Telecommunications Technician

Telecommunications Technician

  Not Disclosed

  Green Bay, WI

  8.0 Months

  Not Disclosed

  Not Disclosed

  Government - State

Job Description

Description:

Under the general supervision of the client Radio Specialist, this position provides specialized technical and comprehensive support, consultation, and training services for client staff on P25 and analog conventional radio systems that are owned and operated by the client. The primary responsibility is to support, configure, maintain, and install radio systems and the encompassing technologies. This position will assist in developing, recommending, and implementing standards for radio systems within multiple client divisions. The position will assist in managing client radio systems including repeaters, handheld radios, mobile radios, vehicle repeaters, base stations and all other ancillary technologies that incorporate radio technologies. This position provides guidance on the interoperability of radio equipment and frequencies, assist the Radio Specialist in development of requests for purchase for radio systems and equipment, and assist in administration of FCC frequencies licensed to the client. This position will be required to perform duties that include monitoring and responding to trouble/help tickets, performing yearly maintenance and programming, assisting client customers with radio requests, installing vehicle and office radios, and all other technical work required to maintain and manage a fleet of radios. Extensive field work and travel are incorporated in this position with "hands on" work in installing and maintaining these systems. This position will be considered a “statewide asset”. This position will support radio needs in support of wildland firefighting and public safety needs. This position will work closely within the client Radio Program and other client owned facilities, client facilities management, and vendors in lifecycle management of radio-based systems.

Project details (project overview, who the contractor will work with, soft skills needed, etc.):
This position will work closely with the client Radio Program staff. The staff consists of Radio Specialist, Radio System Administrator, Inventory Specialist, Tower Specialist, and Frequency Coordinator. This team works to provide radio support across the client supporting the Forests, Parks, Natural Heritage Conservation, Wildlife, and other Forestry programs. The Radio Program supports these divisions with radio support for fire suppression, prescribed burning, special events, administrative business, and public safety needs. This program coordinates with the client technicians for some backbone maintenance needs. The client maintains three repeater systems Networked (statewide system primarily supporting wildfire needs), Brown (typically supports the Forest and Park needs), and Golf (supports Wildfire operations). The client supports approximately 150 repeaters across 120 radio sites. The client maintains and supports approximately 2000 handheld and mobile radios.


The person assigned to this position will be required to assist in directing vendors when required.

Client Radio Program make up includes:
Up to 4000 customers, from 3 client Divisions
Approximately 100 client offices
Radio Inventory
o Approximately 1500 handheld radios
o 20 aviation radios
o Approximately 750 mobile/vehicle radios
Infrastructure
o 60 towers
o 158 repeaters

This position shall comply with the client ’s administrative rules and the client ’s policies and procedures.

Goals and Work Activities:

Service and maintain client owned Radio equipment
Utilize test equipment including multimeters, radio service monitors, antenna analyzers, power meters, and other radio test equipment.
Assist with programming radios across the client.
Assist with firmware updates to radios across the client.
Assist with equipment maintenance at client owned tower sites when required.
Partner with vendors and client employees to build relationships, analyze processes and technology to ensure system aligns with industry standards in all areas of radio technology.
Coordinate with client Radio Program Administrator for any dispatch or aviation related radio issues.
Assist client Radio Program Tower Specialist with any support needs.

Assist with development and installation of radio communications systems for the client on a state-wide basis
Assist the installation and implementation of new client radio systems when required.
Install mobile radios in client vehicles when required.
Install base stations in client owned or leased facilities when required.

Maintain inventory of all Code Plugs (electronic file that contains features and programming for a specific radio) for programmable radio in the fleet.
Coordinate with the client Radio Program Frequency Specialist to ensure proper compliance with frequency usage.

Assist with on-site radio asset management
Assist with the scheduling, planning and implementation of site surveys to review existing radio communication systems and services aimed at identifying problems and needs for recommending changes either in current operations, for budgetary purposes or to effectively communicate in emergency situations.
Assist as point of contact for emergency back-up resources in event of a systems failure.
Coordinate with the client Radio Program Inventory Specialist to ensure all assets are captured within the inventory system.

Provision of training and technical assistance for all radio communications systems and equipment, client-wide
Maintain a working knowledge of radio communications systems, services, and equipment to provide consulting service and recommendations to all client users and facilities.
Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with other industry professional, vendors, equipment manufacturers and service providers to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
Assist with technical knowledge feasibility studies, cost benefit analysis etc. on radio systems, equipment and services for divisional and departmental budget planning.
Respond to requests for information and advice by providing technical expertise on radio communication operations, services and equipment.
Assist with preparation of formal project reports, respond to questionnaires and surveys as assigned or requested and present progress to management and key stakeholders.
Assist with customer training when required.

Interchange of information beneficial to the client
Act as a liaison between client users and Radio Program staff.
Maintain liaison with other agencies to share information on common problems and to take advantage of available expertise.
Assist client technicians when directed by the Radio Program Specialist.

Professional development and other duties
Attend appropriate training, conferences, seminars and read technical publications to maintain a high level of expertise in radio communication technologies.
Follow publications and other sources to stay abreast of changes and new directions within this industry.
Attend product demonstrations to become familiar with new hardware and software developments.
Share technical skills and knowledge with other staff.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
1. Knowledge of radio equipment and digital/analog conventional radio systems.
2. Knowledge of all operation procedures in radio equipment.
3. Knowledge of FCC Licensing procedures and license maintenance requirements.
4. Knowledge of Radio Programming related to software and interface equipment.
5. Knowledge of how to properly maintain a fleet of portable batteries.
6. Working knowledge of standard Windows OS computers, Microsoft Office (Access, Outlook, Word, Excel) platforms and experience with workstation backup principles.
7. Experience with networking concepts and principles, including experience working with network hardware including switches, routers & firewalls.
8. Experience cabling network-attached equipment, to include copper and fiber optic technologies.
9. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including technical and interpersonal
10. Conflict resolution skills.
11. Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with client personnel, institution personnel, professional consultants, vendors / trades people, and representatives of other agencies.
12. Ability to create clear and comprehensive technical documentation and detailed system diagrams.
13. Ability to work well alone or in a team environment.
14. Ability to manage time and juggle multiple simultaneous projects and operational responsibilities.

Top Required Skills (3-4) & Years of Experience:
Knowledge of conventional VHF Radio System operability (2+ years)
Technical competency with electronic equipment. (2+ years)
Experience with vehicle and office electronics installation. (2+ years)
Strong verbal and written communication skills. (2+ years)
Ability to work alone or in a team environment. (2+ years)

Nice to Have Skills (2-3):
Proficiency with radio test equipment (service monitors, antenna analyzers, etc.)
Proficiency with radio programming
Experience with cabling and network attached equipment
Experience troubleshooting radio equipment.

Notes:
Onsite
This position requires a significant amount of day-to-day travel. Visiting offices across the state to perform maintenance and repairs will be a requirement of this position. Some overnight travel may be required as this position is a statewide resource that may be requested to help with projects throughout the state.