State of Alaska is hiring: Communications Radio Technician (Alaska Railroad) in
State of Alaska, Juneau, AK, United States
PURPOSE OF POSITION
To repair, overhaul, rebuild, align and adjust ARRC radio communications equipment, monitor frequency emissions, direct installation of complex radio systems, analyze equipment failures, and suggest changes to improve operation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Install, configure, maintain, monitor, troubleshoot, align, and adjust frequencies for multi‑frequency base station, mobile, data and handheld radios, antenna leads and various waveform array configurations on communication towers, locomotives, and mobile vehicles.
Perform in‑shop and field repairs, alignments, and modifications; install and maintain radio amplifiers, repeaters, combiners, duplexers, batteries, trunking radio telephones, and communications controllers.
Use service monitor, watt, power, and SWR meters for troubleshooting, documentation, and analysis.
Install and maintain cables for radio antennas, radios, and data communications; interface with network/switch equipment and determine analog or digital interface needs.
Install, inspect, and maintain grounding for communication towers, huts, and facilities.
Provide oversight for link, data, and voice base station radios; ensure interoperability between systems, sites, and agencies; recommend site locations and RF equipment selection; determine RF power levels between adjacent facilities; specify frequency combining and isolation equipment; select frequency and channel plans to meet system design specifications.
Determine mobile and portable radio equipment selection based on expected performance, reliability, operability, and safety criteria; create channel plans to meet departmental operational requirements; standardize vehicle and track equipment radio installations, including placement, power requirements, and antenna selection and mounting.
Analyze RF system configuration, performance, and impairments; recommend system changes; isolate and provide solutions for radio impairments at the system, site, and user level; coordinate changes to system, equipment, and frequency plans.
Schedule and perform periodic maintenance inspections at communication sites, including circuit analysis, power system checks, radio performance testing, frequency leak detection, and proper antenna mounting and alignment.
Maintain accurate records and update microwave and circuit drawings, cable records, and building wiring plans, blueprints, property management, and inventory; research replacement parts, order, and document repairs.
Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE
Current FCC General Radio Telephone Operator License (GROL).
Ability to repair, overhaul, rebuild, align, and adjust complete multi‑system end‑to‑end radio communication systems.
Knowledge of electromagnetic propagation, electronic circuits, power systems, and related fields.
Understanding of mathematics, including trigonometry, to calculate power relationships and signal phasing.
Interpretation of drawings, instructions, specifications, and electronic schematics for multi‑system complexes.
Basic knowledge of electrical, sheet metal, and carpentry.
Good memory, ingenuity in servicing equipment, and independent judgment.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Valid Alaska driver’s license.
Track car operator training within one year of hire and track car operator license within 30 months.
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Works under general supervision of the Manager, Communications & Signal Engineering.
Sets and adheres to own work schedule with only minor supervision; flexible to change schedule without notice.
Advises engineering personnel on operation and maintenance effects of proposed modifications and new equipment.
Provides technical assistance to lower‑grade employees and coordinates the work of employees assigned on a task basis.
Maintains knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art technologies and stays abreast of emerging market technologies.
PHYSICAL EFFORT
Some installation, maintenance, and repair work requires standing on ladders, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing 200‑ft. towers, and working in uncomfortable positions for extended periods. Frequently lifts, carries, and positions heavy tools and equipment up to 60 pounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a well‑ventilated warm area 50% of the time. May require exposure to adverse weather conditions, including low temperatures of –60°F, creosote, dirt, grime, electrical shock, and battery acid. Personal protective equipment is required as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school graduation or GED. Current FCC General Radio Telephone Operator License. Associate’s degree in electronics preferred. Five years of experience as an electronics mechanic, communications technician or closely related role, with two years involving repair, overhaul, rebuilding, aligning, and adjusting of radio communications equipment. Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain an Alaska Railroad track car operator license within 30 months.
COMMUNICATIONS RADIO TECHNICIAN I
Requires five years of relevant experience (or equivalent education plus experience). Must demonstrate ability to perform the job at a fully functional level. Valid driver’s license and Alaska Railroad Track Car License required.
COMMUNICATIONS RADIO TECHNICIAN II
Advancement requires two years’ experience as a Technician I and demonstrated proficiency. Valid driver’s license and Alaska Railroad Track Car License required.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
This position is subject to the Federal Hours of Service Act and requires compliance with all federal safety rules, including FRA drug testing regulations and the ARRC drug and alcohol policy.
EQUAL‑OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Alaska Railroad Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.
BENEFITS
Retirement Plans
ARRC Pension Plan – Mandatory participation, 9% employee contribution, 5‑year vesting, with early retirement options.
401(k) Tax‑Deferred Savings Plan – Optional participation.
457 Deferred Compensation Plan – Optional for non‑represented employees.
Insurance and Flexible Spending Plans
Various health, dental, and life insurance options (often optional, except for the RR Dental Plan for bargaining‑unit employees).
Health Insurance Plan
Comprehensive plan administered by Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska, covering spouse and dependent children.
Prefered Provider Organization (PPO) and Consumer‑Directed Healthcare options available.
Paid Leave & Holidays
Vacation accrual varies by service length (4–10 hours per pay period depending on tenure).
Sick leave accrues at 4 hours (represented) or 2 hours (non‑represented) per pay period.
