Communications Equipment Technician I

This position performs a wide variety of duties relating to installing, removing, testing, maintaining, and repairing equipment associated with a law enforcement agency’s communications system, including but not limited to, base and mobile two-way radios, antenna systems, emergency power generators, emergency warning systems, and other state-of-the-art electronic communications measuring and surveillance equipment used by law enforcement officers.  The ideal candidate possesses exceptional attention to detail and the ability to problem-solve.  This challenging and rewarding position offers exceptional benefits including a pension plan.  We welcome all interested applicants who can meet the demands of the position to apply. 

40%  1.  Performs installations, removals, maintenance, and repairs on mobile and portable two-way radios, antenna systems, and associated equipment. 

• Moves heavy equipment weighing up to 75 pounds. 
• Climbs, kneels, and performs strenuous activities in performance of assigned duties and responsibilities while exposed to unfavorable atmospheric conditions and varied temperatures. 
• Bends and climbs into vehicle interiors and trunks and kneels on floorboards for extended periods of time. 
• Kneels on concrete floors for extended periods of time.
• Programs newly installed radios, camera systems, RF modems with the proper information.
• Applies firmware updates to installed electronics when needed.
• Troubleshoots the in-car IWIN computer system, make electronic repairs or modify computer settings if needed.

20%  2.  Performs installations, removals, maintenance, and repairs on base station two-way radios, antenna systems, and associated equipment. 

• Moves heavy equipment weighing up to 75 pounds. 
• Climbs, kneels, and performs strenuous activities in performance of assigned duties and responsibilities while exposed to unfavorable atmospheric conditions and varied temperatures. 
• Climbs on ladders for base stations and radio feed lines and kneels on concrete floors for extended periods of time.

20%  3.  Tests, repairs, and certifies electronic speed-measuring instruments, including radar and LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). 

• Certifies the accuracy of calibration devices and serves as an expert witness in court cases involving speed-measuring equipment. 

5%  4.  Tests, maintains, and repairs emergency power generators, audio and video recorders.

• Work may necessitate occasional call-up outside of regularly scheduled work period in order to assure continuity of communications systems within a troop service area.
• Operates a state-issued motor vehicle to travel to COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT sites from assigned headquarters to complete various assignments.

5%  5.  Performs routine maintenance and assists with the installation and repair of microwave transceivers and associated multiplex equipment.

5%  6.  Prepares and maintains various technical records and reports. 

• Produces paperwork and reports for agency jobs and routes to supervisor. 
• Creates Technical Services Request paperwork for work performed for other state agencies and routes to proper billing authority. 
• Utilizing a Windows-based computer, develops and maintains various electronic records including templates used for programming radios.

5%  7.  Performs other duties as required or assigned.

1. Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of high school supplemented by two (2) years of technical school with coursework in electricity, electronics, and communications systems. 
2. Requires valid F.C.C. licensure or certification by an approved organization (Active Radiotelephone First or Second Class Operator’s Licenses, while no longer issued by the F.C.C., remain applicable; Certification by the National Association of Business and Educational Radio or the Associated Public Safety Communications Officers or an equivalent approved organization is also substitutable).

1. At least one (1) year of experience in practical electronics, with particular emphasis in radio communications principles, theory and equipment circuitry and operation, maintenance and repair. 
2. At least one (1) year of experience using electronic test equipment for complex diagnostic and calibration procedures.
3. At least one (1) year of experience in reading schematic diagrams of electronic circuitry and associated equipment manuals and servicing literature in order to gain an understanding of circuit operation, normal performance characteristics, and diagnostic and adjustment procedures. 
4. At least one (1) year of experience in recognizing and correcting COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT malfunctions.    
5. At least one (1) year of experience in the use of hand tools to effect repairs to equipment.

1. Requires possession of an appropriate valid driver’s license and the ability to travel. 
2. Requires the ability to lift up to 75 pounds. 
3. Requires physical ability to perform the assigned duties.
4. Requires ability to respond to emergency call-out after normal work hours.
5. Requires exposure to unfavorable atmospheric conditions and varied temperatures.
6. Requires the ability to pass an Illinois State Police background check and drug screening.