Sr Radio Communications Engineer

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Administrative Services Captain, the Senior Radio Communications Engineer designs and initiates operational specifications for complex digital and analog radio systems for Canyon County. Responsible for making independent decisions and acting in emergency situations in accordance with department policy and procedures and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. Work requires the exercise of independent judgement and initiative with minimal direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Management:
• Programs and updates communications systems to ensure continuous operations
• Plan and forecast future needs for Radio Services
• Engineers, designs and maintains subscriber radio personality templates and user databases for portable and mobile radios compatible with the digital and analog 700MHz and 800MHz trunked radio systems
• Provides programming services such as frequency, personal or vehicle ID's, alerts and scanning functions
• Maintenance:
• Ability to analyze and troubleshoot specialized data transmission and communication systems
• Evaluates and monitors equipment repair costs do not exceed replacement value
• Performs maintenance for radio network systems and specialized voice and data transmission equipment such as transmitter sites including fire station alert systems
• Maintains and repairs vehicular mounted communication equipment systems
• Responds to immediate needs of customers to avoid significant down time
• Oversees maintenance of equipment on towers and inside shelters at remote communication sites or coordinates with other organizations to perform related system maintenance
• Develops troubleshooting guidelines and protocols for programming, repair, and maintenance of radio and communications equipment
• Administrative:
• Coordinates and monitors workflow process recommending changes to ensure continuity and efficiency
• Coordinates extensively with end user work groups to provide optimum service
• Maintains inventory of electronic parts, supplies, work area and tools
• Maintains service incidents and project documents, records maintenance history, parts/materials usage, labor tracking and cost
• Provides technical assistance to users in the selection, operation and function of radio and communications equipment, and ensures proper and reliable service
• Evaluates equipment for quality assurance and standardization for system compatibility
• Other Duties:
• Attends seminars and training to find technology solutions to meet customers' requirements
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with county policies, procedures, and safety practices
• Performs other related duties as required

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities:

• FEMA's National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS)
• Knowledge of complex 700MHZ and 800MHz, and Motorola P25 trunked radio communications systems
• Knowledge of microwave communications system and fiber optic system
• Knowledge of Federal DHS CISA cybersecurity standards and safeguards the design and maintenance of radio encryption frameworks for complex radio systems
• Functional knowledge of the operational theory of radio transmitters and receivers, digital and analog circuitry
• The correct adjustment and application of electronic test instruments such as automated radio test sets, multi-meters, watt meters, distortion meters, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes and direction-finding equipment
• Installation of mobile and base station communication systems, repeaters, towers and antennas
• FCC rules and regulations as they pertain to radio communications and related systems as well as pertaining to license renewals
• Principles and practices of effective management and supervision
• Deep knowledge of schematic diagrams and technical manuals
• Work cooperatively and constructively with fellow workers and members of county first responder agencies to provide public service of the highest quality
• Maintain records efficiently and accurately and to prepare clear and concise reports
• Maintain high-level confidentiality of information processed or prepared
• Perform time management and scheduling functions, meet deadlines, and set project priorities
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalency required
• Radio telecommunications experience
• Motorola Astro 25 Radio System Administrator
• Motorola APX Technical Subscriber certification
• Motorola APX CPS Radio Programming and Template Building
• IT certification and added advantage
• Equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered

Special Qualifications

• Must successfully complete a background investigation including a polygraph examination
• Valid driver's license and be insurable
• Must be able to possess training certificates within 12 months of hire
• Available to respond to emergency operations and work 12-hour shifts/7-days a week during emergency operations
• Attend early morning or evening meetings on a limited basis

Essential Physical Abilities

• Clear speech with or without an accommodation, to effectively convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly and/or quickly
• Sufficient clarity of hearing with or without reasonable accommodation to enable the employee to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information
• Visual acuity, with or without an accommodation, to read instructions, review and organize documents
• Position requires hand/finger dexterity. While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally lifting/carrying up to 35lbs and rarely lifting/carrying up to 50lbs. Employee is occasionally pushing/pulling up to 35lbs and rarely pushing/pulling up to 50lbs. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance
• Work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, rough, uneven terrain, with areas of dust, odors, mist, gases or other airborne matter

Disclaimer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities

satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to

describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be

construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the

job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment

contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions related to recruitment and selection are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.