Public Safety Statewide Radio System Manager

State of Nebraska • Lincoln, NE

134d • $48,997

About The Position

The Office of the Chief Information Officer does not sponsor STEM or non-immigrant work visas for this position. The statewide radio manager oversees the entire radio communications network for the State of Nebraska, serving State Agencies, Police, firefighters, Volunteer Fire Departments, and dispatchers. Through 64 towers across Nebraska and double-redundant call processors, the SRS supports 40 agencies that rely on the system full-time, and more than 97% of counties use the SRS for interoperability with SRS users through regional operations standard radios located at county dispatch centers. Responsible for ensuring the system's operational integrity, performance, and compliance. The position often requires a mix of technical expertise, management skills, and strategic planning.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer science, information systems, mathematics, engineering or other related field.
• Two years of experience in related information technology discipline(s) (network infrastructure, coding, systems or database).
• Two years of experience supervising activities of professional level IT Staff.
• Experience can be substituted for education on a year for year basis, two years of which should be as a project coordinator, leader, or supervisor.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Public Safety Communications, or a related field (Master’s preferred in some states).
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in radio communications system management or public safety technology.
• Certifications such as: APCO certifications (e.g., RADO, COML, CTO, or ENP).
• FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Demonstrated experience with statewide or regional public safety communication networks.
• Familiarity with federal and state grant programs for communications infrastructure.
• Experience working with multi-agency governance boards and advisory committees.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.
• Knowledge of GIS mapping tools for coverage analysis and system planning.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the statewide public safety radio communications system (P25 or similar).
• Ensure reliable, secure, and interoperable radio communications for state, local, and federal public safety agencies.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and coverage; address outages, failures, and interference issues.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
• Develop long-term strategies for system upgrades, expansions, and lifecycle replacement.
• Manage spectrum/licensing requirements with the FCC.
• Plan and implement system enhancements to improve interoperability, coverage, and resilience.
• Direct technical staff, contractors, and vendors responsible for infrastructure, towers, microwave links, repeaters, and dispatch centers.
• Oversee cybersecurity and physical security measures for communication infrastructure.
• Maintain system documentation, technical standards, and operational guidelines.
• Serve as the primary liaison to public safety agencies, local governments, federal partners, and telecom vendors.
• Coordinate interoperability planning between multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
• Provide technical consultation and training to user agencies.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and procurement related to system operations.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state regulations, grant requirements, and industry standards.
• Prepare reports, policies, and briefings for executive leadership and advisory boards.
• Provide technical support and coordination during large-scale incidents, disasters, or special events.
• Ensure redundant and backup communication systems are available for continuity of operations.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees