Journeyman Telecommunications Engineering Specialist (VTC Focus)

Journeyman Telecommunications Engineering Specialist (VTC Focus)
Labor Category Description:
The Journeyman Telecommunications Engineering Specialist is a skilled technical professional responsible for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of the organization's unified communications systems, with a primary focus on Video Teleconferencing (VTC) and Voice over IP (VoIP) technologies. Working under the general guidance of senior engineers, this individual performs hands-on technical work to ensure that VTC and voice systems are reliable, secure, and meet user needs. They are a key resource for setting up conference rooms, troubleshooting session issues, managing system endpoints, and providing technical support for all real-time communication services. See section 9.5 on local travel for equipment transportation.

Typical Task List:
VTC and Conference Room Support:
- Install, configure, and test VTC hardware, including codecs, cameras, microphones, and control systems in conference rooms and other designated facilities.
- Integrate VTC systems with associated audio-visual (AV) equipment, such as displays, projectors, and room control panels (e.g., Extron, Crestron, AMX).
- Provide "white glove" pre-meeting setup and in-session technical support for high-visibility VTC meetings to ensure successful execution.
- Schedule and manage VTC sessions, including multipoint conferences using bridging infrastructure (MCU).

VoIP and Telephony Support:
- Install and configure Voice over IP (VoIP) hard phones and assist users with the setup of soft client applications (e.g., Cisco Jabber).
- Perform basic user account administration in the telecommunications call manager system, such as creating new users and assigning phone profiles.
- Troubleshoot and resolve common user-reported issues with office phones, including connectivity, call quality, and feature functionality.

System Maintenance and Administration:
- Perform routine maintenance and apply software updates and patches to VTC codecs, VoIP phones, and other communication endpoints under the direction of senior staff.
- Monitor the health and status of telecommunications systems and endpoints, identifying and reporting potential issues.
- Assist with maintaining an accurate inventory of all VTC and telephony assets.

Troubleshooting and User Support:
- Serve as a Tier 2 escalation point for the Help Desk for issues related to VTC and VoIP systems.
- Diagnose and resolve technical problems with VTC sessions, including connectivity failures, poor audio/video quality, and content sharing issues.
- Provide guidance and training to end-users on the proper use of conference room VTC equipment and collaboration tools.

Minimum Qualifications / Requirements
Experience:
A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of hands-on experience in supporting telecommunications systems, with at least two (2) years of that experience focused specifically on Video Teleconferencing (VTC) and VoIP technologies.

Certifications (Baseline):
Must possess a current CompTIA Security+ CE certification (or higher) to meet DoD 8140 requirements for IAT Level II.
 
Certifications (Computing Environment - Desired):
Relevant industry certifications are highly desired. Examples include:
CompTIA Network+
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Collaboration
Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) from AVIXA
Security Clearance:
Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoW Security Clearance

Technical Skills:
- Proficiency with enterprise VTC hardware from major vendors (e.g., Cisco, Poly/Polycom).
- Solid understanding of video and voice communication protocols (e.g., SIP, H.323).
- Experience with VoIP phone systems (Cisco preferred) and soft clients.
- Familiarity with basic network troubleshooting (TCP/IP, LAN/WAN) as it relates to real-time communication.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.