Radio Communications Coordinator

Job Overview
Under general administrative direction, the Radio Communications Coordinator (Telecommunications Coordinator) directs the functional operation of mission‑critical communications systems, addresses technical issues related to radio, fire alerting, microwave networks, and more, directs planning and coordination of system maintenance and repair with vendors and end‑users, creates code plugs, programs, and upgrades subscriber two‑way radios, repeaters, and more. Activates and mobilizes emergency backup systems and communications trailers and provides technical support and responses to public safety departments during emergencies.

Benefits: This position is in Management Category III, which includes six additional management vacation days and a vehicle allowance of $250 per month.

As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by Department Heads.

Responsibilities

Provides technical guidance to developers with regards to ensuring two‑way communications compliance within structures

Maintains technical and support aspects for all mission‑critical and ancillary systems including radio systems, microwave network, fire alerting system and coordinates contractor maintenance activities

Troubleshoots and performs first echelon level service on subscriber radios and components

Assists in long‑range planning of telecommunications and electronic systems requirements

Prepares technical specifications for proposals

Develops radio templates and code plugs utilizing Customer Programming Software (CPS)

Maintains the radio fleet radio management servers

Oversees and assists in maintaining all radio system software records such as programming templates, radio programs, identification numbers, assignments, aliases, talk group assignments, talk group registers, inventory, records and cross‑reference lists

Programs backbone system equipment including system controller and interface management system for a trunked radio and conventional repeater communication systems

Coordinates with system users on activities involving repair, maintenance and regional public safety activities

Assists and supports departments in implementing the City’s Telecommunication Ordinance overseeing the applications for use of the City’s right‑of‑way, establishing an equitable cost, and negotiating preferable routes

Assists and supports departments in reviewing new development projects within the City which may interfere with the City’s radio system and assists in negotiating leases for towers located on City’s right‑of‑way

Monitors radio and alerting systems and initiates immediate corrective action

Reviews new development programs submitted to the City for approval to determine which may reduce radio system coverage to below acceptable levels; conducts fade margin studies to determine the effect of any system impacts

Provides system usage reports

Keeps schedule of routine preventive maintenance on various equipment and tower sites

Serves as liaison with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for licenses and enforcement actions; maintains all required FCC license records; prepares and submits all required FCC reports; assures proper posting of FCC licenses

Serves as liaison with Local and Federal Law Enforcement agencies to process interoperability agreements and facilitates programming of their radios onto City radio systems

Monitors the County’s Change Management Request Process (CMR) for communications and dispatching issues

Provides after‑hours support to public safety departments during emergencies

Performs related work as required

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Radio Communications, Electronics, Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, Telecommunications, or a related field.

Three (3) or more years of experience in a radio communications infrastructure environment along with experience utilizing radio programming software. Additional qualifying experience in a job related field, may substitute on a year‑for‑year basis for the required education.

Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Florida driver’s license within 30 days of hire.

This position will require on‑call, holiday, night and/or weekend work.

To claim Veterans’ Preference, candidates must attach to the application a copy of military separation papers (DD214) and service‑connected disability documentation (if applicable) to meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by Florida Statutes. For additional information, refer to Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Preferences

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Communications Unit Technician (COMT) or Communication Unit Leader (COML) preferred.

Special Requirements

An in‑depth pre‑employment background check including a limited‑scope polygraph will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed security‑sensitive.

Physical Standards
The position involves heavy physical demands, such as exerting up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally (with assistance), and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Ability to lift, carry, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, walk, push, pull, grasp, stand and access heights or areas where limited space is available. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Veteran’s Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace.

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