Communications Systems Tech

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.

HIRING RANGE: $52.04 - $57.82/hour

Position is responsible for the City’s, along with other public safety agencies and varied disciplines, a multi-site P25 digital radio communications system and the associated infrastructure and network switching center. Installs, troubleshoots, and maintains radio systems networks and IP infrastructures. Perform integration of digital systems for voice, data, telephony, computer, and encrypted communications. Perform analysis, upgrades, modifications, maintenance, and repair work on electronic and electrical systems including specialized firmware and software. Resolve unusual problems relating to systems use and interference to communications operations. Position is responsible for troubleshooting equipment operation to isolate problem areas. Tests newly purchased equipment for conformance to specifications, proper operation and calibration. Tests firmware, software, applications and programming for conformance and proper functionality prior to implementation. Coordinates and assists with local through federal agencies on public safety communications issues. Position is required to maintain a database of repair actions, costs, equipment and materials, and inventories. 

This position carries critical responsibilities for complex technical support as well as 24x7 systems support. The position is the technical point of contact for all radio communications technologies utilized by the City; and serves as an administrator for coordination, implementation, and management of radio and network interoperable systems associated with the City inclusive the Federal Protective Services, the Department of Homeland Security Forces, the Government’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories, the West Metro Fire Protection Agency, the City of Wheat Ridge, the City of Arvada, the Arvada Fire Protection District, the City and County of Denver, and numerous additional agencies inclusive, but not limited to, the F.B.I., U.S. Marshalls, I.C.E., National Guard, D.E.A., A.T.F., and the U.S. Secret Service on a regular basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Integrates systems and systems components; designs specialized circuits or cables for systems interfaces.
• Works with and performs administration, maintenance and development of the radio network infrastructure via own efforts and through others on the team including, but not limited to:
Network Configuration and device management.
TCP/IP Addressing, Network Services, System and Applications Servers. Network Operating Systems, Routers, Switches, Communication servers.
Firewalls, VPN, Intrusion Detection, Intrusion Prevention.
• Troubleshoots complex problems with radio systems and decides on the best course of action to resolve the problems
• Recommends critical systems improvements to vendors.
• Troubleshoots microwave equipment and links.
• Acts as technical liaison to other agencies (local, federal, commercial) on communications issues.
• Maintains technical expertise on latest radio systems; stand alone and integrated.
• Conducts intra and interagency systems’ diagnostics. Implements and/or modifies related communication’s hardware and software systems.
• Performs hardware, firmware, and software maintenance.
• Performs site equipment installation, test, removal, and disposal.
• Performs programming of portables, mobile radios, and associated equipment.
• Performs preventive maintenance checks on radio system mobile and portable radios.
• Performs semiannual preventive maintenance on backbone infrastructure.
• Performs necessary system and/or equipment repairs where feasible or will make arrangements for the necessary repairs.
• Responds to and evaluates communications problems.
• Develops, coordinates, and conducts training on hardware and software use specific to radio systems, and related systems and functions.
• Performs work that requires keyboarding abilities.
• Performs data collection, entry, and reporting using computer applications programs.
• Tracks and maintains the radio system maintenance account.
• Prepares and disseminates bulletins for Police and Fire Departments.
• Provides maintenance support in the implementation of new electronic radio technology.
• Evaluates new communication systems technology and provides recommendations.
• Establishes and maintains communications systems’ security.
Must be able to interact with others in a positive manner.
Requires regular and prompt attendance.

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS
• Evaluates tests and recommends technical equipment and related software programs to supervisor.
• Installs required electronic cabling and wiring.
• Prepares and maintains related documentation.
• Cooperate with and maintain a good relationship with external agencies and their system users.
• Prepares reports on systems' utilization and related issues.
• Assists to develop policies on use of Public Safety electronics equipment.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities, as required, on short notice.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Supervision Received
Receives general supervision from the Radio Communications Supervisor.

Supervision Given
None.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in electronics or related field is preferred.
An appropriate combination of education and experience will be considered.

Experience
• Technical expertise in P25 700/800 MHz radio systems and protocols required.
• Technical expertise in EDACS analog radio equipment and systems.
• Maintenance experience on outdoor warning systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of Cisco network equipment and basic configurations is a plus.
• Familiarity with core networking equipment, components, and their programming.
• Systems wiring and installations.

Licensure/Certification/Registration
Valid driver's license and good motor vehicle record.
A CDL license is preferred.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of personal computers.
• Knowledge of radio procedures and radio use.
• Knowledge of WINDOWS and software programming.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of FCC licensing procedures.
• Strong hardware and software troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to respond to emergency calls day or night.
• Ability to organize work and define priorities.
• Must be comfortable working with technical staff on a consistent basis.
• Ability to train non-technical system users.
• Ability to anticipate, and plan for, future technological needs.
• Working knowledge of industry standard word processor, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Customer service focus, self-motivated and ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to deal effectively with interruptions.
• Ability to read and understand technical manuals and wiring schematics.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to pass oral board interview, reference checks, pre-placement physical, vision and hearing tests, background and credit check.
• One-year probationary period.



PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to download files from main computer and customize for use in other programs.
Knowledge and experience in use of electronics test equipment.
Knowledge of police/fire emergency communications.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects

PHYSICAL DEMAND
• Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice-versa
• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels up to 50 lbs.
• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels over 51 lbs. with assistance
• Sit, stand or be stationary
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, turn or twist all of which may include awkward positions on both even and uneven terrain
• Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
• Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, reach, grasp, move, feel, and inspect, etc.
• Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color
• Walk, ascend or descend on both even and uneven terrain

Environmental Conditions may include
• Confined spaces
• Extreme cold or heat
• Frequent vibrations due to equipment use
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Moderate to extremely loud noise environment
• Outdoor weather conditions
• Toxic or caustic chemicals
• Wet or humid conditions
• Work in high, precarious places

Physical Requirements:
• May lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Hearing & Vision test