Radio Frequency Systems Technician

Columbia County • Central Communications, FL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Installation, repair, and maintenance of RF systems and dispatch centers. RF Systems Technicians must have a working knowledge Project 25 telecommunications equipment installation and repair. Must be able to be on call 24/7 within the needed rotation, as the job requires. Must be able to travel with minimal notice when required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Communications, IT, Radio Frequency Engineer or a closely related field is preferred; and seven (7) years trunked simulcast Phase 2 network experience.
• Military specialized training in tactical or higher echelon communications is preferred; or any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s license required.
• Within fourteen days (14) days of employment, the employee is required to pass level four (4), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification training.
• Knowledge of the principles of two-way radio communication
• Knowledge of the design principles of radio equipment, components, and systems
• Knowledge of solid-state electronics, the operational design of circuits, and electronic testing equipment
• Knowledge of state and federal two-way radio regulations
• Knowledge of safety procedures, techniques, and equipment
• Knowledge of the common causes of failure that occur in radio transmitting and receiving equipment
• Ability to read and use schematic diagrams
• Ability to apply rules and guidelines to specific situations
• Ability to use RF and handheld electronic testing equipment
• Ability to complete and maintain records and forms
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain favorable public relations.
• Ability to solve customer problems quickly during stressful situations
• Ability to understand technology and keep up with emerging trends
• Knowledge of wired communications systems, such as local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN), must be proficient in computer network installation, configuration, and maintenance systems, including cable, routers, switches, firewalls and bridges
• Server implementation, configuration, and management
• Advanced Routing and Switching implementation, configuration, and management
• CAT5 termination and management
• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to IT
• Superior analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work without close supervision
• Ability to deal with complex tasks

Nice To Haves

• Preferred candidates will possess at least two years of experience in simulcast trunked radio systems
• Motorola ASTRO P25 Network experience is a plus
• Knowledge of wireless communications systems, such as RF repeaters, backbone microwave, GPS time servers, and simulcast cells

Responsibilities

• Install, test, and troubleshoot a variety of RF systems and sub-assemblages
• Complete all paperwork and logs clearly and timely
• Maintain, optimize, test, and document complex Motorola ASTRO P25 Simulcast Network radio system and infrastructure equipment, including radio repeaters, GPS time server oscillators, network servers, controllers, power supplies, network routers, and switches
• Perform two-way radio programming, preventive maintenance, and repairs
• Align and adjust radio equipment as needed to ensure compliance with FCC regulations
• Maintain 911 radio dispatch consoles and backup radio equipment
• Collaborate with management to stay ahead of industry standards to exceed customer's unique needs and concerns
• Maintain, test, and operate various models of RF repeaters, antenna subsystems, and microwave communications
• Perform server hardware/OS and software infrastructure maintenance and troubleshooting to resolve system/application-related issues as it pertains to the radio communications systems
• Install, test, repair, maintain repeaters, antenna systems, and other equipment for various brands and models
• Effectively communicate with vendor-specific engineering, project management and sales personnel to effectively maintain, optimize and support advanced communication systems that meet or exceed BOCC, County management and user expectations
• Maintain assigned vehicle inventory and vehicle maintenance
• Logging recording systems, RF interfaces, wired/wireless communications systems and networking equipment
• Responsible for the installation, configuration, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of all desktop computers, laptops, printers, and peripherals as pertains to the radio communication systems
• Responsible for networking PC Clients, which involves the setup and configurations of desktop computers, laptops, printers, peripherals, communications software, email, and internet access as it relates to the ASTRO25 network
• Utilize the technical support Help Desk application to provide technical support and user assistance
• Assist in implementing new network applications, systems, and upgrades and in implementing servers, server applications, systems, and upgrades as it pertains to the communications systems
• On-call 24/7 to independently diagnose and repair RF and computer equipment
• Maintain professional relationships with communication vendors who support the county communications system
• Regular attendance at work is required
• Maintain a professional relationship with elected officials and other County Departments, and affiliated Municipalities
• Provide both technical and strategic planning support to all public safety functions
• Provide administrative support for all of the County communications

Benefits

• Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical that screens for acceptable eyesight and hearing (with or without correction), the ability to sit for extended periods, and manual dexterity needed to operate office machinery.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior