Communications Installer I/II

Communications Installer I/II

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Headquarters - 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine, CA 92602, CA

Job Type

FULL-TIME

Job Number

2026-77-BS

Department

FLEET SERVICES

Opening Date

08/26/2026

Closing Date

9/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DESCRIPTION

Communications Installer I

$48,345.44 - $65,124.80 Annually

Communications Installer II

$54,610.40 - $73,590.40 Annually

The OCFA is currently accepting applications to fill vacancies for the position of Communications Installer I/II in the Fleet Services Department. This recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.

CLASS SUMMARY:

Under immediate (Communications Installer I) to general (Communications Installer II) supervision, performs basic installations of communications equipment on fire apparatus including radios, mobile data terminal, wiring equipment, lighting, and sirens; receives, stores, and issues a variety of parts, materials, and equipment for fire apparatus and other vehicles; maintains inventories and documentation using computer based systems; fabricates basic brackets and mounts; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Communications Installer I) to general (Communications Installer II) supervision from assigned supervisory and/or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Communications Installer I - The Communications Installer I is the first level in the two-level Communications Installer series and is part of the broader five level Communications Technical series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties in the Logistics/Communications Division including basic installation of communications equipment, receiving, storing, and issuing a variety of parts, materials, and equipment for fire apparatus and other vehicles. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Communications Installer II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level, and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Communications Installer II - The Communications Installer II is the second level in the two-level Communications Installer series and is part of the broader five level Communications Technical series. This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Communications Installer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Communications Installer I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Communication Services Supervisor in that the latter performs full supervisory duties and supervises lower level staff.

Positions in the Communications Installer classifications are flexibly staffed; positions at the Communications Installer II level are normally filled by advancement from the Communications Installer I level; progression to the Communications Installer II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Communications Installer II level.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To view the full list of essential functions, please use the following links:

Communications Installer I

Communications Installer II

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

EDUCATION (position requirements at entry):

• Communications Installer I/II - Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by vocational training in automotive or electronics communications

EXPERIENCE (position requirements at entry):

• Communications Installer I - One (1) year of automotive or electronics communications repair experience.
• Communications Installer II - Two (2) years of experience performing duties similar to a Communications Installer I with the OCFA or other fire agency.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS (position requirements at entry):

• Possession of, or successful acquisition by time of appointment, a valid Class C California driver's license, to be maintained throughout employment. This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbents Driver License record and status

HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (All related experience must be detailed in your application):

• Experience in assisting with radios, modems, and other electronic equipment for vehicles
• Experience in assisting with electrical outfitting to include emergency lighting, and multiplex programming. Ie Code-3, Whelen, and other emergency lighting products
• Experience in Vehicle load managers and low voltage circuit protection devices

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry):

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics of electrical and electronic components used in modern vehicles and equipment
• Communications mounting techniques for fire apparatus and other vehicles
• Hand and power tools used in the course of work
• Methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in basic fabrication
• Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work
• Methods and procedures involved in the maintenance of accurate inventory records
• Inventory control methods and techniques
• Proper methods of receiving and storing a variety of supplies; lifting and carrying techniques
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping and reporting
• Authority and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Orange County geography and street layout
• Safe driving practices and techniques; applicable California Vehicle Codes
• GPS for driving purposes
• Basic principles and procedures of record-keeping and reporting
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Authority staff
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):

Skill in:

• Maintain an accurate inventory and record-keeping system; maintain perpetual inventory records to ensure adequate stock on hand
• Read, interpret, and apply a wide variety of technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, and schematics
• Install mobile and fixed communication equipment
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand and power tools
• Drive vehicles in a safe and effective manner
• Read and follow maps and/or use GPS to determine best routes
• Load and unload a variety of items
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Recruitment Closes: Sunday, September 27, 2026

Oral Interviews: Week of October 26, 2026

Selection Interviews: Week of November 2, 2026

Expected Hire date: TBD

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Depending on assignment, must possess mobility to work in a warehouse environment and in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend from ladders to reach shelving, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; vision including color vision to inspect supplies, detect wiring, and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and driving to various County sites. Finger dexterity is needed to operate equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights with the appropriate equipment on a frequent/occasional basis, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Employees primarily work in a maintenance shop and in the field and are exposed to loud and excessive noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, grease, oils, solvents, vermin, insects, and parasites, biologic and infectious agents, hazardous physical substances and odors, fumes, dust and air contaminants, machinery with extremely hot surfaces and moving parts, moving objects or other vehicles, and work at heights using stationary and mobile ladders. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

NOTE:

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

PRE-HIRE REQUIREMENTS:

Before an employee is hired, he/she must successfully complete pre-employment requirements including, but not limited to: fingerprinting and background check, reference check, DMV check, licensure/certification check, Oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California, and proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFAs designated physician.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

When the recruitment opens for this position, an applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire. Online resumes and other unsolicited materials may be attached, but will not be considered in lieu of the required online application, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement. The OCFA reserves the right to limit the number of online applications when necessary. Applicants are responsible for maintaining/updating their contact information through the online application system.

