ID
5-509-1244
Name
Communications Technician (NQS)
Status
Published
Version
1.5
Updated
11/28/2018 5:28:01 PM
Original Release
11/11/2017
Last Major Release
11/28/2018
NQS Position
Resource Category
Communications
Primary Core Capability
Operational Communications
Secondary Core Capability
 
Resource Kind
Personnel
Overall Function
The Communications Technician (COMT) maintains and repairs communications equipment
Single resource
In conjunction with a NIMS typed team
NIMS Typed Team
 
In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit
NIMS Typed Unit
 
Description Notes
Not Specified
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Types
Type Description
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1. Gathers specifications and tests existing land mobile radio (LMR) functionality in incident area, including multiple systems for multiple jurisdictions 2. Gives status of existing system, protocols, and procedures in state or regional interoperable communications plan and Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) 3. Drafts initial incident communications plan in conjunction with Communications Unit Leader (COML) 4. Designs and engineers backhaul of disparate jurisdictional communications systems to point of convergence at interoperable communications switch or devices 5. Provides redundant LMR, voice, and data communications between all incident facilities 6. Deploys multiple staging areas for portable and mobile communications devices, to serve a wide incident area and a large number of operational personnel
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1. Gathers specifications and tests existing LMR functionality in incident area 2. Assesses, through surveys and live testing, whether existing systems are fully operational and have coverage and capacity to meet incident objectives 3. Disseminates information on frequencies, platforms, talk groups, call signs, encryption, and code plugs to dispatched personnel 4. Identifies existing interoperability options and installs, configures, and programs interoperable communications devices to establish common operational and command channels, as the Incident Commander (IC) or COML requests 5. Stabilizes and secures existing LMR facilities serving the incident, including provision of reliable power supply, and approves minor repairs to equipment and antennas 6. Establishes voice and data communications between all incident facilities, including command center, staging, bases, air operations, and camps 7. Orders communications lines, wireless backhaul, or repeater systems 8.Deploys staging area for portable and mobile communications devices, including: a. Logistics and procedures from inventory control b. Program and configuration of equipment c. Quality assurance and voice checks d. Basic preventive maintenance and basic part repairs e. Quick operational training f. Battery swap-out and replacement 9. Specifies, orders, and installs all other communications services, including commercial cellular devices, land lines, tip lines, wired and wireless local area networks, internet and enterprise server connection, video and television services, and other communications services as requested through incident command
Type 3The COMT: 1. Installs and tests communications equipment 2. Configures equipment to the needs of the incident 3. Distributes communications equipment to incident personnel 4. Maintains and repairs communications equipment 5. Identifies and specifies the need for additional infrastructure to support communications
Components
Component Notes  
EducationNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Training in radio engineering, information systems, or similar field OR post-secondary technical education in communications or wireless equipment installation or similar field, including equivalent training received through military service
Type 3Not Specified
TrainingNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Training specializing in multiple standards or platforms of LMR equipment, wireless electronics, or network switching equipment
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: Training specializing in one standard or platform of LMR equipment, wireless electronics, or network switching equipment
Type 3Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 2. IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction
ExperienceNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1. Successful completion of the National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book (PTB) for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Type 1 Communications Technician, or equivalent Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) documentation 2. Technical experience with LMR, operational mission-critical first responder communications, or communications systems management, including accountability for emergency communications policies and procedures
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: 1. Successful completion of the NQS PTB for the NIMS Type 2 Communications Technician, or equivalent AHJ documentation 2. Technical experience with LMR, operational mission-critical first responder communications, or communications systems
Type 31. Successful completion of the NQS PTB for the NIMS Type 3 Communications Technician, or equivalent AHJ documentation 2. Experience with LMR, operational mission-critical first responder communications, or communications systems
Physical/Medical FitnessNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3Performs duties under moderate circumstances characterized by working consecutive 12-hour days under physical and emotional stress for sustained periods
CurrencyNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Functions in this position during an operational incident, exercise, drill, or simulation at least once every three years
Type 3Functions in this position during an operational incident, exercise, drill, or simulation at least once every five years
Professional and Technical Licenses and CertificationsNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Not Specified
Type 2Not Specified
Type 3Not Specified
Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment
This position typically works 12 hours per shift, is self-sustainable for 72 hours, and is deployable for up to 14 days
Requestor may specify any additional qualifications necessary based on incident complexity and needs
651
Notes
References
Reference
FEMA, National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book for Communications Technician, latest edition adopted
FEMA, NIMS 509: Communications Unit Leader
FEMA, NIMS 509: Incident Commander
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the NQS, November 2017
FEMA, National Response Framework, June 2016
Published Versions
Version Publish Date Document Type
1.5 11/28/2018 5:28:01 PM PDF
1.4 9/28/2018 5:20:54 PM PDF
1.3 8/3/2018 1:15:09 PM PDF
1.2 4/16/2018 10:50:48 AM PDF
1.1 11/20/2017 11:37:38 AM PDF
1.0 11/11/2017 10:46:58 AM Unavailable