BASIC FUNCTION
The incumbent is responsible for installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of the Mission’s
telecommunication systems, including the telephone infrastructure, radio program (including the Emergency and Evacuation (E&E: currently both UHF and HF), Emergency Action Committee (EAC), and Administrative (ADM) networks), and data circuits from local providers. The duties encompass a broad scope of assignments that include maintaining several of the Consulate’s inventory databases, installation and maintenance of radio equipment (including repeaters, base stations, vehicle mobiles, handheld radios, and antenna systems), as well as the utilization and calibration of various test equipment essential for diagnostic and installation purposes. The incumbent serves as the Consulate’s liaison and primary point of contact with local telecommunication providers, local government offices and officials, and Department centralized and regional technical offices and technicians
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Telecommunication Systems Installation and Maintenance 35%
The incumbent is responsible for installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of Mission telecommunication systems, including the telephone infrastructure and data circuits. He or she must maintain a variety of
telecommunications equipment according to manufacturer specifications and State Department directives, performing preventative and scheduled maintenance. The incumbent will know how to tip and install fiber optic cables, copper wire, and work with routers and switches, as well as be responsible for the daily operation of the Meridian Computerized Telephone Switch (CTS), wiring closets, terminal boxes, cable runs, phones, etc. This system may consist of E-1 circuits in support of the Consulate’s users, consisting of various agencies of the Mission plus connections to possible offsite locations (i.e., CGR). The employee monitors the daily operation of the system and corrects faults using the computerized maintenance function and basic electronic
troubleshooting procedures through the ability to read and understand complex schematic diagrams. Proper operation of this system requires computer software and hardware abilities, maintenance skills and other special technical skills. Technician installs, relocates, and/or modifies telephone systems and associated equipment and cabling connected to the telephone exchange and, coordinates office moves with the affected parties in
conjunction with GSO. The incumbent performs surveys as needed for relocation services and equipment upgrades. The technician drafts plans for such moves, orders bills of material (BOM), drafts and refines site work plans, and schedules installation of equipment, as well as provides follow-up as appropriate to insure quality of service standards. He or she is also responsible for a computerized telephone switch (currently a Mitel but soon to migrate to a Nortel), plus a small PBX installed in the CGR and tenant agencies. When problems arise, the incumbent contacts appropriate personal to correct this problem. The incumbent must schedule frequent visits to test the equipment, clean, and as necessary, replace faulty equipment. The incumbent determines methods and strategies for completing all assigned work. S/he assumes responsibility for the
operation and maintenance of all unclassified communication hardware (telephones, radio, and data links) in the Consulate. The ability to complete these responsibilities requires a thorough knowledge of telephone and radio hardware, as well as the associated wiring schemes, frequencies, antennas, networking and transmission protocols. The incumbent ensures that IRM provides the Consulate community with high-quality and responsive services.
The Radio Program involves the operation of three radio networks called E&E (Emergency and Evacuation), EAC (Emergency Action Committee), and ADM (Administrative). Each network depends on the proper operation of repeaters operating authorized frequencies for communicating between the Consulate, residences, CGR, airport, and city center and include repeaters, base stations, mobiles, handhelds, and supporting antennas. The incumbent monitors the operation of these radio networks, responds to error messages, analyzes system faults, and performs recovery operations in response to system failures. The employee maintains and issues all radios for the E&E and EAC members in coordination with RSO. S/he is responsible for the entire DoS SBU radio inventory, installation, programming, and maintenance of all encrypted and non-encrypted assets, including the high frequency (HF) equipment in service at the Consulate and CGR. S/he is responsible to ensure sufficient quantities of equipment are operationally available issuance (including shelf spares) and capable of researching the cost of replacement equipment and submission of procurement requests as required.
Troubleshooting, Utilization of Test Equipment, and Documentation 15%
The incumbent maintains proper calibration and operating condition of essential diagnostic and test equipment. Utilizing test equipment such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, test message generators and high-speed data analyzers, monitors and analyzes high speed telecommunication circuits, diagnoses circuit interruptions and deficiencies, and system and line malfunctions, to determine the nature of the problem and takes required corrective action. From manufacturer’s service and technical manuals, schematic drawings, and system
documentation, repairs or takes other appropriate action to assure all telecommunication equipment and circuits are operating properly within prescribed quality standards. This includes working with local and international carriers to restore voice and data circuits used by the Consulate. S/he maintains all technical maintenance manuals, completes telecommunication equipment inventory, and other documentation of all
telecommunication assets. The incumbent completes updates and maintains logs, and records all communication lines that reflect outages and circuit conditions. Update phone installation database, to include the location, type, and agency-owner, as well as maintains complete documentation of punch-down blocks. It is essential that s/he maintains adequate stock of items required for phone installations and other expendable supplies.
Additionally, s/he will provide residential telephone troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair for employees living in USG owned or leased residences.
