Sr Radio Communications Engineer (Sheriff's Office)

Sr Radio Communications Engineer (Sheriff's Office)
Sheriff's Office, 1115 Albany St, Caldwell, Idaho, United States of America

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Administrative Services Captain, the Senior Radio Communications Engineer designs and initiates operational specifications for complex digital and analog radio systems for Canyon County. Responsible for making independent decisions and acting in emergency situations in accordance with department policy and procedures and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. Work requires independent judgement, initiative with minimal direction.

Key Responsibilities

Management:

Program and update communications systems to ensure continuous operations

Plan and forecast future needs for Radio Services

Engineer, design and maintain subscriber radio personality templates and user databases for portable and mobile radios compatible with the digital and analog 700MHz and 800MHz trunked radio systems

Provide programming services such as frequency, personal or vehicle identification, alerts and scanning functions

Maintenance:

Analyze and troubleshoot specialized data transmission and communication systems

Evaluate and monitor equipment repair costs to not exceed replacement value

Perform maintenance for radio network systems and specialized voice and data transmission equipment such as transmitter sites including fire station alert systems

Maintain and repair vehicular‑mounted communication equipment systems

Respond to immediate needs of customers to avoid significant downtime

Oversee maintenance of equipment on towers and at remote communication sites or coordinate with other organizations to perform related system maintenance

Develop troubleshooting guidelines and protocols for programming, repair, and maintenance of radio and communications equipment

Administrative:

Coordinate and monitor workflow processes, recommending changes to ensure continuity and efficiency

Coordinate extensively with end‑user work groups to provide optimum service

Maintain inventory of electronic parts, supplies, work area and tools

Maintain service incident and project documentation, record maintenance history, parts/material usage, labor tracking and cost

Provide technical assistance to users in selection, operation and function of radio and communications equipment, and ensure proper and reliable service

Evaluate equipment for quality assurance and standardization for system compatibility

Other Duties:

Attend seminars and training to find technology solutions to meet customers’ requirements

Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with county policies, procedures, and safety practices

Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities:

FEMA’s National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS)

Knowledge of complex 700MHz and 800MHz, and Motorola P25 trunked radio communications systems

Knowledge of microwave communications system and fiber optic system

Knowledge of Federal DHS CISA cybersecurity standards and safeguards when designing and maintaining radio encryption frameworks for complex radio systems

Functional knowledge of the operational theory of radio transmitters and receivers, digital and analog circuitry

Appropriate adjustment and application of electronic test instruments such as automated radio test sets, multimeters, watt meters, distortion meters, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes and direction‑finding equipment

Installation of mobile and base‑station communication systems, repeaters, towers and antennas

FCC rules and regulations as they pertain to radio communications and related systems as well as license renewals

Principles and practices of effective management and supervision

Deep knowledge of schematic diagrams and technical manuals

Work cooperatively and constructively with fellow workers and members of county first responder agencies to provide public service of the highest quality

Maintain records efficiently and accurately and prepare clear concise reports

Maintain high‑level confidentiality of information processed or prepared

Perform time management and scheduling functions, meet deadlines and set project priorities

Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions

Good verbal and written communication skills

Education and Experience:

Associate degree in Electronics / Telecommunications / Electrical Technology

High school diploma or equivalent and 3+ years of relevant experience with two‑way radio systems may be substituted for a degree

Radio telecommunications experience

Motorola APX Technical Subscriber certification

Motorola APX CPS Radio Programming and Template Building

IT certification and added advantage

Equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered

Special Qualifications:

Must successfully complete a background investigation including a polygraph examination

Must be able to successfully complete a pre‑hire drug test

Valid driver’s license and be insurable

Must possess training certificates within 12 months of hire

Available to respond to emergency operations and work 12‑hour shifts/7‑days a week during emergency operations

Attend early morning or evening meetings on a limited basis

Essential Physical Abilities:

Clear speech with or without accommodation to effectively convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly and/or quickly

Sufficient hearing clarity with or without reasonable accommodation to enable the employee to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information

Visual acuity, with or without accommodation, to read instructions, review and organize documents

Position requires hand/finger dexterity. While performing duties the employee occasionally lifts/carries up to 35 lbs and rarely up to 50 lbs. Employee also occasionally pushes/pulls up to 35 lbs and rarely up to 50 lbs. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance

Work environment will include indoor conditions, outdoor weather, extreme temperatures, wet and humid conditions, rough, uneven terrain, with areas of dust, odors, mist, gases or other airborne matter

Disclaimer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned. They are not exhaustive. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter it at any time without notice.

Canyon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

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