IT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

About the Department

Under the supervision of the Help Desk Manager, the employee organizes, secures, operates, and maintains state of the art systems of audio, visual, lighting, and other equipment at City specific events.  The employee works outside normal working hours and may work in different locations through the City.  The employee provides accurate and timely setup, operation, and breakdown of required equipment for the general sessions, breakouts, and special broadcasted events for the City of Fairhope.  Work is performed within established guidelines and procedures involving considerable independence.  This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to a pre-employment background check and random drug screens.
Opportunities for compensation increases are available through the completion of approved certifications.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Communication Specialist Duties.  Employee performs skilled and complex technical work in the installation, maintenance, repair, modification, and use of communications equipment related the City’s audio, video, and telecommunication systems.
 

1. Prepares, repairs, and upgrades equipment throughout the City.
2. Provides customer service and specific assistance to customers including troubleshooting and operational assistance.
3. Acts as subject matter expert in technical support field.
4. Maintains consolidated equipment inventory for on- and off-site project support.
5. Builds custom cables and assists in the fabrication of electrical components as needed.
6. Troubleshoots equipment and systems when problems arise.
7. Provides timely and descriptive reports of equipment malfunction, equipment repair, mitigation, and work arounds.
8. Works with co-workers to communicate room requirements and changes as they arise.
9. Assists with storing deliveries and equipment.
10. Monitors the maintenance and repair of equipment through third party vendor relationships.
11. Prepares for public meetings live stream.
12. Records live stream of public meetings.
13. Edits meeting videos and publishes them to the network.
14. Maintains City website.
15. Arranges audio for public meetings.
16. Maintains citizen communication platforms.
17. Advises staff in event planning regarding appropriate equipment use.
18. Deploys and operates wireless microphone systems.
19. Uses standard microphoning techniques as required per event.
20. Troubleshoots large audio systems involving mixed protocols.
21. Creates and follows procedures for the maintenance of many varying audio devices, sub-systems, and general systems.
22. Keeps current with industry and manufacturer specific software and procedures.

 
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: General Communication Operations.  Employee performs duties to ensure the efficient operation of communication equipment throughout the City.
 

1. Provides recommendations to improve efficiency when immediate problems arise.
2. Communicates with Manager to ensure all needs are being met.
3. Fosters working relationships with all service-related vendors.
4. Works with City leaders on sending messages out via all messaging platforms (Everbridge, Facebook, Twitter, Website, and other mobile phone applications).
5. Maintains telephone system including end-user support.
6. Maintains mobile communications for the City.
7. Recommends and suggests equipment to management to enhance efficiency of media use.
8. Researches and recommends new equipment purchases.
9. Performs firmware updates to related computer peripherals as needed.
10. Performs basic computer system configuration.
11. Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail, and database software in performing work assignments.

 
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
 

1. Responds to emergency calls during hurricanes, inclement weather, or other emergency situations.
2. Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
 

1. Possess a high school diploma or GED; two (2) years college course work in IT related areas preferred.
2. Minimum of three (3) years of practical work experience in the Information Technology or related field; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job.
3. Possess a current and valid driver’s license; must be insurable.
4. Ability to work nonstandard hours, including weekends and overtime.
5. Ability to travel.
6. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.

 

Other Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(* Can be acquired on the job)
 

1. *Knowledge of City rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
2. *Knowledge of City office locations.
3. Knowledge of technology regarding lighting, audio, IT, and audio-visual systems.
4. Knowledge of Windows and Mac based computers, including Microsoft Office products, Pro Presenter, Media Shout, Easy Worship and Keynote.
5. Knowledge of wireless microphone systems.
6. Knowledge of standard microphoning techniques.
7. Knowledge of personal computer systems hardware, operating systems, telecommunications systems, and peripheral devices used in a network environment.
8. Knowledge of basic networking operations and procedures.
9. Knowledge of software utilization to troubleshoot hardware/software problems.
10. Knowledge of website design and graphics.
11. Knowledge of the methods, tools, and techniques applied to diverse IT operations in complex multi-platform networked environments.
12. Knowledge of safety rules including accident causation and prevention.
13. Communication skills to effectively communicate internally and externally, both orally and in writing.
14. Verbal skills to communicate effectively with officials, supervisors, co-workers, and public.
15. Reading skills to comprehend and interpret technical and trade journals, industry specific periodicals, product/manufacturer specifications, and related technical information and data.
16. Writing skills to take field notes; write reports, correspondence and recommendations using correct English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
17. Math skills to perform calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and some statistical analysis.
18. Skills in organization with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize work effectively in an environment with competing demands.
19. Ability to be proactive, resourceful, and flexible.
20. Ability to deal with stressful situations and effectively handle complaints.
21. Ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment where work priorities change frequently.
22. Ability to analyze situations and exercise good judgment.
23. Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
24. Ability to create and follow procedures, standards, and best practices.
25. Ability to perform work involving the use of hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
26. Ability to work well in a group environment and be able to offer support when requested, both mental and physical, to other departments.
27. Ability to properly convey concepts and best practices to others within your work group.
28. Ability to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with minimum direction.
29. Ability to evaluate, troubleshoot, diagnose, and develop solutions to potential and real operational and system deficiencies to ensure continued and uninterrupted service to system users.
30. Ability to drive.

Physical Demands
 
The work requires considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of tall ladders, lifting heavy objects over 50 lbs., crouching, or crawling in restricted areas.
 
 
Work Environment
 
The work involves moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working around moving parts, carts, or machines; with contagious diseases or irritant chemicals, etc. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields.

Provides municipal governance and public services to the community.