NJ Civil Service Navigator

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN 1

Code: 43652 Common Competitive Range: C16 (FY2026)

Career Family: COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN

Salary: $51,479.83 - $74,754.15/year FY2026 schedule (last updated 2026-05-08)

To land Communications Systems Technician 1 in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.

On pay it sits at the foot of the Communications Systems Technician ladder. One promotion up is Communications Systems Technician 2, whose band tops out about $7,913 higher. An associate's degree is the listed credential, and extra years on the job can be traded for it. The FY2026 range lands between $51,480 and $74,754, and state payroll currently lists 5 people in the title, led by Human Services.

How to get hired

  1. Watch for an open-competitive announcement for Communications Systems Technician 1 on the NJ Civil Service Commission jobs portal. Announcements run for a fixed filing window.
  2. Apply during that window and sit the examination. Depending on the title, that can be a written test, a rating of your training and experience, or a mix of the two.
  3. Passing scores go onto a ranked eligible list. Veterans get preference points added on top of their score.
  4. When an agency has a vacancy it must appoint from the top of that list under the "Rule of Three." Many competitive jobs are first filled provisionally while the list is being built.

Read the official specification at NJ Civil Service Commission.

Pay ladder: Communications Systems Technician series

  1. Communications Systems Technician 1 — $56,253 – $81,897 (this title)
  2. Communications Systems Technician 2 — $61,510 – $89,810
  3. Communications Systems Technician 3 — $67,312 – $98,503

Promoting to Communications Systems Technician 2 raises the top of the band by about $7,913. Its top salary lands around the 16th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.

Rungs are ordered by FY2026 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.

Who employs this title

State payroll records show 5 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $77,880. The agencies employing the most are:

  • Human Services (2)
  • Transportation (2)
  • Law and Public Safety (1)

Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.

Definition

Under the close supervision of the Communications Systems Technician 3 or other supervisory official, does simple installations, tests, sets-up (configures), troubleshoots and repairs data and voice communication network hardware systems, including various peripheral devices and wiring systems associated with minicomputer, microcomputer or mainframe computer-based systems, Local Area Networks (LAN), and multi-line telephone systems and equipment; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

  • Installs, tests, and repairs wiring systems.
  • Fabricates cables or cable connectors.
  • Installs inside cables and wires to connect data communication network hardware.
  • Troubleshoots problems with wiring systems.
  • Checks operation of Local Area Network (LAN) and related equipment.
  • Troubleshoots mechanical or electrical problems in minicomputer or mainframe hardware systems.
  • Configures, maintains, and troubleshoots microcomputer, minicomputer, or mainframe data communication network hardware and equipment.
  • Operates volt or ohm meters and signal tracers.
  • Adjusts equipment to manufacturer's specifications.
  • Installs, tests, troubleshoots, and repairs problems with multi-line telephone systems and equipment.
  • Installs computer board components, electronic facsimile communications hardware, cables and wires to connect multi-line telephone systems and equipment.
  • Troubleshoots computer voice communication hardware.
  • May assist in interpreting blueprints or floorplans and schematics.
  • Calls for needed services, materials, or information.
  • Reads journals or other publications for the purpose of keeping abreast of developments in the field.
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Completion of a vocational, technical, or specialized training program in computer technology, electrical technology, electronic technology, electronic engineering technology, telecommunications, computer operations, or data processing.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in work involving the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of electrical or electronic components, equipment or systems, which shall have included one (1) year pertaining to data and voice communications network hardware, related peripheral devices, and associated wiring systems.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the theory and principles of electricity. Knowledge of procedures for installing, testing, and repairing wiring systems, overhead cables, electrical components, underground cables, conduit systems, computer systems, and mainframe configurations. Knowledge of procedures for operating volt or ohm meters, voltage generators, voltage transformers signal tracers, and microwave meters. Knowledge of software utility packages, EVPL and T1-Technology, Protocol Analyzers, Communication Data Transfer Protocols, and Communication Controller Configuration. Knowledge of theory and principles of solid-state circuitry, electronics, and transistors. Knowledge of communications software and hardware for microcomputers, minicomputers, and microprocessors. Knowledge of procedures for scaffolding and rigging equipment. Knowledge of procedures for testing mobile radio communications equipment. Ability to operate hand and power tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, drills, and tools associated with electrical conduit and wiring work. Ability to interpret technical documents, blueprints, schematic drawings, operations and maintenance manuals and procedures. Ability to assess, troubleshoot, and repair communications equipment and systems down to the component level and software line of code level. Ability to perform skilled shop work in the maintenance and repair of data and voice communications network hardware, related peripheral devices, and associated wiring systems. Ability to climb poles, bridges or antenna towers, manholes, tunnels, and attics. Ability to operate cherry picker, ladder, platform or boom trucks. Ability to keep records and write reports. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and evaluate relevant information from various types of source materials. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute one (1) year of additional experience (general or specific) as indicated below. An Associate's degree (or 60 college credits) from an accredited college or university in computer technology, electrical technology, electronic technology, electronic engineering technology, telecommunications, data processing, or closely allied field may be substituted for the required education and one (1) year of non-supervisory experience. CC351713C16-SC4017N/AC18- This job specification is for and government use. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 7/07/2018