11 paid holidays per year.
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To repair, overhaul, rebuild, align and adjust ARRC radio communications equipment, monitor frequency emissions, direct installation of complex radio systems, analyze equipment failures, and suggest changes to improve operation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Install, configure, maintain, monitor, troubleshoot, align, and adjust frequencies for multi‑frequency base station, mobile, data and handheld radios, antenna leads and various waveform array configurations on communication towers, locomotives, and mobile vehicles.
Perform in‑shop and field repairs, alignments, and modifications; install and maintain radio amplifiers, repeaters, combiners, duplexers, batteries, trunking radio telephones, and communications controllers.
Use service monitor, watt, power, and SWR meters for troubleshooting, documentation, and analysis.
Install and maintain cables for radio antennas, radios, and data communications; interface with network/switch equipment and determine analog or digital interface needs.
Install, inspect, and maintain grounding for communication towers, huts, and facilities.
Provide oversight for link, data, and voice base station radios; ensure interoperability between systems, sites, and agencies; recommend site locations and RF equipment selection; determine RF power levels between adjacent facilities; specify frequency combining and isolation equipment; select frequency and channel plans to meet system design specifications.
Determine mobile and portable radio equipment selection based on expected performance, reliability, operability, and safety criteria; create channel plans to meet departmental operational requirements; standardize vehicle and track equipment radio installations, including placement, power requirements, and antenna selection and mounting.
Analyze RF system configuration, performance, and impairments; recommend system changes; isolate and provide solutions for radio impairments at the system, site, and user level; coordinate changes to system, equipment, and frequency plans.
Schedule and perform periodic maintenance inspections at communication sites, including circuit analysis, power system checks, radio performance testing, frequency leak detection, and proper antenna mounting and alignment.
Maintain accurate records and update microwave and circuit drawings, cable records, and building wiring plans, blueprints, property management, and inventory; research replacement parts, order, and document repairs.
Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE
Current FCC General Radio Telephone Operator License (GROL).
Ability to repair, overhaul, rebuild, align, and adjust complete multi‑system end‑to‑end radio communication systems.
Knowledge of electromagnetic propagation, electronic circuits, power systems, and related fields.
Understanding of mathematics, including trigonometry, to calculate power relationships and signal phasing.
Interpretation of drawings, instructions, specifications, and electronic schematics for multi‑system complexes.
Basic knowledge of electrical, sheet metal, and carpentry.
Good memory, ingenuity in servicing equipment, and independent judgment.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Valid Alaska driver’s license.
Track car operator training within one year of hire and track car operator license within 30 months.
WORK EXPECTATIONS
Works under general supervision of the Manager, Communications & Signal Engineering.
Sets and adheres to own work schedule with only minor supervision; flexible to change schedule without notice.
Advises engineering personnel on operation and maintenance effects of proposed modifications and new equipment.
Provides technical assistance to lower‑grade employees and coordinates the work of employees assigned on a task basis.
Maintains knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art technologies and stays abreast of emerging market technologies.
PHYSICAL EFFORT
Some installation, maintenance, and repair work requires standing on ladders, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing 200‑ft. towers, and working in uncomfortable positions for extended periods. Frequently lifts, carries, and positions heavy tools and equipment up to 60 pounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a well‑ventilated warm area 50% of the time. May require exposure to adverse weather conditions, including low temperatures of –60°F, creosote, dirt, grime, electrical shock, and battery acid. Personal protective equipment is required as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school graduation or GED. Current FCC General Radio Telephone Operator License. Associate’s degree in electronics preferred. Five years of experience as an electronics mechanic, communications technician or closely related role, with two years involving repair, overhaul, rebuilding, aligning, and adjusting of radio communications equipment. Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain an Alaska Railroad track car operator license within 30 months.
COMMUNICATIONS RADIO TECHNICIAN I
Requires five years of relevant experience (or equivalent education plus experience). Must demonstrate ability to perform the job at a fully functional level. Valid driver’s license and Alaska Railroad Track Car License required.
COMMUNICATIONS RADIO TECHNICIAN II
Advancement requires two years’ experience as a Technician I and demonstrated proficiency. Valid driver’s license and Alaska Railroad Track Car License required.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
This position is subject to the Federal Hours of Service Act and requires compliance with all federal safety rules, including FRA drug testing regulations and the ARRC drug and alcohol policy.
EQUAL‑OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Alaska Railroad Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.
BENEFITS
Retirement Plans
ARRC Pension Plan – Mandatory participation, 9% employee contribution, 5‑year vesting, with early retirement options.
401(k) Tax‑Deferred Savings Plan – Optional participation.
457 Deferred Compensation Plan – Optional for non‑represented employees.
Insurance and Flexible Spending Plans
Various health, dental, and life insurance options (often optional, except for the RR Dental Plan for bargaining‑unit employees).
Health Insurance Plan
Comprehensive plan administered by Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska, covering spouse and dependent children.
Prefered Provider Organization (PPO) and Consumer‑Directed Healthcare options available.
Paid Leave & Holidays
Vacation accrual varies by service length (4–10 hours per pay period depending on tenure).
Sick leave accrues at 4 hours (represented) or 2 hours (non‑represented) per pay period.
11 paid holidays per year.
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