Under the general direction of the Radio Frequency Administrator or higher-level officer, this is a non-supervisory position involving technical and clerical work supporting, monitoring, testing, and troubleshooting hardware and software related to government IT networks, land mobile radio systems, and microwave systems.
The Radio Frequency Technician ensures reliable communication systems and maintains compliance with industry standards. Work is reviewed through periodic reports on new technologies, and network performance as outlined by the immediate supervisor.
- Installs, configures, repairs and maintains radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment and two-way radio communications systems, including antennas, transmitters, and receivers.
- Installs, configures, repairs, and maintains radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles.
- Executes lab and field tests on RF systems, including RFID and prototype installations.
- Troubleshoots and resolves RF-related issues promptly to maintain system stability.
- Conducts preventive maintenance and performance testing of RF systems.
- Provides technical support to end-users and ensures proper implementation of API commands.
- Collaborates with vendors for parts and supplies to maintain quick-turn prototype assembly capability.
- Documents installation processes, repairs, and system abnormalities accurately.
- Stays current with RF technology advancements, FCC regulations, and safety standards, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to RF operations.
- Runs automated or manual tests in the lab with prototype systems and in the field on live installations.
- Supports programs for system integrators, and test data storage, archiving, processing and analysis as required.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical or Electronics Engineering Technology, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field, supplemented by one (1) year of experience in radio frequency, wireless communications, or telecommunications systems.
OR Associates degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical or Electronics Engineering Technology, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field, supplemented by three (3) years of experience in radio frequency, wireless communications, or telecommunications systems.
OR Five (5) years of work experience in installation, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of RF or two-way communications systems, not below a high school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
FACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Knowledge of the operating rules, procedures, and advanced computer commands and operations.
- Knowledge of departmental and FCC (part 15 and part 90) rules and regulations.
- Knowledge of upgrading hardware, such as routers or adapters, and software, such as network drivers, as needed to support computer networks.
- Knowledge of IF, HF, UHF, VHF, and 2.45GHz RFID, and basic antenna theory.
- Skill in advanced computer operations, including managing, upgrading, and troubleshooting networks, hardware, and software, as well as efficient data entry and retrieval using computers and related equipment.
- Skill in RF test and measurement, including use of benchtop RF test equipment, RF alignment equipment (spectrum analyzers, RF generators, network analyzers), and taking accurate measurements such as S-parameters.
- Skill in problem-solving and analysis.
- Skill with basic soldering.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics and data sheets, set up RF calibration, and design and construct fixtures or interfaces for device testing and interconnection.
- Ability to document processes and comprehend, follow, and communicate oral and written instructions.
- Ability to organize, manage multiple tasks, and maintain lab efficiency with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues, end users, and clients.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people encountered in the course of work.
- Ability to work comfortably at heights.
- Ability to make fixtures and interfaces to permit device testing and interconnection.
- Ability to manage networks, troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and analyze data traffic to determine future necessary upgrades.
FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Work is directly supervised by RF Administrator or Lead RF Technician who provides work orders and assignments. Work is performed with minimal supervision, and the employee is responsible for the outcomes of their work. Work is reviewed for the effectiveness of best practices employed to ensure conformance with regulations, professional standards, and compliance with established policies and procedures.
FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES
Guidelines include departmental instructions, FCC regulations (such as Part 15 and Part 90), professional RF standards, internal policies for installation and maintenance, safety protocols for working with electrical and RF equipment, documentation standards, and any additional supervisor instructions to ensure compliance and effective performance.
FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY
Work involves managing the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) Enterprise System, including all agencies, departments, and instrumentalities, as well as radio frequency use for Fire, Police, and Homeland Security. The employee must conduct spectrum analysis, perform lab and field testing of RFID systems, provide hardware support, and ensure proper API command implementation.
FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of the work is to conduct installation and maintenance of radio frequencies on a government-wide infrastructure to include testing and analyzing, always ensuring connectivity with the network.
FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are internal and external users of enterprise, emergency, and telecommunication systems, as well as various IT personnel and RF technicians in both government and private corporations.
FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are made to determine client needs, respond to trouble calls, resolve problems, and enter status updates into the log.
FACTOR 8- PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work requires physical agility and exertion, including climbing stairs, ladders, monopoles, telecommunication towers, and rooftops; lifting computer peripherals and equipment; and pulling and installing cables and wireless hardware. It also involves prolonged periods of sitting, kneeling, or stooping, data entry, and reviewing output on monitors or printers. Field support often necessitates travel to customer sites or working on communication towers.
FACTOR 9- WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in both office and field settings, including various site locations, laboratories, and outdoor areas such as towers, where hardware and software are installed and components are tested. It involves some exposure to weather conditions and hazardous chemicals.
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