Radio Systems Technician

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to perform technical work associated with the maintenance, and operation of the county's wide-area, multi-agency voice and data wireless radio network. This position reports directly to and takes direction from the Radio Systems Administrator.

Job Summary

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Assists with long term radio communications planning for system technology updates, technology replacements, and enhancements; identifies new processes and alternatives to resolve problems or improve/enhance operations; evaluates performance of systems and programming to meet growing needs; researches and makes recommendations regarding new hardware/software; performs work flow analysis to determine functionality of applications under consideration.

Provides administrative support to supervisor in the management of the radio network:; maintains inventory control and tracks all related network equipment and radios currently activated on the system and their location; assists with applications for state and federal grants that can be acquired to assist in expanding and improving the current radio system infrastructure.

Coordinates and performs the repair and preventative maintenance of the radio network and all related equipment; maintains, re-images, and reprograms all end user equipment including portable radios, mobile radios, mobile data modems, and powered docks; maintains all emergency communications technologies for reliability and operational readiness; provides assistance to E911 dispatch for all technical support needs for radio issues; performs general/preventive maintenance tasks and monitors working conditions of systems; performs cleaning and preventive maintenance of equipment as needed.

Diagnoses, analyzes, and works to resolve/repair problems involving hardware, software, peripheral, or radio network problems; tests radio equipment and identifies data errors, line failures, and equipment malfunctions; initiates appropriate action to correct errors, recover data, and obtain maintenance; researches cost of repairs or replacement of computers, peripherals, or components.

Monitors usage of the network: maintains logs/documentation of work activities, computer operations, system modifications, maintenance activities, installations, and other activities; compiles or monitors various statistical data; makes applicable calculations; analyzes data and identifies trends; summarizes data and prepares reports.

Assists with the maintenance, operation, and repair of the 800MHz voice and data radio network, conventional radio system, the microwave network that supports all communications repeater sites and associated communication equipment in the 911 Center to ensure effective communications.

Provides technical support, training, information, and assistance to system users; notifies users of scheduled/non-scheduled downtime; coordinates or performs training of end users; receives service requests, troubleshoots problems, interacts with end users to determine system problems/errors; researches documentation for resolution of problems; documents problem resolution for future reference; provides status reports of trouble calls to appropriate individuals.

Assists with the planning and installation of data/voice cabling, antennas, fiber optic, T-1, DSL, frame relay, microwave hops, and other communications circuits required for the network.

Communicates with hardware/software service representatives, technical support representatives, and utility company representatives; provides information concerning system operations, expansion, and maintenance appropriate.

Operates various computer systems, peripheral equipment, office equipment, and related tools such as a mainframe computer, personal computer, palm computing device, printer, monitor, terminal, server, tape drive, CD-ROM drive, modem, copy machine, facsimile machine, calculator, telephone, or two-way radio.

Receives, processes, and prepares various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, department-specific documentation, diagrams, technical documents, or other documents pertaining to the radio system operation, performance, and maintenance; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, technology staff members, County departments, users, user groups, vendors, manufacturer representatives, state/federal agencies, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Maintains a working knowledge of the Federal Communications Commission's regulations of radio equipment and systems use, pertinent federal, state and local rules, regulations, legislation, and other regulatory standards, radio systems equipment specifications, installation and maintenance procedures and a variety of computer operating systems and software associated with work activities, which may include word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, presentation, networking, communications, report writing, scanning, terminal emulation, remote access, diagnostic, utilities, Internet, or e-mail..

Maintains an awareness of new products, technologies, trends, and advances in the profession; reads, analyze and interpret professional periodicals, manuals and journals, to increase knowledge of radio systems and applicable computer operations; attends user group meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.

Monitors radio traffic to ensure compliance with all federal, state and local rules and regulations.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, assisting visitors, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science or Information Systems, or closely related field; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes operation and maintenance of digital radio systems as well as conventional radio frequency technology, network administration and analysis, project management, and computer applications related to 800 MHz radio network systems, customer programming software and other public safety related applications; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.