DATE: June 24,2009. SUBJECT: Revised Class Specification for Approval - Wireless Communication Series

Z-7

TO:

FROM:

INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION

DATE: June 24,2009

Members of the Civil Service Commission

Matt Doyle, Director of Human Resources

Rosie Akopyan, Human Resources Analyst

SUBJECT: Revised Class Specification for Approval - Wireless

Communication Series

BACKGROUND

Attached for your approval is the revised class specification for the Wireless

Communication Series. This series was last updated and approved by the

Commission in 2004. At this time, the specification is being modified to

accommodate changes in the organizational structure of the Information Services

Wireless Communications Section.

Historically, the City's Radio Shop had been staffed by three Wireless

Communications Technicians, a Senior Wireless Communications Technician, and a

Wireless Communications Supervisor. This was sufficient for the previous radio

system, as it employed a very simple architecture.

In 2001, the position of Information Services Administrator/wireless Communications

was established to manage the Radio Shop and all other aspects of the City's

burgeoning wireless technology portfolio, and to manage the implementation of a

new regional radio system.

In 2002, a fourth technician was added, and in 2003, the Supervisor position was

reclassified to Wireless Systems Technologist/Supervisor. This change allowed the

Section to hire an individual with the extensive knowledge and experience in

Motorola SmartZone architecture, who could act as a single point of contact for

customer service issues as well as a technical resource for the other technicians and

supervise their work.

Since this change in 2003, it has become apparent that the Wireless Systems

Technologist/Supervisor in reality spends virtually all his time dealing with technical

issues, and the Administrator is handling the day-to-day supervision of the

employees. The proposed changes will bring the class specification into alignment

with the actual duties of the position. Furthermore, the downgrading of the Wireless

Systems Technologist/Supervisor classification from mid-management to

non-management and the corresponding salary reduction provides a positive fiscal impact

for the Section's budget.

The changes to the series have been discussed with the representatives of the

Glendale City Employees' Association and the Glendale Management Association

and they have not raised any concerns.

'

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the proposed revisions to the class specification for the Wireless

Communication Series be approved as submitted.

Revised Series Specification Previously Approved 12/01. 10/04 Approved by Commission 06/09,

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERIES

• Wireless Systems Technician • Senior Wireless Systems Technician

10

DEFINITION:

Glendale, California

Classifications in this series perform skilled work in the installation, maintenance, operation and repair of fixed, mobile, and portable wireless equipment and systems, as well as sound reinforcement systems, public address systems and mobile computer terminals. As used in this series, the term "wireless" includes any device, equipment, or system, which intentionally produces an electromagnetic emission, or which is intended to receive an electromagnetic emission, whether or not licensed, and which is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

All classifications perform the following essential duties:

Installs, maintains, modifies, repairs, operates and manages wireless communications systems, devices and ancillary equipment.

Installs, maintains, modifies, repairs, operates, and manages a multi-site simulcast UHF Motorola SmartZone/Astro25 trunking system, a simulcast UHF Motorola conventional communications system, an 800 MHz Motorola RD-LAP mobile data system, wireless broadband data systems. satellite communications systems. LAN system, and point to point systems. Including but not limited to portable, mobile, and fixed equipment, control consoles, intercom systems, microwave IDU/ODU, multiplexers, site controllers, zone controllers, database servers, simulcast frequency standards, comparators, remote receivers, remote-site battery power distribution systems "d ~e.f!l{)te-si.te~()IClr power systems. remote-site emergency generator systems. associated cables, antenna systems, antenna towers, electronic sirens, fire station alerting systems, public address systems, audio recorders and alarm systems.

Responds to emergency calls for service 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Installs and operates computer software used for programming and servicing wireless systems and equipment and supporting systems and equipment.

Operates inventory software used for parts and equipment inventories. Maintains inventory of spare parts necessary to insure the reliability, and maintainability, of the City's wireless systems and equipment.

Deleted: 10104

Deleted: ISupervisor

Monitors wireless systems for compliance with Federal Communications Commission's rules and regulations and maintains FCC license records.

Calibrates and repairs wireless systems and equipment, using specialized electronic test equipment by reading schematics, working with color coded parts and wires, soldering conductors, wires, and replacing components. Performs scheduled tests on equipment, and prepares necessary reports and charts.

Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission's rules and regulations (Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations).

Knowledge of the equipment and methods used in the maintenance of communications and related electrical and electronic equipment.

Knowledge of color codes used in telecommunications and electrical and electronic work. Knowledge of technical electronic, microwave and wireless theory.

Knowledge of trunking, APCO Project 25 and simulcast systems.

Knowledge of remote site power systems, including commercial. generator, batterv. and solar, power.

Knowledge of applicable safety rules, practices and procedures.

Knowledge of solid-state circuitry and digital electronic circuitry and devices. Knowledge of computer hardware and software operations.

Knowledge of and skill in good customer service practices.

Ability to read, write, communicate effectively and comprehend directions in English. Ability to read, interpret and draft design sketches and schematic diagrams.

Ability to climb and work on radio towers up to 150 feet.

Ability to listen attentively to retain and follow detailed verbal instructions.

Ability to establish smooth working relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts. Ability to develop necessary skills from on-the-job training and meet the standards of performance for the classification by the end of the probationary period.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Willingness to work overtime as requested.

Willingness to assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Willingness to work nights, weekends and holidays.

