Communication System Tech (Radio Frequency) (7632)

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Under the general Supervision of the Communications Maintenance Manager, diagnoses, repairs and/or directs repairs of communications equipment including but not limited to, telephone cables, cable carrier systems, baseband systems, mobile and portable radios, base stations, telephone and radio logging equipment, audio/visual systems and computer aided dispatch radio system. Provides systems’ operational administration.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Diagnoses, tests, adjusts, mechanical, electromechanical and electrical/electronic problems on Authority communications equipment including mobile and portable radios, radio base stations, radiotelephones, transceivers, repeaters, microwave stations, dispatch consoles, Wi-Fi routers, cellular routers and modems, bi-directional amplifiers, mini-computers and associated systems and equipment, VOIP console systems and VOIP telephony systems, copper, fiber and coax cable plant, CCTV systems, and voice audio/data loggers.
• Analyzes, diagnoses, locates communication system problems on a variety of networks such as microwave, radiophones, radiax and coax antenna cables, fiber optic networks, RF-over-fiber optic systems, DAS, radio antennas, cell extenders/BDA’s, Ti/DS1 digital circuits, distributed antenna systems and distributed communications systems, video and computer-aided communications systems; directs other technicians in restoring equipment to normal operation. Determines extent of repairs. Replaces, repairs radios and/or related equipment on-site. Tests telephone lines between various types of equipment.
• Performs end-to-end tests of conventional and trunking communication networks, adjusts levels and frequency to proper specification as indicated by technical manuals and schematics; directs other technicians in aligning the system. Performs preventive maintenance on Authority communications equipment, systems and networks. Programs digital patch and access equipment to establish voice circuits between radio sites. Monitors status and condition of systems and networks using alarm monitoring and reporting computer systems.
• Installs, repairs, adjust and maintains optical transport networks, multiplex, LAN network equipment, Ethernet networks, Wi-Fi and cellular equipment, line modems associated with communications systems, computers and computer terminals, various types of modems, comparators, 4-wire audio bridges, signal-to-noise voters, line amplifiers, copper circuit cross-connects, wireless standard time clock system, spread spectrum wireless snow-melter system, SCADA networks, and SONET network. 
• Calibrates, repairs, replaces computers, speakers, pointing devices, electronics interface equipment and keyboards associated with Computer-Aided Radio Dispatch System; Installs, tests, adjusts, repairs computer terminals and closed circuit television systems, including Wi-Fi transmission equipment associated with train door video system (DOSS), Cathode Ray Tube circuits, LCD monitors and other video equipment; sets up and operates video recording and playback equipment for training purposes; installs, repairs public address systems using fixed, remote and cordless microphones.
• Provides electronic circuit design; performs breadboarding; builds and tests prototypes; repairs circuit boards/equipment to component level. Identifies replacement components. Identifies sources and obtains quote for components. Provides engineering oversight including specification review/evaluation, drawing revisions, and system/equipment end-of-life evaluations. 

ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs communications coverage tests on various systems; records results, makes changes or recommendations to improve system quality and coverage, including drive testing.
• Installs repairs, replaces communication system equipment on top of and in bus, train, trolley, police Customized Community Transportation (CCT), maintenance and supervisory vehicles.
• Evaluates new and/or modified communication equipment; records results, discusses same with foreperson; makes appropriate recommendations.
• Measures, adjusts operating frequencies of transmitters; maintains all records and forms; adjusts, calibrates, replaces cavities, crystal filters, combiners, isolators, attenuators, mixers, synthesizers and replaceable modules, public safety grade conventional and trunked two way radio systems, checkpoint radio system (CCT) and waypoint radio system (PTC), and interoperable radio networks. Ensures equipment conforms to manufacturer specifications and operates in accordance with applicable Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules, regulations and licensing requirements.
• Inspects, repairs, removes, realigns, replaces conduit, wiring brackets, mounts, control units, cables, antennas, harnesses and related equipment.
• Programs and makes updates to communications computers, servers, systems and databases.
• Draws and reads prints, wiring diagrams and schematics. Remains current with state-of-the-art maintenance and repair of new equipment, units, systems and devices.
• Provides necessary upkeep and housekeeping of communications rooms and radio sites, including exterior weed control. Inspects site backup power generators for run-time and general condition. Examines, monitors, and tests DC battery plants for condition and examines and tests Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems for proper operation. Tests radio tower aircraft clearance lighting systems for proper operation. At non-authority owned locations, coordinates with other agencies to gain access to the remote radio site. Notifies agency of irregularities.
• Coordinates with subscriber offices to solve communications issues: Bus and Light Rail Control Center, MFSE & BSS Control Center, CCT Dispatch Center, Power Dispatch, Regional Rail Operations Center, Police Dispatch, maintenance groups and outlying customers.
• Generates preventive maintenance and equipment performance reports after maintenance activity.
• Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Must have ability to read and analyze prints, schematics and wiring diagrams, and use test equipment properly, as acquired in Technical School (2 years minimum) or its equivalent. Must possess valid class 1 PA driver’s license or equivalent. Must have experience in inspection, testing and repairing various communications equipment and related data systems. Must successfully pass Communications Systems Technician test.
• Must become familiar with various Authority communication systems. Must acquire basic knowledge of Authority vehicles as they affect operation of radio communications or data systems. Must acquire knowledge of Authority and departmental rules and regulations, reports, records and forms.  

EQUIPMENT USED:

• System/Network/Analyzer, frequency selective voltmeters, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, fiber optic level/power meter, fiber optic laser test source, T1/DS1 
• Bit-error-rate tester, distortion analyzers, battery analyzers, desktop and laptop computers, printers and interface devices, and built-in-test equipment; various meters such as volt-ohm (VOM), digital volt (DVM), RF volt, frequency, deviation, integrated circuit tests, dummy antennas/loads, signal generators, power supplies, transistor testers; soldering iron, circuit punch down tool and hand tools pertinent to the occupation; power tools such as electric drill, power hammer, grinder and saws; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety equipment prescribed by the Authority. 

PHYSICAL:

• Sitting 20%; standing, climbing and moving about 80%.  Lifts 50 or more pounds. Carries tools and equipment up and down stairs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to elements during field repairs. Exposure to bus exhaust fumes and accumulated dust in isolated locations. Operates communications service vehicle. Works in close proximity to high voltage. Walks on catwalks and roofs. Climbs ladders, towers, scaffolds and stairs. Works in cramped positions. Works in close proximity to moving trains, busses, trolleys and maintenance vehicles. Works in low light environments and tunnels. Exposure to RF radiation in frequencies up to 12GHz. May be subject to call 24/7 and during storms and emergencies. 
   

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE