Job description

This position is located in the 911 Communications Office. Under the supervision of the Radio Communications Manager, the 911 Radio Technician is responsible for performing highly skilled technical work as a technical expert on land mobile radio systems and other electronic systems and equipment. The 911 Radio Technician is responsible for providing reliable operation and continued integrity of all Gallatin County emergency radio communications systems.

Each duty listed below makes up at least 10% of the job, and all other functions are included in Other Duties as Assigned. All duties below are essential functions unless otherwise indicated.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

· Serve as technical expert for all land mobile radio systems and other related electronics equipment, including both conventional VHF and trunked radio systems, digital microwave network, alphanumeric paging system, dispatch radio consoles and supporting computer systems.

· Install, maintain, repair, and remove radio transmitters, radio receivers, microwave transmitters, microwave receivers and associated multiplex equipment, antennas, coaxial cables, dispatch center consoles, and supporting computer systems.

· Work with customer agencies, vendors, and outside radio service shop to determine system support and repair action needed on mobile, portable, and fixed radio systems, microwave and multiplex equipment, radio facilities, and emergency power systems.

· Write templates for subscriber equipment and program same. Research and program subscriber equipment with new firmware as needed.

· Ensure completion of semi-annual preventative maintenance for all radio, microwave, console, and supporting equipment and maintain appropriate repair logs on all equipment.

· Utilize computer software to document and perform system diagnostics and interpret results.

· Accurately document changes in equipment layout, facility plans, and wiring schematics and affect the rapid repair of electronic systems and provide support for the wide area network that controls the trunked radio systems.

· Represent Gallatin County in communications with other government agencies and commercial organizations. Assist with system interoperability and multi-agency communications plans.

· Make recommendations to user agencies regarding maintenance, purchase, and usage logs on all equipment as requested.

· Assist the IT Technician with networking issues as required.

· Works closely with the Assistant Director of Public Safety Systems to ensure the design and specifications for system changes meet user agencies specific needs.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Perform a variety of other duties as assigned by supervisor. This includes coordinating special projects and events, system research and analysis, attending meetings and special events, and attending continuing education and training as required. If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to an actual or threatened disaster such as an earthquake, fire, riot, flood, etc., County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and for a subsequent period of assessment and recovery.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

This position requires the basic knowledge of radio propagation theory and application with the operation of public safety land mobile radio systems. Knowledge of radio transmitting and receiving devices, microwave, antenna systems, combiners, and ancillary equipment. Experience in the support of conventional, trunking, analog, digital, and simulcast systems is highly desirable. However, we are willing to train the right candidate.

Knowledge of current FCC rules and regulations pertinent to radio spectrum and the wireless environment and applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures and their application to to the needs of the agencies serviced. Knowledge of industry standard practices with the installation, maintenance, and repair of specialized digital and analog electronic equipment; principles and practices associated with WANs, LANs, and the ability to apply aspects of network design and working knowledge of the National Electrical Code, and standards from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Knowledge of both subscriber and infrastructure RF safety.

Knowledge of a variety of equipment used in testing and repair of radio communications equipment and ability to identify and troubleshoot problems and issues regarding radio and microwave systems.

Documented skills in the use of complex electronic analyzing equipment such as, spectrum analyzer/service monitor to conduct DTF sweeps, VSWR fault isolation, power (forward and reflected), radio tuning and interference analysis.

Position must be proficient in Microsoft software including Word, Excel and Outlook and must have the ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology; establish and maintain effective working relationships; perform a wide variety of duties with accuracy under pressure of time-sensitive deadlines and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The required knowledge, skills, and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a graduation from High School and either (1) a combination of five (5) years work experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic communications equipment, RF technology or computer networking or (2) three years’ work experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic communications equipment, RF technology or computer networking with an Associate degree or a certificate of completion from an accredited vocational educational institution, including courses in electronic communications systems, digital, and test equipment. Work experience which demonstrates equivalent experience in writing, communications skills, and public speaking may be substituted on a year for year basis.

Experience with configuring, managing, and data extraction from a Motorola Smartzone and ASTRO P25 digital radio system is preferred.

A FCC radiotelephone license or equivalent license or competency certificate issued by a FCC sanctioned licensing agency is required. This requirement may be substituted by an additional five (5) years’ experience working directly with land mobile radio systems or equivalent military or other certification.

As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation.

Applicants for this position must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the County’s liability policies.

Paid Parental Leave (PPL)- In recognition of the importance of bonding and care of a newborn child or a child placed for adoption, Gallatin County provides 240 hours of PPL to eligible full-time employees. The hours are pro-rated for part-time employees.

Tuition Assistance- Because we value the professional and personal development of our employees, Gallatin County is proud to offer reimbursement of certain education expenses.

Gallatin County offers an excellent benefits package including health benefits where premiums for FT employees are covered by the County. Employees participate in a mandatory retirement plan through MT Public Employee Retirement System. Employees receive 12 paid days of sick, 15 days of paid vacation and 10-11 paid holidays per year.

TO APPLY: Go to the “Careers” tab on our Gallatin County Website (https://gallatincomt.virtualtownhall.net/), locate this job and click APPLY. OR copy and paste this link: “https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/gallatinmt/”

For application consideration, the following documents are required to be submitted:

· Cover Letter

· Resume

· Three (3) Professional References

Gallatin County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment on the basis of merit and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, or physical or mental disability.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.65 - $33.69 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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