Telecommunications Supervisor

Telecommunications Supervisor

Salary

$82,277.73 - $108,766.74 Annually

Location

Phoenix, AZ

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

6325-26E-01

Division

Technical Services Division

Bureau

Wireless Systems

Opening Date

09/11/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Summary Statement

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking an experienced professional to join our team as a Telecommunications Supervisor. The successful candidate will be responsible for supervising the work of shop and field Telecommunications Technicians and Telecommunications Coordinators providing telecommunications systems and equipment construction, installation, maintenance, and operations in a functional or geographic area which may include several radio shops. Performs other duties as assigned. This is a competitive classification. This recruitment will be used to establish an 18-month eligibility list to fill the current and future vacancies.

Application period may close without notice.

Must successfully complete the examination process, which includes:

Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB) - 100% weight

Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive)

1. Plans, organizes, assigns work to, supervises and reviews the work of subordinate personnel in the installation, modification, testing, repair and maintenance of telecommunications systems and associated equipment.

2. Analyzes and troubleshoots communication radio systems to maintain DPS and other state agencies telecommunications systems.

3. Travels to communications sites located in various cities and towns, and remote mountaintop locations throughout the state of Arizona and all adjoining states, to install and maintain communications equipment, confer with customers and subordinates, or attend user association or staff meetings, using conventional cars and trucks, 4-wheel drive trucks, towed vehicles, snow-traversing vehicles and, where appropriate, riding in fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft in all forms of weather (e.g. extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, blizzard, heavy snowfall, icy roads, muddy roads, etc.).

4. Responds on a 24-hours/day, 7-days/week emergency callout to perform emergency evaluation and repair of the statewide communication system for DPS and other supported agencies.

5. Evaluates subordinates work performance to advise of the requirements and expectations of the position and provide feedback on performance.

6. Travels to local and out of state sites/locations to perform tasks or to confer with customers and subordinates on tasks that need to be done, or to attend user association or staff meetings.

7. Diagnoses/troubleshoots electronic equipment on a component and systems level in order to ensure its accuracy and reliability by repairing, testing, or analyzing problems with telecommunications equipment.

8. Inspects communications systems remote site installations and facilities to ascertain compliance to established standards.

9. Establishes contracts as required, and procures parts, supplies, equipment and services necessary to repair or enhance the operation and/or maintenance of communications systems.

10. Assesses conditions of and needs for vehicles assigned to unit and recommends or oversees repairs or replacements necessary.

11. Coordinates with Department engineering personnel to insure future designs interface correctly with existing configurations and that adequate system equipment exists for future needs.

12. Documents job-related activity (e.g. service orders showing work performed, location of equipment, time and parts used for repairs and/or modifications, weekly time sheets, travel claims, etc.).

13. Installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs various forms of communications equipment (e.g. analog and/or digital microwave point-to-point radios; analog and/or digital multiplex equipment to interface carrier equipment with specific local equipment; low-band, VHF, UHF, 800 MHz base station/repeater 2-way radios; site security alarm and control equipment; site grounding grids, etc.).

14. Participates in mountaintop user associations to reduce problems related to mountaintop site operations (e.g. interference, access, etc.).

15. Climbs radio towers at communications sites to inspect and/or repair tower items (e.g. antennas, ice shields, RF transmission lines, guy wires, the tower itself, etc.).

16. Initiates and recommends personnel actions (e.g. new application screening, interviewing, hiring, termination, etc.).

17. Designs system configurations for the statewide telecommunications system (e.g. microwave operation, multiplex systems, ground systems, site improvement systems, land mobile, etc.) and maintains appropriate records and database.

18. Instructs and trains subordinates and customers on operation of communications equipment to ensure user knowledge of systems.

19. Assists in recruiting applicants for technician positions by contacting industry associates or providing possible contacts for Human Resources to pursue.

