Public Safety Radio Technology Specialist

About the job

Job Posting End Date:

Worker Sub-Type:
Regular

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40 POSITION PURPOSE:
Under the general supervision of the Communications Captain, this position performs specialized technical work in the installation, repair and maintenance of radio communication. The successful candidate will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and programming communication and electronic equipment in police vehicles, the communications center, jail, and tower sites as necessary. This role requires technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and a strong commitment to safety and quality.

• DUTIES:
• Installs, repairs, tests and trouble shoot various equipment in squad cars, including lights, sirens, radios, computers, mobile data computers (MDC) in squad cars and other electronic devices.
• Program and configure police radios and communication systems according to department specifications and protocols.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on installed equipment to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Assist outside vendors in identifying maintenance needs, services and modifies communications equipment including but not limited to, two-way radios, laptop computers, mobile data computers (MDC) in squad cars, portable and mobile radios, pagers, data networks, monitoring and sound distribution systems.
• Maintain County-owned radio tower site equipment including but not limited to scheduled tower inspections and general maintenance on back-up generator and related equipment. Order and maintain an inventory of standby and replacement equipment for the County-owned communication system.
• Tests equipment for factors such as power output, frequency, sensitivity, noise level, and audio quality using oscilloscopes, service monitors, watt meters, ammeters, voltmeters, and other radio testing equipment.
• Diagnoses and isolates malfunctions in a wide variety of technical equipment; research technical service manuals and reviews schematic diagrams. Performs optimization and service to the component level.
• Performs technical and FCC performance checks of portables, mobiles, console equipment, and other communications equipment.
• Prepares license applications and assists with renewals for all County public safety communications systems.
• Responds to emergency service requests, incidents and problems (on call status) to maintain critical communication networks as needed.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other City and County departments, outside organizations, vendors and co-workers.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records of services performed including labor time, materials used, and other relevant information for billing, inventory, and costing purposes.
• Maintains and updates configuration documents, schematics, documentation, databases, and work logs.
• Maintains test and repair equipment, tools, and workspace.
• Maintains a consistent and reliable attendance record.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
• Knowledge of the techniques, methods, tools, equipment, and materials used in the installation, repair and maintenance of land-mobile, data and microwave communication systems and electronic equipment.
• Knowledge of state and federal rules, codes, regulations, and standards governing radio communications operations and installation.
• Ability to detect defects in the operation of radio communication and electronic equipment and to skillfully perform technical repairs and installations.
• Ability to read and understand complex schematic diagrams, blueprints, wiring diagrams and technical service manuals and the ability to use RF related mathematics to diagnose equipment operation parameters.
• Ability to use computer systems and applications at an intermediate level for radio configuration, programming and repair, as well as Microsoft Office applications for correspondence, record keeping, inventory management and reports.
• General knowledge of generators and small HVAC units.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
• High school diploma or its equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of post-high school work experience in the construction, installation, testing and repair of FM land mobile, electronic communications equipment.
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver’s license at appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. Required to drive County vehicles as needed.

• ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
• Post high school education, coursework, or technical training in two-way radio, electronic technology, etc., Amateur Radio or industry recognized certification (NABER, APCO, NARTE, CET, etc).
• Previous experience with the following equipment: Motorola mobile / portable & Tait mobile / portable Radios.

• PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION:
• Work requires the full range of body movements including standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, bending, twisting, stooping, climbing and balancing. Physical demands also include reaching, grasping, typing, carrying, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate at various heights, positions & angles, and ability to work from a ladder.

• ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS OF THE POSITION:
• Typical electronics/communications repair shop, office, and garage environment.
• Field work may involve outdoor assignments in inclement weather, or inside in difficult conditions. May include exposure to heat, cold, wet, damp, dirty, or dusty environments. May include exposure to batteries/heavy metal compounds and/or other hazardous materials.

• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Candidate must be able to perform manual labor associated with repair and servicing of communication equipment which may include lifting objects up to 50 pounds.
• Work may include cable pulling and terminations of various types of communication cabling, and working with small components, etc. Near vision, color recognition and identification are required.
• Work may be required outside normal business hours, on weekends, etc. as needed, for emergencies and on-call service.

EQUIPMENT USED:
Service monitors, watt meters, ammeters, voltmeters, audio, RF and tracking generators, frequency counters, and other communication and network test equipment. Computers, hand tools, power tools and soldering equipment

COMPENSATION:
Starting hourly rate $29.53 plus County Benefits . Candidates may be eligible for a higher starting hourly rate depending on qualifications and experience.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their application. The selection of the successful candidate may be made by assessment of education and background, oral interview, review of references, extensive background investigation, and/or other job-related selection procedures. Applicants must pass background and fingerprint background search in accordance with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) standards.

Please contact Captain Ryan J. Berdal at Ryan.Berdal@marathoncounty.gov with additional questions.

Special Accommodations:

Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

Notice to Applicants:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant’s application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law