SELECTION PROCEDURES:

INITIAL SELECTION REVIEW:

The Human Resources Department reviews all initial application materials to identify qualified applicants. Applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be invited to the first phase of the recruitment process. The OCFA reserves the right to refer only the better qualified applicants if the number of applicants is high. If the number of applicants is high, the review process may include a secondary screening (by a panel of job knowledge experts) of the applications and/or supplemental questionnaires in which the better qualified applicants are referred to the next phase of the recruitment process. Because recruitment processes vary, applicants are advised to thoroughly review the job announcement before submitting their online application materials.

TESTING:

Testing for this position or any other position may include, but is not limited to the following: written exam, practical exam, panel interview, physical ability test, assessment center, oral presentation, project assignment, etc. If a revision is made to a testing component during a recruitment process, the assigned recruiter will notify by email all affected applicants.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (714) 573-6816 or BradStephens@ocfa.org at least 72 hours prior to any portion of the examination process.

RECRUITMENT/SELECTION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS:

All recruitment/selection process and requirements will be held in accordance with the OCFAs Selection Rules, which are available for inspection upon request.

ELIGIBLE LIST:

The duration of an Eligible List is one (1) year, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement.

WITHDRAWING FROM RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

If an applicant chooses to withdraw from a recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at BradStephens@ocfa.org requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicants current phone number.

QUESTIONS:

All questions regarding this position should be directed Brad Stephens, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (714) 573-6816 or BradStephens@ocfa.org.

NOTE:

The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) Representation

This classification is represented by the OCEA. Please visit the Orange County Employees Association for additional information.

Merit Salary Increases

Employees are eligible for a merit salary increase (1 to 4 steps) at their six-month review date, and annually thereafter based upon work performance until step 12 of the salary range is reached.

Medical Benefit

Employees have a choice of medical plans under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program and the Authority contributes towards the cost of health premiums as follows:

• 100% of cost for employee only premium; or
• 75% of cost for dependent/family premium

The enrollment period for a new employee is sixty (60) days from the date of employment. The effective date of coverage will begin on the first day of the month following submission of the CalPERS Health Benefit Plan Enrollment Form.

Medical Opt-Out: Effective January 1, 2026, employees who submit sufficient proof of alternate group health insurance may waive coverage and receive the following in bi-monthly taxable cash:

• Full-Time Employees: $386.27 per pay period (24 pay periods)
• Part-Time Employees: $193.14 per pay period (24 pay periods)

Please visit CalPERS for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.

OCEA Health & Welfare Benefits Plan

The OCFA contributes to the OCEA Health & Welfare Trust which provides for the following dental, vision, disability insurance, and life insurance for all employees in regular or limited-term positions represented by OCEA, regardless of membership status. With a union membership, employees have the option to purchase additional insurance available through the OCEA. Please visit the Health & Welfare Trust webpage for additional information.

Retirement

All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.

Legacy General Members: Employees hired on or after December 1, 2012, who establish reciprocity with OCERS are enrolled in the 2% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan N). Employees pays their maximum employee contribution based on age of entry into OCERS (or reciprocal retirement system), including any increases to the maximum employee contribution as calculated by OCERS. Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits. https://www.ocers.org/post/compensation-and-benefit-limits

New General Members (PEPRA): Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, without reciprocity are enrolled in the 2.5% at age 67 retirement formula (Plan U). Employees contribute 50% of the normal retirement cost toward the employees retirement contribution but no higher than their maximum employee contribution (based on age of entry into OCERS). Please visit OCERS to view compensation and benefit limits. https://www.ocers.org/post/compensation-and-benefit-limits

For more information about OCERS retirement, please visit OCERS.

Deferred Compensation

Employees in regular or limited-term positions may voluntarily participate in the Authoritys deferred compensation plan. This plan is provided by Nationwide Retirement Services and allows for pre- and post-tax deferrals.

Retiree Health Reimbursement Arrangement

General Unit members hired on/after January 1, 2007, are enrolled in a defined contribution retiree health reimbursement arrangement to which they contribute 4.0% of base salary.

Social Security

Orange County Fire Authority employees are not covered under the provisions of Federal Social Security (OASDI); therefore, they are not required to contribute 6.2% of salary towards Social Security.

Medicare

Employees contribute 1.45% to Medicare. Employees whose wages exceed $200,000 in a calendar year shall contribute an additional 0.9%.

Educational Incentive Pay

Employees with college-level semester units, a bachelors degree, or completion of an approved course from the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) or equivalent, are eligible for educational incentive pay as follows:

• 60+ units or UTI course = 2.5% of base salary per month; or
• 90+ units = 3% of base salary per month; or
• Bachelors degree = 5.5% of base salary per month

The maximum educational incentive pay an employee may receive is 5.5% of base salary.

Other Specialty Pays / Reimbursements

Employees under special classifications or assignments, or who possess specialized skills/training/certification, may be eligible for other specialty pays. Please refer to the OCEA MOU for further details.

Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement is $2,000 per fiscal year to cover certain expenses associated with academic pursuits.

