Communications Systems Specialist

POSITION MISSION

Under the general direction of the Manager, Electronics and Communications, administers, specifies, and oversees the installation and / or retrofitting of cost-effective communications systems that meet corporate business needs.

POSITION MANDATE

This position is responsible for:

Managing the administration, maintenance, and support of communications systems and services and ensuring that they maintain their usefulness throughout their lifespan.

Researching, evaluating, documenting, reporting and recommending alternative technological approaches, options, and solutions to communications problems.

Undertaking projects that provide and maintain voice and data communications infrastructure and services.

Providing specifications and system commissioning oversight to the Metrolinx Capital Infrastructure and I&I.T. divisions.

POSITION ROLES

• Administers, maintains, and supports communications systems and services including providing timely corrective action and troubleshooting; analyzes and repairs communication system troubles and outages; coordinates and evaluates the work of vendors and contractors ensuring timely and satisfactory resolution of service issues; and undertakes appropriate preventative measures.

• Provides technical support by maintaining configurations of systems and equipment; coordinates scheduled maintenance work of vendors and contractors; reviews engineering project drawings to ensure communications facilities and needs are met throughout the engineering project; analyzes the requirements and need for temporary communication services; coordinates the provision of temporary communication services as required for engineering projects; and provides technical assistance to Facilities Engineering staff.

• Inspects project work to ensure communications systems are installed as specified and required by business needs; manages and directs on-site work of consultants, contractors, and others as required in order to provide needed communications systems and services.

• Documents risks and mitigation strategies/plans including recommending upgrade projects and funding requirements for both operating and capital work.

• Prepares specifications and terms of reference for projects, consultant assignments, and service/maintenance contracts.

• Monitors, tracks and reports usage and statistics for communication systems and services analyzing performance, capacity, traffic, abuse, inventory, quantities, assignment, budgetary cost control, and cost of licenses.

• Administers communication systems and services contracts and reviews, codes, approves, and forwards capital and operating invoices for payment.

• Researches, evaluates, and recommends new communications technologies that provide alternative approaches to solve communication problems and address business needs

• Undertakes projects to deliver communications products and services to meet corporate needs by formulating and preparing project charters, justifications in terms of the proposed scope, budget, and schedule, resulting in preparation of Capital Project Requests; prepares Funds Releases and required approval documentation; evaluates risks and mitigation strategies; evaluates and recommends suitable supplier/vendor/provider

• Follows generally accepted project management practices to execute work as defined by projects undertaken; manages and coordinates the work of user groups, consultants and vendors ensuring work is completed within project requirements and contractual specifications; produces and distributes regular status reports as required

• Manages communications systems and services to meet the business needs of internal clients including creating training plans, configuring communication systems and services for specific client requests; follows up with clients to ensure satisfaction with solutions and provides timely response to client service requests.

• Follows established ITIL processes, such as incident management and configuration control, as appropriate

Minimum 5 years experience in the communications field, with demonstrated troubleshooting, administration and project management skills in the support and delivery of communications, telecommunications, data networking, radio and wireless communications systems.  Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills as well as attention to detail.  Excellent analytical and organizational abilities. Must be capable for working independently and meet critical project deadlines. Thorough knowledge of applicable legislation and codes affecting the public, employees, contactors and facilities with respect to health and safety and the environment. Must successfully complete any other training required by corporate policy. Ability to obtain job related certifications as required.

JUDGEMENT MADE

Judgment is used in responding to emergencies and resolving client concerns; in the administration of services and maintenance of communications systems; in verifying contract details of contracts for infrastructure and services; in analyzing communications traffic and determining capacity requirements.

Judgment is used in administration, maintenance, and support of communications systems; when scheduling system maintenance, replacement, and servicing; when responding to troubles/outages/emergencies and resolving client concerns.; and when responding to emergencies and in dealing with public complaints.

Judgment is exercised when conceptualizing design requirements, determining a need for and providing temporary communications facilities during project work, and in appraising user group requirements.

Judgment is used in analyzing communications system traffic and determining system capacity requirements.

Judgment is used in the evaluation of alternative technological proposals and in assessing the viability of emerging technological solutions; in interpreting and determining technical requirements from the business requirements of internal clients; in the preparation of cost estimates and schedules for the planning of projects in order to define budgets and deadlines.

Judgment is used in the specification, negotiation, and administration of communication contracts; in appraising proposals, designs, cost estimates, contract documents, and contract changes, in order to ensure corporate requirements are met; in assessing contractors and consultants work and ensuring contract conformance, budget and schedule compliance, fair payment practices, and settlement of disputes.

CONTRIBUTION TO POLICY
Develops and provides input to policy and procedures for the use and administration of communications equipment, systems, and services.

PROGRAM/DECISION IMPACT AND SCOPE
Errors in recommending equipment or systems and subsequent maintenance at facilities or on vehicles could cause a serious breakdown of communications resulting in unsafe conditions, service delays, accidents, lawsuits, public complaint, corporate embarrassment and possible loss of revenue

Poor site installations could lead to unproductive investment of significant financial resources.  Inaccurate verification of services and invoices could lead to unnecessary expenditures. Failure to keep accurate inventory records could lead to a loss of valuable equipment. Ineffective maintenance can lead to loss of communication systems critical for operations.

Confidentiality:

Within the context of the position mission, the position has regular access to, exposure and involvement with, confidential operational, contractual and tendering information, including detailed communications system usage data and recordings of voice communications. Disclosure of personal information to unauthorized personnel could result in poor public image and embarrassment to the corporation.

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL CONTACTS

Internal

Regular contacts with all offices and levels of management and staff.

External  

Regular contact with consultants and suppliers to resolve problems, research solutions, procure products and/or services, manage projects, and inspect work done.  Regular contact with external business partners such CN and CP Rail, TTR and TTC,  and 3rd party service providers.  Occasional contact with regulatory authorities to exchange information, research  and resolve problems. Occasional contact with municipal, provincial and federal government offices to exchange information, research solutions, and procure products and/or services.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND LEVEL OF EFFORT

The work is performed in a typical office environment as well as a wide variety of off‑site locations. Travel by vehicle is required as is occasional after-hours site work.  Safety equipment is required in designated areas such as construction sites, industrial maintenance areas and railway right-of-way per regulation. Exposure to all types of weather conditions.   Regular exposure to telephone riser, equipment and electrical rooms requires attention to, and consciousness of, risks and hazards in these areas.  On occasion climbing ladders and some heavy lifting may be required.  Mental focus, good hand-eye coordination and colour discrimination is necessary. Awareness of the criticality of communications systems and the increased level of concentration required for project managing a number of projects simultaneously at different stages of implementation may result in increased stress in some individuals.