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.