20. Surveys radio coverage for radio systems maintained by the Department to ensure needed coverage is provided and to analyze coverage complaints.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, applications, and physics of analog and digital electronics, microprocessors, amplifiers, antennas, transmission lines, land mobile RF, microwave, multiplexing, data circuits, and systems.
• FCC regulations pertaining to land mobile radio systems, licensing, transmission power, radiated power, modulation limits and spurious radiation.
• Department General Orders, Bureau, and Section policies and procedures

SKILL IN:

• thinking clearly and responding quickly during times of emergency and to adapt to new situations and unusual working environments.
• working with others to accomplish tasks when required.
• working independently with minimal supervision when required.
• following detailed oral and written instructions.
• using electronic test equipment and documentation (e.g., spectrum analyzer, service monitors, time domain reflectometers, field strength meters, digital and analog meter displays, etc.) to diagnose telecommunications equipment problems and effect repairs, or to ensure proper performance of telecommunications equipment.
• applying the principles, operational requirements and engineering design of the multiple systems maintained.
• understanding the design characteristics of the numerous land mobile systems maintained by DPS.
• gathering technical information for trouble calls from non-technical personnel.
• maneuvering and operating vehicles (e.g., automobiles, 4-wheel drive trucks, snow traversing vehicles, trailers, etc.) in all weather and hazardous conditions throughout the state (e.g., extreme temperatures, snow, ice, steep or narrow unimproved roads, etc.) at all times during the day and night.
• evaluating and identifying the source of the problem within a communications system with a minimum expenditure of time and resources.
• using industry part codes and cross reference replacement guides to determine appropriate replacement parts.
• reading and comprehending technical shop manuals, manufacturers specifications, and troubleshooting guides used in the installation and repair of mobile communications equipment.
• giving detailed instructions as necessary.
• radio propagation to predict areas of coverage and dead spots in radio coverage.
• preparing detailed, legible and understandable written documents (e.g., reports, records, instruction, forms, etc.) using various formats.
• oral and written communications to exchange information, explain procedures, techniques, and answer questions in a clear logical manner.
• analyzing situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action.
• applying the principles and operational requirements of carrier systems (e.g., analog or digital microwave, fiber or commercial carrier.)
• applying the principles and practices of supervision and management.
• finding the source of RF interference in communications systems.
• serving in the absence of a manager.
• applying wire and coaxial cable termination standards (codes, power handling capabilities and loss characteristics of different types of coaxial cable).
• the use, care and selection of appropriate hand tools.
• the application of mathematics (e.g., Algebra, Trigonometry, Logarithms, etc.).
• working under hazardous and/or physically demanding conditions (e.g., climbing, balancing, lifting, along energized lines, on mountain road, in extreme heat or cold, in rain, snow, extreme altitudes, poor lighting, poor ventilation, fumes, ice, mud, etc.).
• climbing towers for purposes of inspection and maintenance of antennas, transmission lines and the tower itself using safety equipment and procedures in accordance with OSHA regulations.
• the use of duplexers, combiners, and multicouplers in a complex transmit/receive system and antenna array.
• checking and adjusting audio levels and troubleshooting problems of line quality through land lines and microwave circuits.
• applying the land use policies of various agencies (e.g., Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, State of AZ, etc.) pertaining to communications sites.

ABILITY TO:

• be flexible in responding to changes in schedules and job priorities.
• recognize and use industry standard cable color coding.
• acquire additional skills to maintain technical and professional skills.
• safely move objects weighing 50 pounds
• service and maintain emergency power systems.
• perform necessary modifications (e.g., fabricating special brackets and fixtures) for installing and repairing telecommunications equipment.
• apply basic survival skills in extreme weather conditions associated with mountaintop sites (e.g., extreme heat and cold conditions, heavy rain, snow, and ice, etc.).
• handle heavy or hazardous materials (e.g., solvents, batteries, chemicals, fuels, etc.) in a safe manner in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• repair CTCSS, tone, DC, and digitally controlled remote base station interfaces.
• install or remove equipment in vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school or equivalent.
• Successful completion of a formal electronics technology program of instruction from a recognized public or private school or Armed Forces Service school.
• Technical certification (e.g., FCC General Class License, PCIA or APCO Technician Certificate, CET Journeyman Certificate with a Communications endorsement, or equivalent).
• Valid Arizona driver license on effective starting date.

