Class Code: 04778

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER

DEFINITION

Provides professional communications engineering assistance to state departments in the design and installation of communications systems and specifications in a statewide communications network; performs related work as required.

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

WORK EXAMPLES

Assists a supervisor by performing such duties as instructing employees, answering questions, distributing and balancing the workload, and checking work; may make suggestions on appointments, promotions, and reassignments.

Analyzes communication installations to determine adequacy and impact of systems design in the solving of agency communications problems, and to direct implementation of improvements, expansion and alteration of a statewide communications system.

Advises agency management in planning and negotiating for procurement of equipment, materials and contract services; writes specifications for new communications equipment; uses the latest designs and techniques; interacts with equipment manufacturers and vendors.

Provides engineering and technical assistance to department technicians and other state and local agencies.

Reviews the agency's communication system to ensure compliance with the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.

Manages an electronic engineering development laboratory facility; maintains engineering calibration standards on all equipment.

Performs engineering tests to verify and validate radio system standards.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of all types of communications and/or telecommunication systems utilizing wire lines, telephones, radio wave, microwave, and data transmission.

Knowledge of traffic and traffic loading for planning communication systems and networks.

Knowledge of mobile and base station system engineering with interfacing peripheral equipment.

Knowledge of radio station site requirements such as building construction techniques, antenna tower placement and erection, tower wind loading calculations, power and telephone line distribution.

Ability to prepare schematics and block diagrams for use in presentations.

Ability to evaluate and compare costs versus desirable features and performance.

Ability to determine and apply technical parameters of communication system and equipment assuring the maximum percentage of communications reliability.

Ability to write specifications for required electronic equipment and determine the competitive bidding compliance of vendors.

Ability to understand and interpret technical material both orally and in writing.

Ability to interact with others to establish, maintain and promote effective working relationships with private businesses, vendors, and other state employees.

Ability to lead others and to work cooperatively in a team environment.

Ability to keep own emotions under control and restrain negative behaviors when provoked or when working under conditions of stress.

Ability to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives, to adapt own approach to changing situations and to change or easily accept changes in own organization or job requirements.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Experience equal to seven years of full-time work experience in the design, operation, or planning of data or other network communications or in communications engineering involving system design and development;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting thirty semester hours of accredited post high school education with major course work in electrical or electronic engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or related engineering coursework for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of four years;

OR

a Master's Degree in electrical or electronic engineering or in computer science may be substituted for one year of the required work experience.

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

For certain designated positions, the Appointing Authority, with Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise approval, may selectively request those applicants possessing a minimum of twelve semester hours of education or six months of experience or a combination thereof in the following area...

205 homeland security or emergency management telecommunications

Applicants desiring to be considered for these positions should be sure to list applicable course work and experience on the application.

Effective Date: 10/03 TA