GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS
The BROADCAST/TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER 2 employs extensive
knowledge of electronics theory and administrative skills to function as a project leader for the design and development
of new and modified complex statewide radio, television, and telecommunication systems. These systems may include
radio (AM/FM), television broadcast and production equipment and systems, point-to-point and point-to-multipoint
microwave systems, ITFS (instructional television fixed service) systems, transmission equipment and systems, telephone
and data transmission equipment, and two-way radio systems. Employees of this class have project responsibility
from concept through final testing and installation of the telecommunication system. The Broadcast/Telecommunications
Engineer 2 provides technical direction and instruction to first level engineer employees and is also responsible
for the preparation of technical procurement documents.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
The Broadcast/Telecommunications Engineer 2 is the second level
of a two-level series. It is distinguished from the lower level by the responsibility for major program coordination,
high level knowledge, technical expertise, and total systems design, integration, and operation. The employee will
serve as a technical consultant to lower-level technicians, engineers, and management. This employee serves as
a technical advisor to lower-level engineers and will provide on-site backup as needed during emergency response
to remote facilities. These actions ensure the continuous operation quality of regional and statewide communications
systems and nonredundant public and educational radio and television services.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Allocation of positions to this class will depend on the total
work performed which may include one or a combination of the duties or tasks listed below.
- System Planning, Design, and Development. Typical tasks: reviews and evaluates system goals and objectives, technical
options, and current state-of-the-art in radio and television broadcast systems and telecommunications technology
to design new systems, develop system modifications, and conduct equipment utilization studies; determines the
most appropriate technical approach and/or equipment suitable to achieve the desired results; discusses system
or component problems or limitations with users; consults, analyzes, and advises clients concerning state-of-the-art
radio and television broadcast and telecommunication systems; reviews proposed system with prospective users to
ensure results meet anticipated goals; makes recommendations to administration; determines communications site
locations by review of specific topographic maps, microwave path studies, and/or communications coverage surveys
conducted from proposed sites; submits license applications for specific operational frequencies in accordance
with Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations; coordinates site and facilities acquisition; develops
technical procurement specifications and cost estimates and submits these in verbal or written form to management
for approval to proceed with equipment procurement; purchases equipment; determines future equipment requirements
and system expansion necessary to accommodate user projections for future needs; prepares budget for equipment
purchases and repair parts; directs and oversees the equipment inventory and parts ordering; participates in department
long range planning and technical development; prepares applications and necessary logs to comply with Federal
regulations for broadcast stations; establishes guidelines and norms for the operation of the technical facility;
trains technical staff in proper operating and maintenance procedures.
- Project Implementation.
Typical tasks: serves as project/team leader to ensure proper implementation of radio and television broadcast
and telecommunication systems; installs or directs the installation of new equipment and components of equipment;
prepares a definitive project timetable; puts in priority order and assigns project segments to other technical
employees; monitors the progress of the system implementation and testing to ensure quality and consistency between
team members; provides technical direction and guidance to technical-level employees at remote field sites and
central shop facilities; fabricates parts for equipment installation; reviews project results to confirm that the
system or equipment meets the established goal and objectives and Federal Communications Commission requirements;
reviews project documentation for accuracy and completeness.
- Skills Upgrading and Maintenance. Typical tasks: to maintain a high level of technical expertise and skills in radio
and television broadcasting, telecommunications, data transmission and telephony fields, the Engineer 2 participates
in intensive technical training and is responsible for sharing this knowledge with other technical employees in
the agency; keeps abreast of all changes in the field of electronics as they relate to radio and television broadcasting
and telecommunications; informs supervisor of changes in the field and of new state-of-the-art electronic products;
is confronted with a continuously changing technology and must allocate time for formal classes, technical seminars,
self-directed studies, and contact with peers in technical fields to exchange information and findings.
- System Maintenance.
Typical tasks: employs extensive knowledge of electronics and a creative, analytical, and evaluative approach to
provide technical support and guidance to technician-level employees in the troubleshooting and repair of system
and/or equipment problems; develops procedures for the elimination of recurring problems; coordinates proposed
procedures with vendor technical and administrative personnel to develop continuing maintenance and repair practices;
uses advanced knowledge of an extremely wide and diverse variety of state-of-the-art radio and television equipment
to direct, advise, and train lower-level engineers and technicians in the design, installation, maintenance, and
repair of the equipment systems; diagnoses and performs complex repair on sophisticated electronic equipment; performs
emergency repairs; develops preventative maintenance programs for the equipment and insures that it is carried
out.
- Equipment Operation.
Typical tasks: with a technical expertise in equipment operation, directs, advises, and trains lower-level engineers
and technicians in the operation of equipment in such areas as closed circuit and fiber optics program distribution,
microwave transmissions, satellite transmission and receiving, broadcast radio and television transmissions, studio
productions, and remote productions; conducts the production staff on all technical aspects of production and may
direct the technical television production crew.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS
Employees in this class are in daily telephone or in-person contact
with various levels of staff in the agency and other system users to respond to inquiries and provide technical
information on communication projects or systems, recommend designs to new systems, modifications on existing systems,
and equipment utilization. They have daily contact with the public to answer questions and address concerns regarding
broadcast and telecommunication systems. They have weekly telephone or in-person contacts with personnel of State
and Federal agencies and other public entities to provide technical support and maintenance on shared communication
systems, to apply for station licensing, to report performance of equipment to meet regulation, and to solve problems.
The Engineer 2 also has regular contact with equipment vendors and manufacturers, cable companies, and translator
associations, by telephone or in person, to exchange technical information on equipment specifications and operations
and to order parts and equipment.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Employees in this class receive general supervision from a unit
supervisor or manager who normally reviews work on completion of projects for satisfaction of project goals. Interim
reviews may be conducted on large projects which extend over long periods of time to ensure completion on time
and within budget limitations. Employees work with considerable independence during the course of the project,
with work assignments generated out of the particular needs of the project. Guidelines used by employees in performing
the work of this class include Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and Regulations; National Association
of Broadcasters Engineering Standards; and State and agency laws, administrative rules, and procedures.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The work of this class is generally performed in an office/shop
(e.g., video distribution center, television studio), mobile workshop, or at a distant facility. However, this
class occasionally is required to work under severe environmental conditions and temperature extremes when the
work station is located in remote sites in mountainous, coastal, and high desert areas. Employees in this class
work with considerable technical independence and generally provide solutions to equipment and system problems
without direct supervision. It is often necessary to use four-wheel drive vehicles and/or snow cats to reach these
sites during the winter months. Occasionally snow shoe travel is required. Employees in this class are required
to work with high voltage equipment and nonionizing radiation on a daily basis.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Four years of experience in
the installation, maintenance, and operation of radio and television
broadcast regional-field and studio equipment.
An Associate's degree in
Electronic Technology from a recognized school may be substituted for two years
of the required experience.