Vacation

Vacation accrual is based on hours of completed continuous service (regular hours) exclusive of overtime:

• Upon employment and up to 3 years, up to 80 hours per year
• After 3 years, but less than 10 years, up to 120 hours per year
• After 10 years, up to 160 hours per year

Holidays

Employees in the General Unit observe 13 holidays within the calendar year:

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr.s Birthday
• Lincolns Birthday
• Presidents Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Indigenous Peoples Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Full-time ten (10) hour, nine (9) hour, and eight (8) hour workday employees receive holiday pay for the number of hours they are regularly scheduled to work. When a holiday occurs on the employees day off, the employee receives eight (8) hours of holiday pay or eight (8) hours of compensatory time. Full-time twenty-four (24) hour, thirteen (13) hour, and twelve (12) hour workday employees receive nine (9) hours of holiday pay or nine (9) hours of compensatory time.

Sick Leave

Sick leave is accumulated from year-to-year and accrues as follows:

• Upon employment, up to 72 hours per year
• After 3 years, up 96 hours per year

At retirement, employees receive a payoff of their sick leave based on their years of full-time continuous service.

Paid Annual Leave (PAL)

After completion of new probation, a full-time employee will be eligible to take up to thirty-six (36) hours of paid time off each year, in addition to his/her accrued time [Part-time employees are eligible for eighteen (18) hours]. PAL is awarded on the first day of pay period 1 of the subsequent year and every year thereafter. PAL cannot be cashed out and must be used by the last day of pay period 26 within the calendar year it is earned.

Uniforms

The Authority provides uniforms to employees in designated positions.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs):

The OCFA offers regular, limited-term, and probationary employees both a Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account that can be used throughout the year on qualified medical or dependent care expenses. Participants pay fewer taxes and take home more money.

Behavioral Health and Wellness

OCFA offers a variety of behavioral health and wellness services to our employees and their dependents, including access to the OCFA Peer Support Team Members, OCFA Chaplains, and the Counseling Team International (TCTI). TCTI provides behavioral health and wellness services to public safety agency employees and their eligible family members with confidential professional assistance. Support services include, but are not limited to, the following types of situations: marital and family problems, stress/burnout, anger management, separation/divorce, child/adolescent issues, depression, and critical incident/trauma. TCTI also offers life care resource assistance for childcare, adoption, elderly and senior care, and financial information.

Pet Discount Program

OCFA has partnered with United Pet Care to offer a pet healthcare program. This program helps employees reduce the cost of escalating veterinary bills at an affordable rate. All pets are eligible regardless of their age or medical condition.

Benevolent Association

Employees have the option to join OCFA's Benevolent Association which was created to "Take Care of Their Own". Included in your $8.00 per pay period cost is $10,000 Member Death Benefit, $4,000 Dependent Death Benefit, $32,500 Annual Scholarships for Members and Dependents., Hardship Grants/Loans, Annual Picnic for Members, Holiday Ball, Retiree Tribute. In addition, Discount Offers- Recreation/Amusement Parks, fitness 19 & 24-Hour Fit. gym membership. Discount Movie Tickets, Angel Baseball Games with Tailgate Party, etc.). In addition, membership allows access to very good supplemental insurances of many type, including Long Term Disability, Long Term Care, Various AFLAC (ICU, Cancer, Accident Inj., CSFA membership, Living Trusts & more. The Family Auxiliary and KIDS Fund (provides monetary assistance only to kids of members), both operate under the Benevolent Assoc. Visit the OCFA Benevolent Association Website for more information or you can watch OCFA Benevolent Association Overview.

Updated:07/2026

This benefit summary is intended to provide an easy way for current and prospective employees to access fringe benefit information, including voluntary options. This summary is intended to be accurate, but it is not an official plan document, and has no legal or binding effect as an expressed or implied contract, or otherwise, and does not alter or amend any provision of the Memoranda of Understanding, Personnel and Salary Resolution, retirement contract, insurance policy contract, or any other official document of the Orange County Fire Authority, including Standard Operating Procedures and General Orders. All insurance benefits described in the summary are subject to the terms and limitations of the Orange County Fire Authoritys insurance contracts with individual insurance providers. Should you have any questions pertaining to information in this summary, please contact the Human Resources Department at (714) 573-6800.

01

The Orange County Fire Authority uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of applications. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase efficiency, conserve resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We recommend that you do not share e-mail addresses with other individuals who may inadvertently delete important communications sent to you. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept e-mails from ocfa.org and governmentjobs.com. Please read each e-mail notice carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. Please acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.

• Yes
• No

02

From the choices below, select the highest level of education you have completed.

• Less than high school diploma or GED
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college credits completed
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• PhD

03

How many years of automotive or electronics communications repair related experience do you possess? Note: All related experience MUST be detailed in your application.

• No Experience
• Less than one (1) year of related experience
• More than 1 but less than two (2) years of related experience
• 2 or more years of related experience

04

Which valid California Driver's License do you possess?

• Class A
• Class B
• Class C
• I do not possess a California Driver's License

Required Question

Employer Orange County Fire Authority

Address 1 Fire Authority Road

Irvine, California, 92602

Phone (714) 573-6800

Website http://www.ocfa.org