Communications Systems Specialist

Communications Systems Specialist at Metrolinx

Metrolinx is dedicated to connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe, operating essential transit services like GO Transit and UP Express, alongside the PRESTO fare payment system. The organization is at the forefront of building new and improved rapid transit infrastructure, including significant GO Expansion projects, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, Metrolinx is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, which are integral to its values of serving with passion, thinking forward, and playing as a team.

This is a 12-month term position.

Position Mission

Under the general direction of the Manager, Electronics and Communications, the Communications Systems Specialist 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, ensuring their continued 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.

Position Roles

• Administers, maintains, and supports communications systems and services, including timely corrective action and troubleshooting; analyzes and repairs communication system troubles and outages; coordinates and evaluates the work of vendors and contractors to ensure 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; analyzes the requirements for temporary communication services; coordinates the provision of temporary communication services; 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 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, inventory, 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 by formulating project charters, justifications in terms of scope, budget, and schedule, resulting in Capital Project Requests; prepares Funds Releases and required approval documentation; evaluates risks and mitigation strategies; evaluates and recommends suitable suppliers/vendors/providers.
• Follows generally accepted project management practices to execute work; 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.
• 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 and provides timely response to service requests.
• Follows established ITIL processes, such as incident management and configuration control, as appropriate.

Knowledge Gained By Formal Education And Previous Training

Candidates should possess knowledge of communications system technology, as well as data and telecommunications, typically obtained through a 3-year diploma program in Electrical/Electronics Engineering Technology, Communications Technology, or an equivalent or higher combination of education and related experience.

Knowledge Gained By Experience

A minimum of 5 years experience in the communications field is required, 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 communication skills, along with attention to detail, are essential. Strong analytical and organizational abilities are a must. The successful candidate must be capable of working independently and meeting critical project deadlines, and possess a thorough knowledge of applicable legislation and codes affecting public, employees, contractors, and facilities with respect to health and safety and the environment. The ability to obtain job-related certifications as required and to successfully complete any other training required by corporate policy is also necessary.

Judgment Made

This role requires significant judgment in various scenarios, including responding to emergencies and resolving client concerns, administering and maintaining communications systems, verifying contract details, analyzing communications traffic and determining capacity requirements. Judgment is also crucial when scheduling system maintenance, conceptualizing design requirements, evaluating alternative technological proposals, interpreting technical requirements from business needs, preparing cost estimates, and assessing contractor work for compliance, budget, and schedule adherence.

Contribution to Policy

The Communications Systems Specialist develops and provides input to policy and procedures for the use and administration of communications equipment, systems, and services.

Program/Decision Impact and Scope

Errors in recommendations or maintenance could lead to critical communication breakdowns, resulting in unsafe conditions, service delays, accidents, lawsuits, public complaints, corporate embarrassment, and potential revenue loss. Poor installations or ineffective maintenance could lead to significant financial investment losses or loss of critical operational communication systems. Inaccurate record-keeping or invoice verification could also result in unnecessary expenditures.

Confidentiality

Within the scope of this position, there is regular access to and involvement with confidential operational, contractual, and tendering information, including detailed communications system usage data and recordings of voice communications. Unauthorized disclosure could severely damage Metrolinx's public image.

Internal/External Contacts

• Internal: Regular contacts with all offices and levels of management and staff.
• External: Regular contact with consultants and suppliers to resolve problems, research solutions, procure products/services, manage projects, and inspect work. Regular contact with external business partners such as CN and CP Rail, TTR and TTC, and 3rd party service providers. Occasional contact with regulatory authorities and municipal, provincial, and federal government offices for information exchange, research, and procurement.

Working Conditions And Level Of Effort

The work environment is a blend of typical office settings and a wide variety of off-site locations. Travel by vehicle is required, as is occasional after-hours site work. Safety equipment is mandatory in designated areas like construction sites, industrial maintenance zones, and railway rights-of-way. Exposure to all types of weather conditions is expected, along with regular exposure to telephone riser, equipment, and electrical rooms, requiring consciousness of associated risks and hazards. Physical demands may include occasional climbing of ladders and some heavy lifting. Mental focus, good hand-eye coordination, and color discrimination are necessary. The criticality of communications systems and the need to project manage multiple projects simultaneously may lead to increased stress levels.

Key skills/competency

• Communications System Administration
• Data Networking & Telecommunications
• Radio & Wireless Systems
• Troubleshooting & Corrective Action
• Project Management Principles
• Vendor & Contractor Coordination
• ITIL Processes & Configuration Control
• System Commissioning & Oversight
• Infrastructure Maintenance
• Risk Mitigation & Planning