Job Advert: Radio/Telephone Technician
The U.S. Mission in Yaounde, Cameroon is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position Radio/Telephone Technician. This position is located in Yaounde, Cameroon.
CLOSING DATE: April 19, 2017
WORK HOURS: Full time, 40 hours/week
BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION
Under the direct supervision of the Telephone and Radio Supervisor, the incumbent is responsible for the administration, installation, operation and maintenance of the Embassy's Radio and telecommunication systems, which includes installation and maintenance of base stations, handheld and vehicular radios and antenna systems. He/She performs a myriad of administrative duties to support the radio and telephone programs and serves as a liaison between the Embassy and the Cameroonian counterparts, the Department of State, and local vendors on radio and telephone issues.
Detailed Duties and Responsibilities for Radio-Telephone Technician:
Radio Program: 35% of Time
Programs digital and analog base stations, mobile and hand held radios for all Embassy agencies using specialized software and tools. Installs, tests, and services base stations, mobile radios and radio repeaters to ensure a fully functioning system is available at all times. Repairs radios, chargers and associated equipment when possible. Prepares handheld radios, assigns, and trains newly arrived personnel. Updates the radio database daily to maintain accountability of program property. Conducts radio coverage surveys, which includes viability of the location from a security and operational perspective as well as determining the proper equipment and tools required to effect an installation. Maintains radio equipment, to include performing scheduled power analysis with high power supplies, adjusting the equipment to include intricate circuit boards of the system for optimum performance and requisitioning parts and supplies required. Troubleshoots equipment and system faults which requires knowing how to read and utilize technical manuals and schematics to detect faults and problems, applying learned procedures and techniques to determine the cause and rectification of problems, and using scientific reasoning to resolve undocumented problems.
Telephone Program: 40% of Time
Performs surveys, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of one Nortel CS1000 PBX switch, six Norstar digital telephone systems, and IP Office. Surveying includes assessment of request to ensure compatibility with the one of the major telephone systems. Installation includes performing proper cross-connects, labeling, annotation / diagramming, and testing of the equipment and dedicated lines requested by customers. Maintenance includes troubleshooting down to the most intricate microprocessor and chip of circuit boards, maintaining accurate databases as employees relocate, performs software and technical changes to lines and peripherals to ensure high performance, perform and maintain a regular schedule of cleaning of sensitive components of the various switches and ensure backup power supply is tested and works properly to provide continuity. Installs and maintains the off- premises (OPX) and commercial telephone lines to the annexes and residences. Troubleshooting requires knowing how to read and utilize techniques to determine the cause and rectification of problems, and using scientific reasoning to resolve undocumented problems, Additionally, work with the Information System employees to troubleshoot computer line problems between the chancery and the various annexes.
Inventorying, Accountability and other administrative duties: 10% of Time
Must display proficiency in computer skills and Microsoft office applications. Assist with maintaining very descriptive Microsoft Access and Excel databases of all radios and telephones within the mission. Utilizing the inventory to account for the location of all units as well as determine the time frame for restocking of equipment and supplies in order to maintain the two distinct programs' equipment. Requisition equipment and supplies for replenishment as well as to enhance the equipment of the two programs. Prepares telegrams and e-mails to regional offices and the Department. of State clearly explaining technical issues. Prepare radios and telephones for shipment, ensuring the proper packing materials, descriptive information, registry number and the most efficient means of transporting the equipment are utilized.
Liaison: 10% of Time
In the absence of the senior radio and telephone technician or when directed to by the American supervisor performs the following: Liaison between the Information Management Office and CAMTEL officials on matters relating to new installations, telephone bill, technical problems, and to provide public relations in general. Liaison between the Ministry of Telecommunications and the IMO on Embassy satellite and circuitry installations and upgrades. Provide escorts as well as technical assistance to CAMTEL officials in residences and the chancery and annexes, as required to troubleshoot the equipment. Telephonically and in writing (prepares telegrams, e-mails and letters), coordinate with Department of State as well as contractors on radio and telephone issues. Maintain a contact list and a very good work relationship with the local vendors, host government officials as well as Department of State technical employees in order to receive timely assistance on technical and non-technical issues.
Other office equipment and troubleshooting: 5% of Time
As required, assist the General Services Office and Public Affairs Office in rectifying problems with Official residence home entertainment systems such as television, radio, stereos, satellite systems, and other small office equipment. Advises the IMO and GSO on parts required and the life expectancy of the aforementioned equipment. Troubleshoots and rectifies issues that may arise with the Consular public address system.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
EDUCATION: A Bachelor's degree or equivalent diploma in telecommunications, with radio and telephone theories as major, and with emphasis on basic electronics, computer hardware, telephone systems, and radio communications systems is required.
EXPERIENCE: At least five years of experience in telecommunications is required. Two of the five years should include installing, repairing and maintaining network hardware, high-speed circuitry, multiplexers, modems, computer switched telephone, radio system and television.
LANGUAGE: Level IV (fluent) speaking/reading/writing of English and level III (good working knowledge) speaking/reading/writing of French are required. (This will be tested.)
SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Incumbent must have good management and record keeping skills; must be able to communicate effectively and work independently; must read and interpret technical guidelines, parts catalogs, schematic drawings and engineering plans to communicate effectively with technicians and USG officials; must have project and equipment life cycle management skills. He/She should be able to operate computer and work on MS Office suite; should be able use hand and power tools and diagnostic equipment. A category B driver's license is required. (This will be tested.)
JOB KNOWLEDGE: Incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of telephone and radio communications theory and practice, including installation, operation, maintenance, testing and troubleshooting; demonstrated understanding of international telecommunication and radio standards; and must be familiar with telephone operating systems software and Internet Protocol (IP) based telephony networking. He/She must have specific knowledge of Cameroon telecommunication and radio regulations and protocol.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
- Universal Application for Employment (UAE) (Form DS-174), which is available on our website or by contacting Human Resources. (See “For Further Information” above);
- Any additional documentation that supports or addresses the requirements listed above (e.g. transcripts, degrees, etc.)
WHERE TO APPLY:
Human Resources Office
P.O. Box 817, Tel.: 222-201-500, Ext 4006, U.S. Embassy Yaounde, Cameroon
- E-mail Address: ydeapplicants@state.gov
- Indicate the position title on the subject line.