Communications Systems Specialist

Metrolinx

About The Position

Metrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Metrolinx operates GO Transit and UP Express, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. We are also building new and improved rapid transit, including GO Expansion, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system, to get people where they need to go, better, faster and easier. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario. At Metrolinx, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to living our values of serving with passion, thinking forward and playing as a team. 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.

Requirements

Knowledge of communications system technology as well as data and telecommunications normally obtained by a 3 year diploma program in Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology, Communications Technology, or an equivalent or higher combination of education and related experience.
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.

Responsibilities

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