Radio Communications Specialist I/II (Open & Promotional)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The County of San Mateo's Technology Services Department seeks a Radio Communication Specialist I/II (IS Communications Specialist I/II). This is a full-time position in the Radio Services Unit, which maintains wireless communications and low voltage systems for over 50 County and local government agencies. These systems include microwave, two-way radio, alarms, paging systems, and audio/video equipment, with equipment located at approximately 100 remote sites. The IS Communications Specialist I is an entry-level position performing routine tasks such as setting up and configuring telecommunications, radio communications, and network infrastructure, along with routine maintenance. The IS Communications Specialist II is a journey-level position responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting various infrastructure systems and equipment, requiring less supervision and more independent judgment than the I level. The ideal candidate is technically savvy, eager to learn new technologies, and has some background in installation and preventive maintenance of network, two-way radios, or complex systems. Networking or engineering experience is desirable.

Requirements

Completion of coursework and/or training in information systems, computer science, or related field.
IS Communications Specialist I: One (1) year of providing technical support in the installation, maintenance, and repair of systems specific to radio communications, telecommunications, or network.
IS Communications Specialist II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in providing technical support in the installation, maintenance, and repair of systems specific to radio communications, telecommunications, or network.
Effective communication to collaborate with team members and interact with clients or end-users.
Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical challenges.
Ability to stay updated with evolving radio technologies and adapt to new equipment and software.
Execute duties under pressure while maintaining professional composure.
Ability to adhere to safety protocols and regulations to ensure safe installation, maintenance, and operation of radio or similar electronic equipment.
Accurate record-keeping and documentation of equipment configurations, maintenance activities, and repairs or similar experience with other technologies.
Use county provided task management systems to document progress on current activities.
Collaboration with colleagues and team members to accomplish tasks and projects effectively.
Efficiently managing time and priorities to meet service and maintenance schedules.
Principles and practices used in the operations, maintenance, repair, and administration of assigned systems and equipment.
Techniques and methods of system implementation and monitoring.
Troubleshooting and installation techniques.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Customer service and telephone techniques.
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with vendors and County staff.
Perform basic technical support functions for assigned systems; troubleshoot problems and take appropriate action or escalate to appropriate staff as needed.
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve basic system problems and perform minor repairs.
Setup equipment and install and configure software.
Deal tactfully with the customers and staff in providing information, answering questions, and providing customer service.
Respond to and effectively prioritize a high volume of phone calls and other requests for service.
Learn and understand the organization, operation, and functions of the department as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
Learn, interpret, and apply applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Organize, maintain, and update records systems.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Use tact and prudence within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Advanced system infrastructure configuration methods and techniques (for II level).
Techniques and methods of system evaluation, implementation, and documentation (for II level).
Troubleshooting, configuration, and installation techniques (for II level).
The organization, operation, and functions of the department as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities and to determine appropriate point of escalation (for II level).
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility (for II level).
Perform a variety of technical support functions in the installation, configuration, maintenance, and repair of assigned systems; take appropriate action to resolve problems or escalate to appropriate staff as needed (for II level).
Identify and repair equipment, hardware, and software problems (for II level).
Train staff on system and equipment usage (for II level).
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations (for II level).
Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems (for II level).
Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines (for II level).
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines (for II level).

Nice To Haves

Networking or engineering experiences are desirable.
Has the desire to learn about radio and microwave communications.
Understanding of networking principles that may involve integrating radio communication with data networks.
Understanding of radio systems, equipment, and technology, including transmitters, receivers, antennas, and related components or willingness to learn same.
Knowledge of programming and configuring networking/computer/ networking equipment and is willing to learn about radio and microwave.
Proficiency in maintaining and servicing technical equipment to ensure reliability and performance.
Knowledge or willingness to learn relevant regulations, licenses, and standards governing radio operations.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated on radio/networking industry trends and advancements.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, General Radiotelephone Operator License issued by the Federal Communications Commission is desired.

Responsibilities

Prepare clear, concise, and accurate documentation & Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), instructions, correspondence, files & other written materials.
Installation, configuration, and maintenance of a radio system that is increasingly using Internet Protocol as its transport.
Installation of radio equipment in vehicles.
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with both technical & non-technical personnel.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Assist with the planning, installation, and maintenance of digital microwave radios & digital multiplexers and channel bank systems, Motorola-trunkings, Motorola-trunking system controllers & digital/analog simulcast transmitters, digital and analog receiver voting comparators, AC and DC power conversion & distribution systems.
Analyze operational, programming and systems problems, evaluate alternatives and reach sound conclusions.
Work as part of the team to provide and service emergency generator power to communications sites.
Provide updates, status, and completion information to staff and/or users via voicemail, email, or in-person communication.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Serve in an after-hours on-call rotation after qualification period.