Coordination, Contacts, Surveys and TDY Support 10%
The incumbent reports to the Information Management Specialist (IMS) assigned related duties and the Information Programs Officer (IPO). He or she is expected to perform all tasks without direct technical supervision. Coordinates visits and work projects with the CG’s residential staff for work at the CGR, and the IPC staff for work at the Consulate and off-site locations. Provides essential assistance to IRM, and other agency TDY survey and installation teams, including those pertaining to installations and cable run
requirements for telecommunications projects. Establishes and maintains contacts with telecommunication companies and regional State Department technicians to restore lines, improve high speed circuits, and facilitate obtaining and installing additional circuits needed for VIP visits. In support of VIP visits, acts as the technical coordinator to meet telecommunication requirements and is the focal point for installing voice and data circuits. Conducts site preparation surveys for new installations or projects. Maintains contacts with local
telecommunication companies, in order to quickly restore lines, and facilitate the acquisition of additional circuits needs for VIP visits. Determines equipment and material needs, and their placement for relocation of telecommunication services as supported offices’ telecommunication requirements change. Develops test plans to diagnose and repair unusual/unique malfunctions of telecommunication systems. Completes updates and
maintains logs and records on all communication lines that reflect outages and circuit conditions. Review plans for new construction, renovations and office moves to determine the types of voice and data circuit equipment needed to meet the user’s telecommunication requirements. Designs the cabling layout required by the
equipment and develops the bills of materials for the installation. Develops, completes, updates, and maintains system documentation and required inventory, maintenance, and repair records for telecommunication and test equipment, spare parts, tools, and materials. Orders/requisitions parts/telecommunication personnel for
additional, replacement, and/or assistance in maintaining systems. The incumbent verifies with the local telephone companies the current rates and prices of the telephone services in order to provide accurate and up-to-date information for the proper function of the telephone billing software. In conjunction with the billing software, s/he will be fully responsible for call accounting on the telephone switch. This includes a monthly report generated given to the Budget and Fiscal section for further processing of payment for the customer. Incumbent coordinates with the local telephone companies as the primary point of technical contact in order to schedule installations, lines, numbers blocks, data circuits, and other services.
Liaison Duties 10%
The incumbent provides liaison services between the U.S. Consulate and all attached agencies and offices, local telephone companies (CNT, Porta, Movistar,) as well as with the repeater tower contractor), RIMC
telecommunications personnel, and local telecommunications, telephone, and radio vendors. The incumbent is responsible for drafting official correspondence (formal letters, diplomatic notes, etc.) regarding requests for service, technical problems, and billing disputes.
The incumbent manages services (radio frequencies, telephone lines, data links, etc.) from local vendors and develops technical projects in response to requirements from the local government telecom in support of Consulate operational requirements and initiatives.
S/he must cultivate and maintain friendly and productive relationships with various governmental and private sector organizations. This liaison includes a wide range of individuals, including first-line technical support, senior private vendor management, and personnel within the Government of Ecuador (GoE).
Other Assigned Duties 5%
All members of the IRM team are required to assist in various special projects and other duties outside their designated specialties. Extra cross-training responsibilities include staffing IRM Help Desk, providing switchboard and receptionist duties, providing back-up duties for the unclassified mailroom and pouch operation, and providing expediter services for the receipt and dispatch of classified pouch material.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
a. Education: Four year college degree with an emphasis in telecommunications and electronics is required. b. Prior Work Experience: Minimum 5 years working in Telecommunications Technology and Information
Technology is required. Including two years working with network hardware, high-speed circuitry, modems, and computers. Must be able to manage both complex technical projects and installations.
c. Post Entry Training:
On the job training related to specific types and brands of telecommunications equipment as installed by the Department of State and other serviced USG agencies. The candidate should plan to continue participating in technical courses and vendor training, and participating with professional organizations.
d. Language Proficiency:
Level III (working knowledge) speaking, reading, and writing in English and Level IV (fluent) speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish are required. This will be tested.
e. Knowledge:
The incumbent needs to have a thorough understanding of telephones, radios, computer hardware and telecommunication. Telephone operating systems software familiarity is a must. Additionally, a strong knowledge of local government telecommunication laws is required.
f. Skills and Abilities:
Must be able to troubleshoot and repair computerized telephone switch equipment, small PBX, computer systems, servers, small appliances, and tools. Additionally, must be very well versed in radio equipment installation, programming, and troubleshooting. The incumbent will also be required to work independently and effectively under pressure with a minimum of supervision. S/he must have the discipline to perform preventative maintenance in a timely manner to minimize downtime of essential systems. Must be conversant with basic electronics, schematic diagrams and flow charts, and the use of
diagnostics equipment. Can logically plan installation projects to in clude procurement of materials and scheduling of work. Well versed in industry-standard telephone operations. Must be familiar with computer Microsoft programs.
16. POSITION ELEMENTS a. Supervision Received:
The incumbent is supervised by an Information Management Specialist (IMS) for telecommunications, and receives guidance through the IMS and IPO.
b. Supervision Exercised:
Nonce. Provides working Guidance to local contact telephone and radio technicians. c. Available Guidelines:
Available guidelines include U.S. and Ecuadorian regulations. Foreign Affairs Handbooks, local FSN Employee's Handbook, IRM Standards Operating Procedures Manual.
d. Exercise of Judgment:
The incumbent exercises considerable technical judgment, but has only limited power to decide whether or not to undertake a new project.
The scheduling of projects and answering of trouble calls requires good judgment, independent thinking, technical ingenuity, and a desire to be responsive to users' needs. Decisions regarding the allocation of technical or human resources are made on the spot with knowledge of repercussions and consequences.
e. Authority to Make Commitments: None.
The incumbent must have good contacts with all levels in the telecommunication and telephone companies and outside specialists in telecommunication, telephone, and computer electrical systems.
The incumbent has contact with all levels of mission employees in order to assess and meet their service needs. Maintains professional contact with outside USG agencies and with local PTT and others
vendors.
g. Time to Perform Full Range of Duties after entry into the Position:
The incumbent will be able to perform many of the duties immediately upon entry into the position, while others that are unique to the Department may take up to six months to understand and become fully compliant with.
