COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST II1724L1
DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized work transmitting and receiving messages from law enforcement and public safety personnel, assigned mobile units, and other stations on the communications network in accordance with regulations of the Federal Communications Commission. Work involves transmitting and receiving messages and alarms on two-way radio systems, data entry terminals (CRT), teletype, telephone, and in person. Work includes operating a base station two-way radio; transmitting and receiving messages to/from law enforcement or public safety agencies and personnel; monitoring locations and status of law enforcement personnel; operating a data entry terminal to send, relay, and receive inter-state and intra-state information; providing information and services to the general public; monitoring alarms and warning systems; and properly maintaining logs, records and other reports. Work also includes providing assistance and supervision to lower level communications specialists during a shift. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision..." Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average - Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from Communication Specialist I class in which the emphasis is placed upon formal and on-the-job training and gaining experience while under close supervision. Differs from Communication Specialist Supervisor class in which the work includes full supervision of a multi-shift operation. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Operates a base station or mobile unit two-way radio in order to maintain continuous contact between officers and other law enforcement/public safety agencies; uses appropriate radio codes and phraseology. Receives and transmits messages using two-way radio and other receivers; interprets and prioritizes the content of the simultaneous multiple voice transmissions. Makes rapid independent decisions and coordinates communications under life threatening situations and emergency conditions. Monitors the status and location of on-duty personnel through the use of radio communications, maps and duty rosters, keeps appropriate logs in accordance with agency regulations. Operates data entry terminal(s) (CRT) to send, relay, and receive inter and intra-state information; uses NCIC, NLETS, and ASTRA codes and formats. Provides information to the general public, including traffic laws, weather conditions, and motor vehicle regulations, resource contacts and police, fire, and EMS reporting through use of telephone and personal contact. Monitors alarms and warning systems such as National Weather Service teletype, security alarms. Maintains records, required reports, and logs in conformity with FCC regulations and agency policy. Trains new personnel in the use and operation of communications equipment. Reviews, on a continuous basis, all operating manuals and administrative procedures and insures that they are kept current and properly indexed. Maintains all station logs in conformity with FCC regulations and agency policy and answers routine requests for information in letter or radio message form. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, syntax, vocabulary, and pronunciation rules and usage. *Knowledge of basic radio communication signals, formats, and procedures. *Knowledge of institution or agency procedures concerning radio, telephone, telecommunications, and emergency procedures. *Knowledge of geography and topography of assigned areas, including major streets/roads, intersections, and landmarks. Knowledge of names and radio call signals for personnel within assigned area. *Knowledge of institution or agency policies and procedures which may include motor vehicle accidents, vehicle pursuit, hostages, natural disaster spills of hazardous materials, and emergency and routine emergency service response. *Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission pertaining to the transmission and receiving of messages. *Knowledge of National Crime Information Center computer codes, National Law Enforcement system codes, and all related regulations and procedures, including knowledge of intra and inter system operations. Abilities *Ability to properly operate two-way radios, data terminals, or other communication center equipment. *Ability to read maps, multiple computer terminals and printouts quickly and accurately. *Ability to follow oral and written instructions. *Ability to speak using good clarity, tone, volume, syntax, grammar, inflections, and modulation. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, agency employees, and the general public. *Ability to train new employees in the use and operation of communications equipment. *Ability to maintain logs, manuals, and reference material in accordance with agency or institution policy and with FCC regulations. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or equivalent and two years experience in a Communications related field. Necessary
Special Requirements:
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