Radio Communications Technician (Senior IT Support Specialist)

Salary : $73,059.17 - $91,324.06 Annually
Location : City of Pasadena, CA
Job Type: Full -Time
Job Number: 24-136
Department: Information Technology
Division: Operations
Opening Date: 01/25/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
The Pasadena Department of Information Technology is excited to announce a vacancy for a Radio Communications Technician(Senior IT Support Specialist). This is a critical role within the infrastructure team to support the City's advanced Motorola P25 SmartZone land mobile radio system. The position serves a wide range of City Departments, including Fire, Police, Public Works, and Water and Power.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will be a technical expert in radio and/or any other similar communication technology, preferably in the public sector. This person must be able to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, possess excellent communication and time management skills, strives to provide top-notch customer service, takes initiative and responsibility of his/her work, and possesses a strong work ethic.
This career opportunity includes:

• Performing mission-critical services for mobile and portable two-way radios and related mobile devices, control stations, and 911 Radio Dispatch consoles.
• Maintaining and expanding the capabilities of the ICI Motorola P25 SmartZone Radio System, with over 1500 Encrypted Motorola APX Series subscriber radios.
• Member of the Infrastructure Team to provide support to multiple City Departments including Police, Fire, Public Works, Water and Power.
• Participant and representative of Interagency Communications Interoperability Systems (ICI System).

The City offers outstanding benefits, including 9/80 schedules with alternative Friday's off. Learn more about working for the Department of Information Technology
This recruitment is open until filled, with a first review of applications scheduled for February 8, 2024. Apply now!
Essential Functions
The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the
This career opportunity includes performing mission critical duties for mobile and portable two-way radios, related mobile devices, mobile data terminals, control and base stations, emergency dispatch consoles, alarm monitors and senders, alerting systems and other wireless communications systems, with duties including but not limited to:

• Manages and maintains a programming data base of approximately 2000 Radios that includes management of programming code-plugs and asset information.
• Responds to after-hours calls and conducts remote problem diagnosis and resolution; notifies Supervisor of action required if remote repair cannot be achieved.
• Installs, maintains, monitors, upgrades and repairs Radio Communications equipment, infrastructure and systems for public safety dispatch and other operational needs; programs and configures radio-operating parameters in consoles and subscriber units; develops radio program templates and radio IDs and talk group assignments.
• Diagnoses, analyzes and maintains equipment and systems including accessories such as headsets and foot switches; troubleshoots equipment failures and malfunctions; isolates and pinpoints problems by analyzing error and failure codes; makes repairs or coordinates warranty repairs and replacement of parts and equipment; performs periodic preventative maintenance of radio-related equipment.
• Participates in researching, configuring, integrating, programing and testing Radio Communications systems; performs systems analysis and planning assignments; participates in designing and configuring secure Radio Communications systems to minimize downtime and meet public safety objectives.
• Trains users on radio operations procedures and interoperating methods and techniques.
• Creates and maintains accurate technical documentation of communications systems and equipment.
• Develops cost estimates and arranges for the purchase of replacement parts and equipment within authority limits for various infrastructure projects.
• Monitors, investigates and isolates radio interference, including malicious or accidental interference with the City's radio systems.
• Provides frequency coordination support; attends meetings of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) to advocate for City requests regarding frequencies and to ensure no interference due to requests made by other entities; participates in providing technical guidance to multi-city cooperative radio and fire dispatch organizations.
• Monitors FCC ULS to properly maintain Cities FCC License database which may include the application process for new licenses or the renewal of existing.
• Provides on-call after-hours emergency support.
• Installing, configuring, testing, monitoring and maintaining the operations of complex communications systems Prompt response to alerts and researching, analyzing and resolving issues.
• Maintaining current knowledge of regional communications systems and end-user requirements.

