DATA COMMUNICATIONS TERMINAL SPECIALIST

Duties

Operates data communications terminal equipment including teletypewriter, card and tape handling, cryptographic and associated devices. Processes and delivers messages and performs related clerical and administrative functions in a Data Communications Terminal. Reviews data presented for input to an automated data communications network. Attends and operates teletypewriter and data communications terminal equipment, performing functions required to receive, process, and forward traffic. Monitors, acknowledges and takes action when alarms denote equipment malfunctions, message discrepancies or circuit failure. Assigns computer terminal equipment configuration for online operation, off-line standby, off-line operation, and maintenance functions. Prepares messages into paper tape or card form for transmission. Conducts tests to determine the degree of in-station traffic handling efficiency. Maintains master station logs of equipment status and significant events. Receives, stores, uses, destroys, and accounts for all cryptographic material issued to the data terminal. Complies with established directives for storage, processing, updating, inventory, identification and record keeping of all magnetic tapes, cards, paper tape and page copy. Performs operator maintenance on data communications terminal equipment. Observes and corrects faulty work procedures, evaluates subordinate personnel makes work assignments, and supervises work of subordinate. Prepares and submits technical and administrative reports pertaining to terminal operations.

Skills and Knowledge

Must know data communication center organization and mission. Must know DCA organization pertaining to a data communications network. Must know computers and peripheral equipment, terminology, coding, numbering, systems utilized in data communications networks. Must know EAM card handling procedures. Must know fundamentals capabilities of data communications equipment. Must know fundamentals of electronic synchronization as applied to data terminals, digital message switching centers and associated cryptographic devices, Must know emergency procedures for destruction of messages stored on magnetic tape and core memory devices. Must know procedures to retrieve/retransmit messages, provide tracer action information, and provide statistics for determining installation message handling efficiency. Must know operator maintenance procedures for all equipment used. Must be able to prepare a perforated tape or cards containing computer instructions in the form Of symbols and abbreviations and transmit instructions to a digital computer via automatic input devices. Must be able to analyze display and status panels to correct message errors and machine stoppages. Must be able to employ communication procedures instructions and directives pertaining to data communications. Must be able to interpret manually and automatically generated service messages and take required action: Must be able to recognize and correct message format discrepancy causing a reject or cancellation by Automatic Digital Message Switching Centers. Must be able to operate control equipment utilized for integrating teletype systems with digital network. Must know regulations pertaining to handling and storage of classified material. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to operate console and control devices associated with computers. Requires good near vision to review written and printed material and ability to discriminate between multicolor alarms and condition lights on consoles.