Requires two (2) years of experience as a Telecommunications Coordinator with the Arizona Department of Public Safety; OR four (4) years of experience as a Telecommunications Technician with the Arizona Department of Public Safety; OR four (4) years of work experience in electronics technology leading or supervising the repair, down to a module or subassembly, on two-way or multi-channel radio equipment (FCC Part 90, Part 101, or military equivalent).

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work outside in extreme heat and cold, as well as rain and snow.

Lifting and carrying up to 50 pound.

Must successfully complete the examination process.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

A summary of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Benefits is linked here.

01

Do you possess a high school degree or G.E.D equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you successfully completed a formal electronics technology program of instruction from a recognized public or private school or Armed Forces Service school? NOTE: Attach a copy of transcript/certificate with your application.

• Yes (list school information on next question)
• No

03

List the school information where you completed a formal electronics technology program(s).

04

From the list provided, select each technical certification you possess. Select all that apply. NOTE: You must upload copies of certificates with application.

• FCC General Class License
• PCIA Technician Certificate
• APCO Technician Certificate
• CET Journeyman Certificate with a Communications endorsement, or equivalent)
• OTHER
• Not Applicable

05

If you selected OTHER on the prior question, list your technical certification information here.

06

Select the option below which indicates how you meet the minimum qualifications.

• Four (4) years of work experience in electronics technology leading or supervising the repair, down to a module or subassembly, on two-way or multi-channel radio equipment (FCC Part 90, Part 101, or military equivalent).
• Four (4) years of experience as a Telecommunications Technician with the AZ Department of Public Safety
• Two (2) years of experience as a Telecommunications Coordinator with the AZ Department of Public Safety
• None of the above

07

Do you, or will you be able to, possess a valid Arizona driver license by the starting date?

• Yes
• No

08

I have read, understand, and agree to the requirements and working conditions associated with this classification.

• Yes
• No

09

DPS Guidelines for Tattoos, Body Art, and Body Alterations include but are not limited to the following: • Tattoos, body art, and body alterations on exposed areas of the head, face, tongue, mouth, teeth, neck, and chest, are prohibited. • Tattoos on the face are prohibited, except for cosmetic tattoos correcting medical conditions or permanent facial makeup that adheres to grooming standards. I understand, if employed by the Department of Public Safety, I will need to meet the standards above.

• Yes
• No

10

Are you legally entitled to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

11

Have you ever been convicted of a felony or an offense which would be a felony if committed in the state of Arizona?

• Yes
• No

12

I understand if selected for a position, I will take a polygraph and answer questions regarding my past drug use among other items. Providing untruthful or misleading answers will result in disqualification. I certify the responses I provide to the following questions regarding my prior drug use will be true and accurate to the best of my recollection.

• Yes
• No

13

Have you ever sold, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana, or any other illegal drug, for sale?

• Yes
• No

14

Please select the option below which details any marijuana usage (e.g., THC extracts, cannabis, hashish, or marijuana extracts) legally or illegally within the last six (6) months.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

15

Please select the option which details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony within the last seven (7) years. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• more than 8 times

16

Please select the option which details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony since turning 21 years of age. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• more than 8 times

17

Please select the option which details any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony during your lifetime. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.)

• None
• 1 time
• 2 - 3 times
• 4 - 5 times
• 6 - 8 times
• more than 8 times

18

Please select the option below which details any steroid or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

19

Please select the option below which details any Adderall or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

20

Please select the option below which details your heroin usage over your lifetime.

• None
• 1 - 5 times
• 6 - 10 times
• 11 - 20 times
• 21 - 30 times
• More than 30 times

Required Question

Employer Arizona Department of Public Safety

Address 2102 W. Encanto Blvd.

Phoenix, Arizona, 85009

Phone 602-223-2290

Website http://www.azdps.gov