Through issuance of reports and tariff comparisons, will influence network managers and others on the balance of the network services and providers.

College degree, preferably a B.A. with a concentration in accounting, finance, economics or business and at least 2 years experience in one or more of the following areas; telecommunications regulatory accounting, general accounting, auditing, finance, or economic analysis. Must have strong communications skills and speak effectively in front of large audiences. Experience with PC based statistical and spreadsheet software required.

DESC. NO.: T3-2040
JOB TITLE: TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECURITY/AUDIT SPECIALIST

Directs and performs the examination and evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, business and technical processes, and the quality of the performance of the organizations telecommunication, LAN and international networks and staff. Works to ensure the integrity of the organizations systems.

Performs application and control review of the organizations telecommunication, PBX, long distance, leased circuit, computer data and LAN networks, and telecommunications management accounting systems. Develops and implements comprehensive audit programs, audit trails and systems for all telecommunication systems, consults with appropriate managers for actions to be taken and precautions to be noted. Evaluates vendor supplied software and networking schemes and participates in in-house development of software and system network strategies for security analysis and audit ability. Supports external financial and technical audits.

Performs abuse research and follows up with recommendations to management as to results, and makes recommendations for future efforts to curb or eliminate future abuse. Participates in national forums concerning security and auditing of the telecommunications system and keeps management informed on current trends and plans for securing corporate networks.

Works with organizational management to prevent the introduction of any virus, worm or other electronic means of disrupting the voice, data and computer system networks.

Helps design and implement backup procedures and policies to minimize the eventual introduction of a breach of security into the organizations networks.

Works with equipment and software vendors and vendors of off premise networks and connections to organizations networks for the elimination or reduction of areas of abuse and unauthorized entry into organizations networks.

Performs on-going training and education of organizations personnel on the importance of continued vigilance on security matters. Monitors the use of password security measures and takes action when policies are not being followed.

Coordinate safety, fire and other types of inspections by internal and external parties for the Telecommunications Department.

Has operational responsibility to the Director of Telecommunications. Reports to the Vice President of Technology for functional purposes, and to separate self from politics and favoritism of departmental operations.

Acts in an advisory role to department, no direct supervision is actually exercised. Will have significant influence on department and organization through policy and guideline coordination and enforcement.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications or Business Administration required, with some accounting background preferred. Experience equivalent to a substantial five or more years of increasingly responsible professional work in the field of telecommunications with previous auditing and security review work a plus. Must have a technical working knowledge of complex telecommunication system configurations, data networks, LANs, and telecommunications management systems. Must have experience with mainframe on-line systems. Must have a tendency to not be easily convinced of the status-quo and a tendency to be inquisitive and thorough.

Perform as liaison between Department of Telecommunications and all organization units; assist in design of Telecommunications system to meet department needs. Coordinate the implementation of projects with organization units; develop, document and initiate initial training methods and train other telecommunication department personnel to continue the training of organization units.

1. Provide liaison service between Telecommunication Department and the entire campus (usually via designated unit coordinators) during design and implementation phases of projects as well as ensure on-going support as necessary.

2. Evaluate applications of current and new technologies. Conduct research to determine needs that may be met by new and developing technologies.

4. In conjunction with AT&T - IS, other vendors' representatives, Director and Senior Engineer, design and define new system hardware and features to met the requirements of the users.

5. Meet with unit coordinators (approx. 250) to: a) Review and design system changes to meet their needs. b) Review planned system changes, updates and upgrades in non-technical terms.

6. Take role in building or modifying databases to effectively track and manage project implementation and feature/system operation.

7. Develop training method (in coordination with vendor re: documentation and training); implement start-up training by coordinating and training other department personnel to take over user training after initial phase.

CONTACTS: Internal; Administrative and staff users usually via the various designated unit coordinators who are typically at the Administrative Manager's level or higher; occasional contact at Directors' or Managers levels. External; System vendors' project management and technical personnel; local telephone company and AT&T personnel; occasional contact with other vendors.

General direction is received from the Director. Initiative and action taking are encouraged for the day-to-day operations. General independence is tempered by directions given pertaining to specific projects and time frames.

Supervises two Service Representative (Service Analysts). Also, will frequently be involved in the indirect supervision of departmental support personnel involved with particular projects. These support personnel will work closely with the Project Coordinator, as will consultants and vendor personnel, to meet project deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree desirable. 2-3 years telecommunications and/or large project experience necessary as well as supervisory experience. Excellent oral, written and organizational skills required. Must be able to work independently and prioritize work effectively.

SHAREWARE NOTICE: If you find any of the job descriptions useful for your purposes,
please remember to send $9.95 for each one you use to the address below for the many hours, days or weeks of time we have saved you:

TeleCom Clinic c/o Neil Sachnoff
4402 Stonehedge Road
Edison, NJ 08820

Copyright © 1991-2001by Neil S. Sachnoff, First Printing 1991, Printed in the United States of America