Exam Bulletin - Telecommunications Systems Manager I (Specialist)

State of California

Exam Code: EX-2890

Examination Plans Included:

  • TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS MANAGER I (SPECIALIST) - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Bulletin Updates

  • Any editable section on the Exam Bulletin has been updated.

Classification Details

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS MANAGER I (SPECIALIST): $6,430.00 - $8,452.00 per Month

View the TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS MANAGER I (SPECIALIST) classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed exam. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the exam until the request is processed.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS MANAGER I (SPECIALIST) - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2890

For TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS MANAGER I (SPECIALIST), once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02890

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00105135 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS MANAGER I (SPECIALIST)

Either 1

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Telecommunications Systems Analyst II.

Or 2

Five years of analytical experience in planning, organizing and coordinating maintenance and upgrade activities for telecommunications equipment such as radio/microwave and/or wire service systems. (Experience in California state service applied toward this requirement must include one year performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility not less than that of Telecommunications Systems Analyst II.) and

Equivalent to graduation from college, preferably with major specialization in electronics or related technical subject area. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.)

Position Description

00105135 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS MANAGER I (SPECIALIST)

Under general direction in a department having a statewide radio/microwave or landwire communications network of moderate size, incumbents are responsible for the entire program and act as the departmental representative on communication matters. In the Department of General Services, incumbents under the general direction of a Telecommunications Systems Manager II or higher level position, are responsible for a specialized area of telecommunications systems where the level of expertise is definably above the Telecommunications Systems Analyst II and for providing consultative services to management of the Department of General Services and other departments. Positions allocated to this level are characterized by the following criteria:

a. Functions as the recognized expert on telecommunications matters in department; and

b. Functions as a skilled consultant to top management.

Special Personal Characteristics

Willingness to travel throughout the State.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  1. Basic theory of telecommunications and electronics
  2. Operation of electronic telecommunications systems including microwave and complex multiple carrying equipment, radio control equipment and closed circuit television systems
  3. Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations pertaining to telecommunications systems 
  4. State administrative and budgetary procedures and practices
Ability to:
  1. Perform communication studies
  2. Analyze situations and take effective action 
  3. Communicate effectively and prepare reports
  4. Interpret the law on those matters pertaining to access, easements and occupancy of communications facilities as required 
  5. Formulate and implement operational and training procedures of telecommunications systems
  6. Develop, prepare and present the department's telecommunications' budget and coordinate communications requirements with various governmental agencies 
  7. Coordinate with utility companies, private citizens, corporations and companies those matters pertaining to access, easements, and occupancy of communications facilities as required

Eligible List Information

A Servicewide Open eligible list for the TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS MANAGER I (SPECIALIST) Classification will be established for:

  • State of California

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Telecommunications Systems Manager I (Specialist) Training and Experience Exam Preview

Section 1: Telecommunications Systems Manager 1 (Specialist) - Task-Based Questions

Instructions:
Rate your experience performing specific job-related tasks.

Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every statement by marking one option from the scale(s) provided.

In responding to each statement, you may refer to your FORMAL EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING COURSES, and/or WORK EXPERIENCE whether paid or volunteer.

1. Analyzing and applying State and federal telecommunications regulations and rules
(e. g., Federal Communications Commission, Government Codes, Public Utilities Commission, State Administrative Manual) to determine impact on telecommunications systems and program operations.
2. Evaluating telecommunications systems, prototypes, and proposals with engineers, vendors, and/or clients to ensure operational needs.
3. Evaluating financial restraints and budget limitations of telecommunications systems, prototypes and proposals with engineers, vendors, or clients to ensure they remain within the planned project/contract budget.
4. Developing and/or revising operational requirements and procedures to ensure telecommunications systems programs are consistent with policies, procedures, and business processes.
5. Conducting feasibility analyses including cost/benefit analysis studies on telecommunications systems and equipment to plan telecommunications systems, installations, locations, necessary equipment, and other potential issues.
6. Coordinating the testing of telecommunications systems (e.g., radio, phone, data) with subject matter experts, clients, and/or vendors.
7. Testing and/or analyzing telecommunications systems (e.g., radio, phone, data) to ensure optimal system functionality.
8. Monitoring license and permit renewals and/or modifications (e.g., Federal
Communications Commission, Air Quality Management District, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)) to ensure existing licenses or permits are obtained in a timely manner.
9. Developing specifications to acquire telecommunications equipment or services for clients.
10. Initiating work authorization requests for the timely repair, installation, and efficient operation of telecommunications systems throughout the State.
11. Reviewing and/or monitoring the work authorization process to ensure the timely repair, installation, and efficient operation of telecommunications systems throughout the State.
12. Monitoring the installation of new telecommunications systems, equipment, and services based on operational needs using project management methods and tools, input from management and vendors, to ensure adherence to action plans, schedules and/or resources.
13. Monitoring the transfer of incoming/outgoing equipment for specific projects with vendors and department warehouses to ensure appropriate installation, testing, repair and/or removal from service.
14. Coordinating with stakeholder teams (e.g., vendors, staff, clients) to ensure the timely and appropriate installation and functionality of telecommunications systems.
15. Reviewing and evaluating the work of vendors and/or internal staff (e.g., fiscal, engineer) to ensure the effective, technical, and compatible resolution of telecommunications service problems.
16. Performing oversight and risk analysis of projects and deadlines to ensure delivery of services meet operational, scheduling, and budgetary requirements.
17. Assisting in the development of program budgets by following and/or establishing guidelines, developing priorities, and monitoring expenditures to promote efficient and cost-effective programs.
18. Completing and evaluating telecommunications final project documentation to close out projects.
19. Developing reports (e.g., management reports, project reports, cost/benefit analysis reports, inventory) in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
20. Developing documents (e.g., issue papers, white papers, feasibility study reports) to identify the scope and complexity of identified problems and propose recommendations and solutions.
21. Evaluating statements of work, project plans, and change orders to determine if scope of work is accurate, complete, and consistent with project/contract requirements.
22. Developing action plans and/or schedules to coordinate installation of telecommunications systems, equipment, and services based on operational needs.
23. Resolving client complaints and/or problems related to telecommunications systems, policies, and procedures, to ensure operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Section 2: Telecommunications Systems Manager 1 (Specialist) - Knowledge and Ability-Based Questions

Instructions:
Rate your experience in accordance to specific job-related knowledge and abilities.

Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every statement by marking one option from the scale(s) provided.

In responding to each statement, you may refer to your FORMAL EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING COURSES, and/or WORK EXPERIENCE whether paid or volunteer.

24. Knowledge of the theory and principles of telecommunications and electronics for the installation, maintenance, modification, and repair of equipment and systems.
25. Knowledge of the design, uses, and functions of telecommunications equipment (e.g., radios, microwave, satellite, voice, data) in order to verify equipment and complete other work related tasks.
26. Knowledge of transmission mediums, switching, and operation of telecommunications systems to complete work tasks.
27. Knowledge of telecommunications organizations, standards, and government codes
(e. g., National Telecommunications Industry Association, Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, National Emergency Number Association) regarding telecommunications systems.
28. Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission and/or California Public Utilities Commission rules and/or regulations regarding telecommunications system operations.
29. Ability to monitor telecommunications projects to ensure they remain within the contract’s budget and to ensure appropriate equipment and services were received in a timely manner.
30. Ability to coordinate the design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications systems and equipment.
31. Ability to write technical and detailed documents (e.g., specifications, reports, project summaries, program status reports) to clearly communicate methods, analyses, findings, recommendations, and other relevant information.
32. Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals, system diagrams, site drawings, manufacturer’s specifications, and troubleshooting guidelines used in the installation and repair of telecommunications equipment.
33. Ability to consult with staff, clients, agencies, the public and private entities regarding telecommunications related issues and/or projects.
34. Ability to perform basic mathematical computations (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) for completing budget and/or invoice related tasks.

Testing Departments

  • State of California

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

State of California
CalCareer Service Center
1810 16th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: (866) 844-8671
CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

State of California reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)