Radio Technician

Overview: DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: Skilled work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of radio transmitters, receivers, and other related electronic and communications equipment, both fixed and mobile Work is performed under the supervision of the Technical Support Supervisor.

Performance is evaluated through user/customer input, observation, results obtained, oral/written reports, and appropriate employee performance appraisals.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Maintain console radio equipment including Compact Electronic Bay (CEB) racks, tone remotes, control stations, and network backhaul equipmentDiagnose, identify, and repair malfunctions in console radio equipment including CEB racks, tone remotes, control stations, network backhaul equipment, repeaters, circuits, and Radio Frequency (RF) componentsDiagnose, identify, and repair malfunctions in the portable and mobile radio equipment operated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), Alachua County Fire-Rescue (ACFR), contracted Fire-Rescue Departments, the general government components of the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), and other entities as assigned via Interlocal agreementsDiagnose, identify, and repair malfunctions in communications and electronic equipment, including, but not limited to, the main transmitting station, monitor receivers, control heads, relay panels, amplifiers, speakers, microphones, recording devices, electronic testing equipment, and all other types of emergency equipmentInstall new equipment for initial use and transfer equipment to another mobile or fixed location as assignedMake routine frequency modulation calibrations, measurements, and adjustments on all radio equipment as required by law to ensure equipment is operating within the appropriate parameters, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) specifications, etc.Install, configure, and repair PC, network switch, servers, and similar equipment related to RF and Internet Protocol (IP) functionality such as backhaul and audio recordingProgram radios using appropriate programming appliances including encryption applianceUpdate and program radios within desired specificationsCoordinate and communicate professionally with trunked radio system personnel regarding system and service related issuesCoordinate and communicate professionally with other counties and jurisdictions regarding radio and interoperability projects and needsMaintain awareness of R-56 grounding standards for RF equipment including tower sitesImplement R-56 standards as neededMaintain proficiency in encryption standards including DES-OFB, AES-256, and future standards that may be developedModify, update, test, maintain records, clean, and conduct operational readiness inspections for spare/unassigned communications equipment, specialty vehicles, and other communications equipment for routine/emergency use in accordance with agency policyMaintain, operate, repair, and install equipment in specialty vehicles such as the Mobile Communications Vehicle (MCV) and other agency maintained vehicles/assetsParticipate in exercises and live incidents related to communications interoperability (requires field deployment) including the ability to operate and stand up interoperability hardware such as a portable radio tower or mastOccasionally drive vehicles which require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) / Class B driver’s license or greaterIntegrate and operate communication systems through mediums such as satellite, landline/cellular telephone, microwave, and mesh in relation to interoperability and emergency communicationsClean own work area and assist in total shop cleanlinessBe alert for conditions or situations which inhibit efficient operation of the agency or its communication functions, and recommend solutionsMaintain accountability of all sets, kits, outfits, tools, and any other issued or accessed equipment or suppliesUtilize the established record keeping system to track inventory, document all repair activities, and record the issue or return of all equipment and related accessoriesPerform preventive maintenance activities for fixed, mobile, and portable communications equipment in accordance with agency policy and as assignedWork closely with the Fleet Unit on various activities where the responsibilities of the two functions are connectedAssist the Fleet Unit members with radio-related requestsCoordinate schedule with supervisor to ensure availability during projects and peak periods throughout the yearMay act as a “lead” in the absence of a supervisor or as assignedAssist in the development of skills for other radio shop personnelMaintain comparable skill level and act as back-up and/or assist other agency radio repair technician(s)This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and/or responsibilities of the position.

The omission of specific job functions or tasks does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent to the position.

Responsibilities: SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:May be required to work and/or travel outside of office hoursOccasionally work in high Radio Frequency environments and/or deploy for emergenciesMay be required to work overtime on occasion with short noticeDrive vehicles which require a CDL or Class B driver’s license WORK CONDITIONS:Both indoor and open shop environments.

Possible exposure to electrical hazardsNormal daytime hours, but subject to being called out, and may be required to work overtime when necessaryQUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:[X] High School/GED[ ] Associate’s Degree [X] Preferred[ ] Bachelor’s Degree [ ] PreferredPreferred Major(s): Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or other related degree EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:Three (3) or more years of experience maintaining and repairing radio equipment is preferredMilitary RF experience desirableExperience with trunk radio systems, system interoperability, electrical systems, radio/telephone circuits, and backhaul/networking preferredAny combination of experience and training that provides the required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:Current, valid Florida Class B or higher driver’s license, or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year of employmentCurrent, valid Amateur Radio Technician Class operator license, or the ability to obtain such within one (1) year of employmentAttend all training required to acquire and maintain the necessary vendor provided certifications to install, maintain, and repair the current inventory of communications and electronic equipment utilized by the Sheriff’s Office and other customer agencies Qualifications: PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Sit/stand for extended periods of timeSee and hear at normal rangeSpeak, read, write, and understand English fluentlyOperate computers, radios, and electronics equipmentAmbulate independentlyLift/carry 50 poundsPush/pull moderate loadsStretch and reachBend and squatManual dexterityDrive a vehicleKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Knowledge of the standard tools, materials, methods, and testing/diagnostic devices utilized in radio repair and maintenanceExtensive knowledge of the principles and theory of electricity and electronicsExtensive knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of radio repair and maintenanceAbility to interpret the work from technical sketches, schematics, and diagramsAbility to prioritize projects and complete them within established deadlinesAbility to work with minimal supervision within management’s specified objectivesCommunicate, advise, and assist management in meeting specified goals/objectivesPossess a positive attitude, effective communication skills, and excellent customer service abilities

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