Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3 (In-Training)

State of Washington•Yakima County - Union Gap, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a motivated and skilled Wireless Communications Systems Technician (In-Training) to join their team in Union Gap, WA. This role is vital in keeping the South Central Region connected by supporting the network infrastructure behind Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) devices and office locations. The position is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of wireless telecommunications equipment and supporting networks across a wide service area, including Yakima, Kittitas, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, Asotin, and neighboring counties. The role involves both field and behind-the-scenes work, responding to emergency repairs, assisting fellow technicians with installations and troubleshooting, and partnering with wireless telecommunications engineers to support critical systems. This is an opportunity for career growth while making a meaningful impact on Washington’s transportation network.

Requirements

Electronics & Communications Systems Expertise: Demonstrates applied competency maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing complex electronic communications systems, including two-way RF, microwave carrier, and IP-based network systems.
Technical Documentation Interpretation: Skills and experience to accurately interpret and apply technical manuals, schematics, drawings, and specifications to diagnose issues, perform installations, and complete repairs.
Foundational Technical Readiness: Ability to apply foundational knowledge and problem-solving skills to technical and operational communications environments.
Independent Field Operations: Experience independently installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing sophisticated communications equipment with professionalism and reliability.
Physical ability to perform all required field work tasks.
Ability to work safely and effectively in extreme or adverse weather conditions.
Engineering Principles & Policy Application: Experience applying electrical, electronic, and wireless engineering principles along with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies to ensure compliant and effective system operations.
Antenna & Transmission Infrastructure Maintenance: Skilled at safely installing, maintaining, and servicing antennas, transmission lines, and waveguides, including work performed at heights of up to 300 feet.
Mission-Critical Radio & Network Systems Support: Skills to operate, maintain, and repair P25 700/800 MHz trunked radio, microwave carrier, and data network systems supporting critical communications.
Remote Site Access & Specialized Equipment Operation: Ability to safely access and services remote communications sites using specialized vehicles and equipment in varied terrain and weather conditions.
Diagnostic & Test Equipment Proficiency: Skills and ability to use electronic test and diagnostic tools (e.g., oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, TDRs, service monitors, multimeters, network analyzers) to evaluate performance and isolate faults.
Computer & Technology Utilization: Ability to proficiently utilize computer systems, mobile devices, GPS, and related technologies to support technical operations, documentation, and communication.
Effective Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, coworkers, and customers through effective verbal and written communication.
General Radiotelephone Operator Licensed issued by the FCC, or ability to obtain within the first six (6) months of employment.
Ability to pass and maintain compliance with a Washington State Patrol criminal background check.
Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to drive a state vehicle at the time of hire.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Networking & Radio Systems Knowledge: Demonstrates additional technical knowledge obtained through formal education and/or professional experience in Ethernet networking, radio propagation, advanced data networking, or L3Harris Land Mobile Radio systems.

Responsibilities

Development, operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of Internet Protocol (IP) based ethernet network and support equipment.
Install, configure, manage, maintain, and repair digital IP-based microwave systems and support equipment, including Nokia, Cambium/Ceragon, Radwin, Exalt, Solectek, and MOS brand systems operating at licensed and unlicensed frequencies.
Manage and maintain Ethernet switches and routers, including Etherwan and Cisco, using a PC laptop, network analyzers, digital voltmeters, power meter, frequency counter/generators, and other troubleshooting equipment.
Install, configure, manage, maintain, and repair digital fiber optic networking systems connected to the microwave and ITS network using fiber optic test equipment.
Develop, manage, and maintain an inventory of IP lists and network programming parameters using spreadsheets and other software.
Install, configure, and maintain IP cameras for roadside surveillance and security systems.
Install, configure, manage, design, maintain and repair PTP and PMTP wireless 4.9 Ghz radio systems.
Perform emergency field repairs independently and as part of a technician team.