1E10
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR

This is specialized emergency communications and network management work, planning and directing a full scale of emergency management communications systems in the Office of Emergency Management. An employee in this class serves as the lead technical communications expert for all emergency communications equipment and operations and exercises authority in related equipment selection and policy development for emergency communications. Managing and monitoring a full scale of emergency management communications systems such as specialized networks, personal computer workstations, servers, radio, telephones, and satellite communications are a significant aspect of the work. Work includes supervising lower level network administrator and emergency response staff, and interacting with various branches of city, state, regional, and federal government involved in emergency communications and planning. Work is performed under the general direction of the Emergency Management Services Director.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

• The position must be located in the Office of Emergency Management.
• The position must manage and monitor a full scale emergency communications system including computers, radios, telephones, satellite communications and the related hardware and software.
• The position must be the lead technological expert in emergency management communications hardware and software.

• Directs the network management of emergency communications equipment; troubleshoots emergency communications equipment; oversees the installation of radio, telephone, video, personal computers, and satellites involved in emergency management communications; plans the staffing for emergency operations; supervises lower level network staff assigned to emergency operations center; manages servers related to emergency communications.
• Develops and initiates policies involving emergency communications; meets with other governmental staff involved in emergency communications and planning; serves as a technical expert on emergency communications; serves in a 24 hour on-call duty capacity.
• Manages multiple servers connected to the emergency communications systems; performs web server administration, software updates, and manages configuration settings; communicates with vendors as needed for any technical problems.
• Tests and maintains telephone lines to assure equipment compatibility for communication with nearby counties; assures radio channels are open for emergency communication; produces and prints aerial view maps using Geographic Information Systems software to determine emergency routes, shelters, fire hydrants, and impact of weather storms and building implosions.
• Uses emergency broadcast equipment as needed; exercises discretion to make necessary changes to emergency broadcast system; exercises discretion to make necessary changes to video script using video editing software.
• Accesses the Emergency Alert System; exercises judgment to override on-air programming to transmit emergency messages and testing; troubleshoots satellite communications systems and hardware installed in the Emergency Operations Center.
• Performs maintenance for emergency communications video equipment; implements, and oversees the purchase and selection of all video equipment used by the Office of Emergency Management; supervises the installation of video equipment.
• Performs and oversees the maintenance and troubleshooting of technological equipment for the emergency mobile unit; oversees the operation of all technological equipment aboard the emergency mobile unit.
• Directs the setting up of temporary emergency communications stations and equipment for special events, and emergencies; assists public safety agencies in emergency planning for the deployment of communication resources for special events.
• Serves as chair or representative for city, state, and regional emergency communication committees.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices and methods of administering and integrating emergency communications equipment
• the current uses and capabilities of microcomputers and microcomputer applications, radio, satellite, video, telephones, and all other emergency communications equipment
• the principles, practices, and techniques used in connecting emergency communications equipment
• current technological developments in the field of emergency communications and networking
• one or more operating systems used for networking microcomputer systems
• one or more communication configuration systems used in emergency management communications systems
• the techniques used in network problem resolution of emergency communications equipment
• the theory and practices of implementing and maintaining security procedures and protocols

SKILL IN:

• evaluating emergency communications equipment and analyzing problems
• producing effective problem resolution for emergency communications equipment problems
• modifying communication configurations to meet emergency management needs

ABILITY TO:

• provide technical direction to lower level technicians engaged in emergency management communications work
• become familiar with the functions and objectives of an assigned municipal government responsibility area
• coordinate and direct the activities involved in maintaining a Local Area Network
• plan and implement strategies for system security and integrity for emergency communications
• establish working relationships and communicate effectively with vendors, users, associates, and emergency communications government officers
• instruct users in the operation and proper use of computer equipment, radio, satellite, emergency broadcast hardware and software, and telephones
• determine the right balance of performance and cost efficiency for the assigned network
• use tact and diplomacy when interacting with end users and administrators
• evaluate new technologies and conceptualize their potential for incorporation into the existing system
• think logically and sequentially
• speak and write effectively
• identifying security threats and potential threats and recovery planning for emergency communications systems
• identifying various communication alternatives in response to emergency response

EDUCATION

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Computer Science, Decision Science, Information Science or a closely related field.
AND


GENERAL EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience performing computer management work at the advanced performance level maintaining a computer system configured in a local area network of personal computer workstations and supporting hardware; or one year of supervisory computer network management work, directing the activities of a departmental interconnected, multiple remote work site network of personal computer (PC) workstations, other communications hardware, and other related peripheral equipment.
AND


SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience managing the operations, installation and maintenance of a local area network of personal computer workstations and support hardware and equipment as part of a full scale emergency management communications system in the Office of Emergency Management.

OR

Any equivalent combination of training and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department, which has included the specific experience and completion of an associate’s degree in Computer Science, Decision Science, Information Science or a closely related field.

NOTE

Certification as a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Certified Novell Administrator (CNA), Certified Novell Engineer (CNE), or Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) is acceptable in lieu of the general experience requirement OR two years of the educational requirement.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as an Emergency Communications Network Administrator, if required by work assignment.