Communications Tower Technician Jobs

This recruitment will be used to establish an 18-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies over the life of the list. Application period may close without notice.
Under general supervision, installs and maintains radio communications towers, antenna systems, and related site structures; acts as a project leader when assigned; works irregular hours and travels extensively throughout the state. Performs related duties as assigned. This is a competitive classification.
Must successfully complete the examination process.
Written Exam weight = 40%
Performance Assessment Pass/fail
Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB) weight = 60%

1. Installs, maintains, repairs, removes, or retrofits antenna systems equipment and power systems (e.g., antennas, microwave dishes, feed lines, ice shields, etc.), sometimes under adverse conditions (e.g., high towers, inclement weather, remote sites, etc.) to maintain operational communications throughout the statewide network using safety equipment and hand, power, and specialty tools.
2. Transports heavy equipment to work locations including remote mountaintops to perform functions of the job using appropriate vehicles (e.g., 4-wheel drive vehicle, snowcat, trailer, tractor, crane, fork lift, etc.).
3. Operates construction equipment (e.g., ditch witch, 4-wheel drive vehicles, hydraulic/electric winches, fork-lifts, etc.) to dig holes, inspect guy wire anchors, load/unload communications equipment and supplies, and install/remove communications equipment using safety equipment and clothing, and hand tools (e.g., hard hat, seat belt, etc.).
4. Designs and fabricates tower hardware and accessories to maintain, repair, and retrofit antenna systems equipment in order to support communications system operation using fixed and portable power tools and welding equipment.
5. Plans, surveys, and organizes the construction and installation of communication towers and sites to expand communications coverage in the state using standard office equipment (e.g., mainframe/personal computer, FAX, photocopier, etc.), various schematics and drawings (e.g., blueprints, Pert and Gantt charts, etc.).
6. Inspects remote communication sites to assess and/or schedule preventive maintenance of antenna systems and tower conditions using a 4-wheel drive truck and hand tools.
7. Reads, reviews, and updates tower documentation files to gain information and develop a knowledge base of antenna/tower systems using various logs, manuals, and written procedures.
8. Responds to 24-hour calls for assistance to provide emergency support to return antenna systems to operational mode during off-duty hours using 4-wheel drive trucks, snowcats, rotary wing aircraft, and snowshoes.
9. Handles hazardous materials to assure proper use, storage and disposition using Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations, mask, gloves, and hazardous materials placards.
10. Analyzes remote communications sites to determine best location and proper placement for installation of new antenna systems equipment using section documentation, manufacturers' documents, and specialized equipment.
11. Communicates orally and in writing with DPS employees, other state and federal agencies and the general public in order to provide information and resolve issues using standard office equipment, DPS policies and procedures and DPS General Orders.
12. Operates various construction equipment (e.g., truck cranes, backhoes, front loaders, etc.) to install tower foundations and structures.
13. Interprets various documents (e.g., blueprints, diagrams, manufacturer specifications, etc.) to ensure proper installation of antenna systems using technical expertise, and knowledge of blueprints and diagrams.
14. Writes, reads, reviews, and updates tower/antenna system information to provide current site documentation for use by telecommunications personnel using reading, interpretative, and written communication skills.
15. Completes and submits various forms and reports (e.g., time & activity, travel claim, monthly report, state vehicle usage form, work order logs, etc.) to document activities, expenses, etc. using standard DPS forms.
16. Develops and maintains working relations with vendors and suppliers to enhance availability of supplies, services, parts, and lodging using standard office equipment and oral communication skills.
17. Remains current on job-specific and Department topics through training courses, workshops, seminars, professional organizations, professional publications, etc. to apply appropriate policies and technologies to assigned job functions.
18. Performs on-site repairs and maintenance to vehicles and construction equipment to return them to service using hand and specialty tools.
19. Makes preliminary line-of-site surveys from communication towers using climbing and safety gear (e.g., climbing belt, harness, hard hat, steel-toed boots, etc.).
20. Receives, inventories, inspects, ships, and delivers parts and supplies to locations throughout the state in order to promptly provide necessary parts and supplies to co-workers using manual and automated inventory systems, various delivery services, and a Department vehicle.
21. Evaluates bids to determine the best vendor/contractor to supply the materials or best contractor to perform tower installation on remote communication sites using a personal computer, Department of Administration (DOA) and DPS procurement policies, and State bid policies.
22. Assists as needed in maintaining remote communication buildings and towers and antenna systems to ensure continuance of communication systems using specialty machines and equipment (e.g., paint sprayers, carpentry equipment, meters, A/C gauges, pumps, etc.).
23. Arranges for the procurement and/or disposal of buildings, materials, supplies, and equipment using various forms (e.g., purchase requisition, purchase order, surplus property transfer, etc.).
24. Develops and conducts training of less experienced co-workers to assure quality work, safety and proper use of tools, equipment, and materials, and to demonstrate safety or technical job requirements using knowledge of principles and techniques of staff development and oral presentation skills.
25. Assists in the repair and maintains of electric generators as needed.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
1. the principles and procedures involved with inspection of physical structures.
2. the proper care and use of personal protective gear (e.g., hard had, climbing belt, steel-toed boots, etc.).
3. the proper and safe loading of tower hardware for transport to other sites.
4. the purpose and proper use of heavy equipment used in constructing and maintaining communication towers.
5. the basic care and use of hand and power tools.
6. the design and fabrication of metal support structures (e.g., antenna brackets, ice shields, solar array supports, feed-line support systems, mono pole towers, etc.).
7. the principles and procedures of preventive maintenance on physical structures and equipment.
8. drafting used in the design and fabrication of communication towers and auxiliary facilities.
9. proper electrical wiring methods.
10. the principles and practices of construction planning and installation.
11. the principles and practices of establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relations.
12. the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) as applied to area of responsibility and assigned duties.
SKILL IN:
1. driving vehicular equipment under adverse conditions.
2. diagnosing the source of problems and determining the most effective solutions.
3. operating heavy construction equipment (e.g., ditch witch, snowcat, forklift, 4-wheel drive truck, trailer, crane, backhoe, front loader, etc.).
4. safely using explosives in clearing sites for new communication towers.
5. communicating orally in one-on-one and group situations.
6. the proper handling, use, and disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., explosives, contaminating liquids and gases, etc.).
7. the use of specialized equipment (e.g., digital voltmeters, Time Domain Reflectometers, wattmeters, etc.) related to maintenance of communications facilities and equipment.
8. operating welding equipment to fabricate tower hardware.
9. the proper use of shop equipment (e.g., arc, mig, and acetylene welding; oxyacetylene cutting torch, grinding equipment, power saws, etc.).
10. writing administrative and technical communications.
11. project management.
12. applying proper methods and safety standards to the installation and removal of communication sites (e.g. radio and microwave system hardware, antennas, coaxial feed-lines, termination connectors, dishes, steel towers, grounding systems, etc.).
ABILITY TO:
1. perform basic mathematical calculations (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc.).
2. remain calm under stressful situations.
3. use standard office equipment (e.g., telephone, FAX, photocopier, personal computer, etc.).
4. acquire additional skills to maintain technical and professional competencies.
5. work independently with minimal supervision.
6. take direction from peers.
7. apply appropriate directives (federal, state, and local laws; Department policies and procedures; blueprints, diagrams, schematics, manuals, etc.) to daily work activities.
8. plan and coordinate job tasks.
9. create detailed documentation of work performed on physical facilities.
10. operate electronic diagnostic equipment (e.g., digital voltmeters, Time Domain Reflectometers [TDR's], Wattmeters, etc.).
11. interpret blueprints, diagrams, and schematics.
12. test and troubleshoot mechanical problems.
13. operate survey instruments (e.g., compasses, engineering, line-of-sight propagation instrument, mirrors, transit, etc.).
14. calculate and verify point to point path loss for receiving signals.

Requires one (1) year of satisfactory experience as a Communications Tower Technician Trainee; OR one (1) year of experience within the last five (5) years in communication tower construction, system maintenance and installation of tower support equipment; OR one (1) year of experience as a structural steel or high line tower installer in the last five (5) years.
Must possess an Arizona driver license no later than effective starting date.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Ability to climb tall structures (100 feet or more) with 50 lb. load to perform work at altitudes of up to 12,000 feet.
2. Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 35 pounds).
3. Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
4. Availability to work irregular hours and/or respond to emergency call-outs on a 24 hour basis.
5. Ability to travel extensively throughout the state.
6. Applicant/Employee's weight and tools combined may not exceed 280-pound weight limit as specified by the manufacturer of safety equipment.
7. Applicant/Employee's waist circumference must not exceed 60 inches measured at the navel as specified by the manufacturer of safety equipment.
Progression to the next pay level/step requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months.
Must successfully complete the examination process.
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt