Radio Systems Electronics Technician - Hastings, United States - Dakota County

Description

POSTING TYPE: Open, competitive
DEPARTMENT: Office of Risk Management
HOURS: Full-time
HIRING RANGE: $60,396- $67,946 /year (107 Grade Level)
SALARY RANGE: $60,396- $94,369 /year
LOCATION: Hastings ADC
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: continuous

Provide repair and maintenance support for the Dakota County 800 MHz radio subsystem, 800 MHz subscriber radios and other radio system and technologies. Duties include working with outside consultants and the staff of other system owners to ensure the reliability and efficient operation of the subsystem. Respond to alarms, troubleshoot problems and monitor the performance of the radio networks and supporting systems including on-call duties nights and weekends.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Graduation from a two-year electronic communications program from a technical school or equivalent post-secondary education;
* And two years of experience troubleshooting and maintaining a trunked radio system and sites is required.
* Or, any equivalent combination of education and experience, (including relevant military communications experience), which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above may be considered.

REQUIRED LICENSES:
* FCC license (Amateur Radio or General Class Radiotelephone), or ability to receive license within 6 months of hire.
* Certification by National Association of Business and Educational Radio (NABER), Associated Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO), or National Association of Radio-Telecommunications Engineers (NARTE) may be substituted for FCC.
* Driver's license

* Pursuant to Dakota County Policy and Procedures Manual Section 3102 (L), this position is designated as Safety Sensitive.

* Pursuant to Dakota County Policy and Procedures Manual Section 3102 (L), this position is designated as Safety Sensitive.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Degree in Radio Communications, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology or related field
* Knowledge of computer-based network systems and equipment, i.e., 800 MHZ trunked radio simulcast system and mobile data terminal system, including computerized diagnostics and operational controls
* Knowledge of state and federal rules, regulations, codes and standards governing radio communications operations and installation
* Knowledge of the use, operation, calibration and maintenance of various electronic tools, diagnostic equipment and software

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Evaluate system performance based on operation objectives and recommends changes when needed.
2. Configuration and maintenance of all system software and hardware including user radio equipment.
3. Development and maintenance of subscriber radio programming fleetmaps and codeplug information in conformance with state and regional standards.
4. Participate in development of procedures related to radio system usage.
5. Communicate with police and fire departments, 911 center supervisors, and department management on radio system issues that may impact provision of public safety services.
6. Coordinate the resolution of radio system problems.
7. Coordinate with County and local subscriber agencies to update and install subscriber radio alias updates and programming templates to insure optimal operation.
8. Coordinate repair activities for county-owned and local subscriber agency radios, as well as the Dakota County sub-system infrastructure and associated site equipment.
9. Manage software upgrades of sub-system components and firmware updates for subscriber radios.
10. Schedule and assist in conducting periodic maintenance of county radio site equipment.
11. Utilize system-monitoring tools to stay informed on the health of the radio network.
12. Stay current on all Statewide and Regional ARMER standards and insure the subscriber radio programming is adhering to these standards.
13. System alarm monitoring and response. Acts as the first contact, by automatic system page, for system impacting problems, 24 hours a day when assigned to on-call duties. Follow up on false alarms to be sure the system wide monitoring system is operating properly.
14. Work directly with law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies in Dakota County to field problems and concerns, and communicates progress on solutions.
15. Provide guidance to users on proper use of the subscriber radios and the radio system.
16. Assist with conducting periodic tests of system failure plans.
17. Report inventory of parts levels and supplies necessary to properly service radio infrastructure and the subscriber radio fleet.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1 through 17

Considerable technical knowledge in the operation and maintenance of a P25 Trunked Digital simulcast radio network, dispatch consoles and simulcast paging systems.
* Considerable technical knowledge of conventional and repeated communications systems.
* Considerable knowledge of radio communication procedures and ability to operate communications equipment.
* Considerable troubleshooting skills.
* Considerable ability to interpret technical data or information regarding interoperable radio technology and arrive at solutions to problems as they arise.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to respond effectively to service problems and other issues with tact and efficiency.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Dakota911 staff, contractors and technical service providers.
* Ability to work both independently and with team members, contractors and subscriber radio agency staff to accomplish tasks and resolve problems.
* Ability to use good judgment and make decisions.
* Ability to keep accurate records and reports
* Ability to organize work effectively and efficiently.
* Ability to visually distinguish colors and changing images on visual displays or test equipment
* Ability to use personal computers and related technology and in the use of word processing, data base, spreadsheet, geographical information systems, mapping technology, page makeup, and drawing programs

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 70% in office/30% on site at subscriber agencies and tower sites. Must be able to perform the following on a frequent and daily basis: bending, turning/twisting, kneeling, climbing, reaching out, grasping, fingering and lifting up to 50 pounds. Exposures may include, but are not limited to heat and cold, dangerous electrical/electronic equipment, traffic and noise. Equipment used but not limited to includes: motor vehicle, various hand and power tools, electrical and electronic installation and testing tools/instruments, personal computer, printers, telephone, pager, cellular phone, calculator, copy and fax machine and personal safety equipment. Testing equipment requires both hearing and visual acuity. Motor vehicles operation both on and off the roadway. Routine travel between radio sites and within the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution