IT Systems Administrator - Radio Specialist

Job Description:

IT Systems Administrator - Radio Specialist

Description

Position Scope

Embrace the New - Do Right - Lend a Hand - Find a Way - Enjoy our Work - Celebrate Uniqueness

Under general supervision, incumbent is responsible for ensuring all public safety radio systems are operational, meet technical standards, ensure compliance with all regulations, establish and document technical specifications. Coordinate vendor and partner agencies activities with Regional Wireless Cooperative (RWC) and coordinate support and maintenance with Motorola representatives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Configures, maintains, tests and performs minor repairs on P25 radio equipment.
• Ensures adequate stock of parts, including knobs, antennas and batteries for all communication equipment.
• Operates and calibrates electronic test equipment. Operates a city motor vehicle.
• Installs, repairs and maintains two-way radio equipment, i.e. connect wires, mount units and antennas.
• Examines equipment for defective components or faulty wiring or connections, replaces components as needed.
• Programs P25 radios, configure software, and designs radio system templates.
• Participates in the evaluation and testing of public safety radio networks with RWC.
• Performs troubleshooting of all radio communications and base stations to determine the proper contracted agent to respond to repair equipment.
• Works with technicians from Regional Wireless Cooperative (RWC) and Motorola System Engineers to ensure all facets of the trunked radio system are in proper working order.
• Performs maintenance and repairs on radios and console equipment; performs software programming and system analysis for radio templates and dispatch console configuration.
• Ensures the Police Department and Fire Department radio and Mobile Data, Terminal databases are current.
• Participates in the preparation of specifications and makes recommendations on the purchase of communications equipment; maintains contact with vendors to obtain information on product changes and new products; tests new products and equipment.
• Prepares reports, controls equipment and ensures inventory levels are current and adequate.
• Retains records and reports of electronic system performance, accomplished work and other information as required.
• Maintains the Police and Fire Department radio communication equipment inventory on all assigned assets.
• Schedules and performs Preventive Maintenance on Public Safety department's portable and mobile radios.
• Operates a motor vehicle to travel to/from various locations.
• Distinguishes the full range of the color spectrum to safely work with electrical wires and systems.
• Performs bi-annual audits of all portable and mobile radios.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications & Position Requirements

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing a wide variety of electronic, radio and digital communications equipment; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Experience:

Completion of technical training in electronics, telecommunications, or equivalent military training. Experience working with public safety radio systems, including installation, programming, and maintenance of Motorola P25 radios.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Techniques and procedures of electronic, electrical, digital, voice radio, data and related communication theory and repair methods.
• In-depth understanding of P25 digital radio standards and trunked radio operations.
• Encryption methods and secure communication practices for public safety systems.
• Electronics and telecommunications networking.
• Principles and practices of safe motor vehicle operation and maintenance.
• Microsoft Office 365 products.

Skill in & Ability to:

• Diagnosing and resolving issues with radio equipment, including interference, signal loss, or equipment failure.
• Proficiency with diagnostic tools such as spectrum analyzers, service monitors, and cable testers
• Understanding radio frequency (RF) principles, including modulation, propagation, and spectrum allocation.
• Use software tools for radio programming, diagnostics, and configuration.
• Understanding how radio systems integrate with other IT infrastructure.
• Develop a standardized maintenance schedule for all portable, mobile, and base station radios to enhance operational reliability
• Effectively collaborate with public safety personnel to identify communication needs and implement tailored solutions
• Develop and deliver training sessions focusing on secure radio operation, troubleshooting, and compliance with communication protocols
• Establish performance benchmarks for response times to service issues and adherence to maintenance schedules
• Set-up computer programs related to programming and equipment inventory.
• Prioritize daily activities, meet deadlines and effectively handle unexpected situations; self-motivate and work with minimal supervision.
• Understand, make inferences and follow oral and written directions.
• Effectively diagnose problems; run diagnostic programs to locate malfunctions.
• Ascertain facts through testing and observation, analyze methods and procedures and test system segments to determine requirement adequacy.
• Comprehend technical instructions and translate to lay terms for organizational comprehension.
• Demonstrate strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, coworkers and City staff at all levels and the public.
• Demonstrate experience and proficiency in using a personal computer, a variety of software and other equipment essential to performing daily activities.
• Complete required OSHA/Safety Training.

12-Month Goals:

• Familiarize yourself with City policies and procedures.
• Complete and stay up to date with Vector LMS and Training, SafePersonnel Edition.
• Regularly test and maintain all radio equipment to guarantee consistency performance and uptime.
• Ensure accuracy in the inventory of radio equipment, identify any discrepancies, obsolete items, or equipment in need of maintenance or replacement, and update inventory management practices for better asset tracking.
• Conduct regular training sessions for users on proper operation and maintenance of both handheld and vehicle-mounted radios to minimize misuse and equipment damage.

Additional Information

Possession of a valid Arizona Drivers License; specific training or certifications may be required.

Hiring Range: $81,120 - $101,379.20

Salary range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.

Hiring range is an estimate of the compensation amount for the selected candidate. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and equity amongst other City employees in a similar position.

Employee Benefits & Wellness

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time classified and management employees. Part-time classified employees may be eligible for select benefits where defined.

For complete Benefit Plan & Wellness Information, please visit the City website at:
Benefits & Wellness

City benefit plans are subject to change at any time.

Closing Date/Time: 2/13/2025 11:59 PM Mountain

Salary:

$81,120.00 - $121,721.60 Annually