Qualification Guidelines
COMPETENCIES
The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position:

• Take the initiative to dive into new roles, assignments, and projects with energy, enthusiasm and self-motivation.
• Communication Skills to clearly explain complex concepts to various audiences orally and in writing.
• Customer Focused and Solution Oriented to identify requirements and meet business objectives.
• Problem Solving Ability to analytically and logically evaluation information, issues, and problems.
• Time Management Ability to effectively manage time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
• Perception and Judgment Skills to make decisions authoritatively and wisely, after adequately contemplating various available courses of action.
• Take personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
MinimumQualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited two-year college, a recognized trade or vocational school in electronics, electronic engineering technology, computer technology or the equivalent or;
• Four years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of radio equipment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

DesirableQualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications or a closely related field and four years related work experience; OR certificate program in electronic engineering technology andat least five years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of radio equipment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• An FCC General Class radio/telephone Operator's license is required to be obtained within the first year of probation.
• Experience with the following systems and processes is preferred:
  • Motorola's ASTRO25 7.x trunked and conventional infrastructure and G-series hardware
  • Motorola's ASTRO25 and APX subscriber equipment
  • Bendix/King digital (DPH-series) subscriber equipment
  • Microsoft operating systems from Windows XP through Windows 10
  • Knowledge and ability to process FCC license applications and renewals through ULS

Experience in a public agency is preferred.

SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of training and experience and the most highly qualified candidates may be invited to participate in a written examination or interview panel and departmental-level interviews with the hiring department.
Probationary work period is one year.
VACANCY INFORMATION
There is currently one vacancy in the Infrastructure Division of the Department of Information Technology.
The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.
Special Requirements
Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment.
Must possess an FCC General Radiotelephone Operators License or equivalent NABER, APCO or legacy FCC license or it must be obtained within the first year of probation.
As part of the team, you will be part of a rotating after-hours on-call support structure, in which you may conduct remote problem diagnosis and resolution and, if needed, respond to resolve onsite emergency issues.
For certain assignments, successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation is required, including a review of employment history, criminal conviction record, use of intoxicants and/or other controlled substances. In these cases, incumbents may be asked to work at secure locations and access highly confidential materials and information, in addition to working on systems that have city-wide impacts.
Effective January 1, 2013, new members to CalPERS or an agency with CALPERS' reciprocity or who have more than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and will receive the 2% @ 62 benefit formula.
Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency and employment with the City will be enrolled in the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula.
All employees are required to pay the full employee contribution to CalPERS.
Click link below to review the City's excellent benefits package
01
To further assist us with reviewing your qualifications, please answer the following questions. Please complete all sections of this form truthfully and completely. Your responses will be validated if you are considered one of the most qualified applicants. Although resumes will be accepted and evaluated, this form must be completed if the application is to be considered valid. Please select yes to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02
What is your highest level of education achieved?

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's or advanced degree
• None of the above

03
Do you possess a certification in electronic technology or any other similar program?

• Yes
• No

04
What best describes your experience in support of large, complex, voice or Radio Communications systems?

• Less than 4 years
• 4-5 years
• More than 5 years

05
Please identify all two-way radio systems and subscriber equipment with which you are familiar:

• Motorola ASTRO25 7.x
• Motorola ASTRO25
• Motorola APX
• None of the above

06
For each two-way radio system checked above, describe your experience with subscriber equipment hardware and software including: Installing, configuring, testing, monitoring, maintaining, troubleshooting and/or training (either technical or end user, delivered or received).
07
Discuss your experience using the CPS, experience with updating firmware or feature sets using the FlashPort system, and experience with hardware failures and repairs and tuning the equipment to meet the manufacturer's specifications.
08
Describe your knowledge and experience with Bendix/King DPH hardware and software including Installing, configuring, testing, monitoring, maintaining, troubleshooting and/or training (either technical or end user, delivered or received).
09
Describe your experience with the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS), and with completing forms online using the ULS.
10
Please list specific test equipment you have worked with.
11
Do you possess an FCC General Radiotelephone Operators License or equivalent NABER, APCO or legacy FCC license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question