EXPERIENCE

Varies with classification.

EDUCATIONITRAINING

Graduation from high school or attainment of GED or CHSPE certificate. A Baccalaureate or higher degree in Electrical Engineering is desirable.

LICENSES

Valid Class C California driver's license.

Possession of a valid Federal Communications Commission General Radiotelephone Operator's License or industry certification is desirable.

SPECIAL

Responds to emergency calls for service 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including nights, weekends and holidays.

NOTE

An equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training may substitute for the listed minimum requirements.

WIRELESS SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN

Distinguishing Characteristics: Under supervision, positions in this classification perform technical and complex work in the City's Wireless Communication Section.

Additional Requirements: Three years experience in the installation, operation. and

maintenanceJ. pf digital and analog wireless communications systems located at remote mountaintop sites. installed in vehicles. and in police. fire. and public utilit" di?patch centers ..

SENIOR WIRELESS SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN

Distinguishing Characteristics: Under general supervision, positions in this classification

perform the duties included under Wireless Systems Technician, plus the most technical and complex work in the City's Wireless Communication Sectio~

Additional Minimum Qualifications: Ability to lead, coach, instruct and motivate

employees. Ability to foster a teamwork environment. Ability to provide clear work instruction. Four year? responsible experience in th~ installation, operation and maintenance of all types of wireless public safety communication systems, two years of which have been in an increasingly responsible leadworker capacity. Satisfactory completion college-level coursework in electronic and radio theory is desirable.

WIRELESS SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIST.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Under the supervision of the Information Services

Administrator for Wireless Communications, this position performs the dutiesofthE:} Senior Wireless Systems Technician. plus highIY-JechniGalY"C>.r~il'1tt1E:}design, il'1l?tallatiqnand maintenance of wireless communication systems and equipment. The Wireless Systems Technologist has extensive knowledge and experience in the design. operation. and maintenance. of critical life safety wireless communications systems. particularly Motorola SmartZone and Astr025 trunking system architecture, and acts as a technical resource for Wireless Systems Technicians and Senior Wireless Systems Technicians.

Additional Essential Duties: Monitors the functioning of the City's wireless communications systems and equipment. Acts as leadworker to Wireless Systems

Deleted: and

Deleted: wireless communications

with emphasis on and

Deleted: techniques solid-state

circuitry, including experience in troubleshooting and repairing digital electronic circuitry utilizing TTL (transistor transistor logic), RTL (resistor transistor logic), MOS (metal

oxide and CMOS

Technicians.

Deleted: Additional Essential Duties:

In the absence of the Wireless Systems TechnologisUSupervisor, plans, supervises and coordinates repair and maintenance activities in the Wireless Communications Section.

Deleted: Reviews work orders,

prioritizes work to be accomplished,

schedules and equipment

as

Deleted: Ability to organize, assign

and schedule workload among

Deleted: I SUPERVISOR Deleted: mid··mal'laal~ment

Technicians. Plans,: c:md coorcJinat~s r~pair ?rlc:J m?int~nance acth/iti~sin th~vyir~l~s~

Communications section. Reviews work orders, prioritizes work to be accomplished, and schedules personnel and equipment as required . .Recommends modification to wireless communications systems and equipment. Inspects and tests operation of wireless communications systems and equipment. Directs a preventive maintenance program. Maintains records and files of wireless systems maintenance operations and work performed. Inspects equipment and tools to determine if they are properly used, maintained and safe. Maintains an accurate and current inventory of wireless communications equipment. Maintains inventory records of field replaceable units (FRU's) and other spare parts and requests parts and supplies to maintain an adequate stock of materials. Supplies information for and prepares required reports for submission to the Federal Communications Commission. Assists in preparation of specifications and administration of contracts.,

Additional Requirements:.. Ability to foster. a teamwork environment.. Ability to lead,

coach, instruct and motivate employees. Ability to provide clear work instruction. Ability to organize, assign and schedule workload among employees. f.i\lE3 Y~?r.s r~~pqn.~.i~l~

experience in the installation, operation and maintenance of all types of wireless' communications systems and equipment.Gour~e\Nork inel~c;tr()nic;andradiq theory ?nd engineering may be substituted for up to one-year experience on a year for year basis. Satisfactory completion of college-level coursework in electronic and RF theory and/or electronic engineering may be substituted for up to one year experience on a year for year basis.

FLSA DESIGNATION

Wireless Systems Technician - Non Exempt Senior Wireless Systems Technician - Non Exempt Wireless Systems Technologist= Non-Exempt

Deleted: , supervises

: Deleted: Reviews and evaluates : employees' job performance and : recommends appropriate personnel : action. Assists in the hiring, training : and disciplinary action of subordinate : personnel.

: Deleted: Assists in the preparation

i and administration of the Wireless

: Communications Section budget.

: Deleted: Ability to review and i

: evaluate employees' job performance. I

: Ability to effectively supervise I

: subordinates. .... ... .... .. .

...1

/ :: .. ::::::::::::::;:::;:::::::::::;::::;:::: ... .

: Deleted: Willingness to initiate,

i recommend and carry out personnel

: actions. ;

::::.-::.:.:::::":;.:.:::::::::~~

; Deleted: , including two years of : which have been in an increasingly

i responsible supervisory capacity _{.. . ... .}

CITY OF GLENDALE INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Director of Information Services