Telecommunications Associate (Data)

The Telecommunications Associate (Voice & Data) is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and supporting voice and data communication systems across critical platforms, including PACIS Phases 1 and 2, PA-89, Help Points, EEBCS, customer information screens (countdown clocks), and network infrastructure. Associates at levels I-IV contribute with increasing independence, technical expertise, and leadership as they advance in their roles.

Key responsibilities include setting up and maintaining telecommunications hardware and software, resolving connectivity and performance issues, coordinating with internal teams and external vendors, and ensuring that all systems operate reliably and securely. Associates document activities, follow standard operating procedures, and maintain compliance with safety and operational guidelines. Additionally, lead complex projects, provide advanced troubleshooting, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the design, review, and improvement of telecommunications architectures and best practices.

This role requires strong technical competency, attention to detail, organizational skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality communication services for operational and safety-critical environments., Telecommunications Associate (Voice) Qualification Requirements

1. One year of satisfactory, full-time experience performing analytical, planning, operational, technical, and/or administrative duties in voice telecommunications or a closely related electronics planning, electronics management, and/or electronics service environment; and:

2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in: Voice telecommunications (telephone, radio, microwave, fiber optic, cellular service ), Telecommunications technology , Electronics , Physics , Mathematics , Computer science , Planning and analysis of electronic systems; or a related area; or

3. A four - year high school diploma plus certificates, badges, or technical education in telecommunications equivalent to 6 months of full-time training or 24-semester credits; or

4. Two years of experience as described in “1” above and:

5. A baccalaureate degree; or
6. An associate degree from an accredited college including or supplemented by 12 semester credits in the telecommunications/electronics areas listed in “1a”; or

7. A four - year high school diploma plus certificates, badges, or technical education in telecommunications equivalent to 3 months of full-time training or 12 semester credits; or

8. A four - year high school diploma and three years of experience as described in “1” above; or

9. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to “1”, “2” or “3” above. College education not used for meeting the minimum requirements in “1” or “2” above may be substituted for experience on the basis of each 30 semester credits of undergraduate college education, including or supplemented by 6 semester credits in voice Telecommunication (telephone, radio, microwave, fiber optic and cellular service), telecommunications technology, electronics, physics, mathematics, computer science and/or planning and analysis of electronic systems, or related area, for six months of experience described in “1” above, up to a maximum of two years’ experience. Certificates, badges, or technical education in telecommunications equivalent to 6 months of full-time training or 24 semester credits may be substituted for experience on the basis of 6 months of full-time training for one year of experience as described in “1” above, up to a maximum of two years’ experience.

However, all candidates must have at least a four - year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and at least one year of the experience described in “1” above.

Special Note - Additional Requirements for Assignment Level IV

To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level IV individuals must have, after meeting the

minimum requirements, at least two additional years of full - time experience as follows:

1. As a Telecommunications Associate (Voice) - Assignment Level I, II, and III working for the City of New York; or
2. Performing analytical, planning, operational, technical, and/or administrative duties in a voice telecommunication, electronics planning, electronics management, and/or electronics service environment, one year of which must have been specialized work in a consultative or supervisory capacity.

Telecommunications Associate (Data)

1. One year of satisfactory, full-time experience in the performance of analytical, planning, operational, technical, and/or administrative duties in data telecommunications or a closely related electronics planning, electronics management, and/or electronics service environment; and:
2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in data telecommunications/networking, mathematics, computer science or in a scientific, technical, electronic or related area; or

3. A four - year high school diploma and certificates, badges, or technical education in telecommunications equivalent to 6 months of full-time training or 24 semester credits; or

4. Two years of experience as described in “1” above and:
5. A baccalaureate degree; or
6. An associate degree from an accredited college including or supplemented by 12 semester credits in data telecommunications/networking, mathematics, computer science, or in a scientific, technical, electronic or related area; or

7. A four-year high school diploma, plus certificates, badges, or technical education in telecommunications equivalent to 3 months of full-time training or 12 semester credits; or

8. A four-year high school diploma and three years of experience as described in “1” above; or

9. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to “1”, “2” or “3” above. College education not used for meeting the minimum requirements in “1” or “2” above may be substituted for experience based on six months of experience as described in “1” above for 30 semester credits of college education including or supplemented by 6 semester credits in data telecommunications/networking, mathematics, computer science or in a scientific, technical, electronic, or related area for a maximum of two years of experience. Certificates, badges, or technical education in telecommunications equivalent to 6 months of full-time training or 24 semester credits may be substituted for experience on the basis of 6 months of full-time training for one year of experience as described in “1” above, up to a maximum of two years’ experience. However, all candidates must have at least a four - year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and at least one year of the experience described in “1” above.

Special Note - Additional Requirements for Assignment Level IV

To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level IV individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, at least two additional years of full-time experience as follows:

1. As a Telecommunications Associate (Data) - Assignment Levels I, II, and III working for the City of New York; or
2. Performing analytical, planning, operational, technical, and/or administrative duties in a data telecommunication, electronics planning, electronics management, and/or electronics service environment, one year of which must have been specialized work in a consultative or supervisory capacity.

DESIRED SKILLS:

Knowledge of telecommunications infrastructure (voice/data), including PACIS, PA-89, Help Points, EEBCS, and customer information screens (CIS)

Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, wiring schematics, and system documentation

Proficiency in troubleshooting telecommunications hardware and software issues

Familiarity with installation and configuration practices for voice communication systems

Experience with public address and emergency communication systems

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent verbal and written communication abilities

Attention to detail in documenting work, repairs, and system changes

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Customer service orientation and responsiveness

Organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities

Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, as needed

Commitment to following safety protocols and standard operating procedures

Experience with preventive maintenance and system upgrades

Leadership, training, and mentoring abilities

Project management and system design expertise

SELECTION METHOD

Based on evaluation of education, skills, experience, interview, and written assessment.

All selected candidates will be subject to a full background investigation that includes employment and education. Discrepancies may lead to dismissal.

Appointment may be at a comparable level to current level of selected candidate. (If necessary)

As an employee of MTA NYC Transit, you may be required to complete an annual financial disclosure statement with the state of New York, if your position earns more than $101,379 (this is subject to change) per year or if the position is designated as a policy maker.

For 55-a eligible titles: Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link

TA APPLICANTS MUST BE IN A PERMANENT CIVIL SERVICE STATUS IN THE TITLE(S). IF YOU ARE ON AN ESTABLISHED LIST, YOUR LIST NUMBER MUST BE REACHABLE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America’s largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities., MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.