Sr Radio Communications Engineer

Canyon County•Caldwell, ID

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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
Equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered
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
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

Nice To Haves

IT certification and added advantage

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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