The Public Works Department is currently recruiting for a Communications Technician for the Radio Communications Shop. The Radio Communications shop maintains the communication system for the City of San José that is used by multiple departments, such as: Police, Fire, Department of Transportation, Parks Recreation Neighborhood Services (Park Rangers), and Public Works (Animal Care & Services). The City of San José public safety and city services depend upon the use of commercial radio communications equipment. For police officers and firefighters, radio communications are the primary means of communicating with the 9-1-1 dispatch center in performing their duties. These vast stand-alone radio systems with fault-tolerant designs are essential to providing the public with reliable emergency response services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with demand for system survivability through any catastrophic event.
Responsibilities of the Communications Technician include, but are not limited to:
+ Installation, maintenance and repair of mobile and portable radios, base and control stations, dispatch consoles, central electronic banks (CEB), voting receivers and comparators, digital Microwave system and P25 conventional and trunked Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems.
+ Respond to trouble reports, perform preventative maintenance and project assignments.
+ May update technical documentation including wiring block assignments, as-built drawings of installed equipment at City radio sites, specialized vehicular installations, and diagrams of the City’s various communications systems.
+ May provide recommendations for process improvement changes with the input of technical staff.
+ May construct and/or modify communications equipment and perform research on new equipment.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. The actual salary shall be determined by the candidate’s qualifications and experience. In addition to the starting salary, employees in the Communications Technician classification shall also receive an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation pay.
Competencies
The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:
Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.
Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
Customer Service: Approaches problem-solving by focusing on customers first; advocates for customer results point of view; demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in a timely, accurate, respectful, and friendly manner.
Leadership: Leads by example; serves as appropriate role model; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment; and encourages and rewards risk-taking, allowing others to learn from mistakes.
Project Management: Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.
Desirable certifications include:
Possession of a Radiotelephone Technician Certificate issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
Possession of a Technician Certificate issued by National Association of Business and Education Radio/Personal Communications Industry Association (NABER/PCIA)
Possession of a Technician Certificate issued by National Association of Radio and Television Engineers (NARTE)
Possession of a General Class Radio Telephone Operators License issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical/writing exercise. Please attach your resume as part of your application submittal.
You will be prompted to answer the following job-specific questions during the online application process. Please note that there is a 4,000-character limit, including spaces, for each text response.
1. Please describe your work experience in the programming and/or repair of portable and mobile radios and other electronic equipment including one year of experience in the area of public safety communications.
2. Please list the type of certificate or licenses you currently hold and the granting authority.
3. Please describe your experience in operating and/or maintaining complex radio/communication systems. In your response, include what your role was, a description of the system(s) you maintained, and your number of years of experience.
4. Please describe your experience in the installation of complex radio/communications related equipment. In your response, describe the project(s) you installed, as well as your specific role in making the project successful.
You must answer all job-specific questions in order to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration.
If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Jordan Pascual at jordan.pascual@sanjoseca.gov.
