Communications Systems Technician III

Position Description

The City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities is establishing an eligible list for Communications Systems Technician III which will be used to fill vacancies for one year.

The Communications Systems Technician III's perform complex and highly technical work at the highest level of end user configuration in the installation, testing and maintenance of communication systems. In this role you will operate a variety of specialized tools and test equipment used to ensure assigned systems perform as designed. Assignments may be focused on one or two specific communication systems. In this role you may work independently or be assigned to lead a crew and provide work direction/training to Communications Systems Technicians and other personnel.

Responsibilities Include:

• Serves as a technical specialist and/or lead
• Provides mentorship, training, guidance, and work direction to assigned personnel and ensures work completion
• Specify, Install, repair, program, maintain, and operate a variety of P25 related radio systems, communications equipment, MPLS fiberoptic networks, and associated P25 end user devices and systems to industry standards.
• Works with varying equipment: Two-way radio communications equipment; Telecommunications transport systems; Microwave radio systems; Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA); Telephony and Data Networks; Security systems; Closed Circuit Television; Access Control; Tele-protection systems; and Cable Plant. (specific area of specialization varies from position to position)
• Communicate with internal and/or external technical and user personnel to coordinate such activities as analyzing equipment and device performance problems, implementing repairs as needed, scheduling system outages, performing end-to-end system tests, coordinating new installations, and ensuring documentation is updated.
• Determine or recommend appropriate methods of repair, maintenance, and installation to minimize damage to equipment, potential for personal injury, and/or revenue loss due to equipment downtime.
• Positions in this classification perform all duties in accordance with WAC 296-45.

Qualifications
Qualifications

• 7 years of experience performing skilled and technical duties in the installation, repair, maintenance, and operation of a wide variety of communication equipment and systems.
• College degree or vocational certificate in communication electronics, RF technology or data transport may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Depending on position, a valid FCC-approved General Radiotelephone Operator's License (PG) or certification by an industry-approved and FCC-endorsed program by completion of probation with maintenance thereafter may be required.
• Valid Washington State driver's license at time of application with maintenance thereafter.
• First-aid /CPR certification by completion of probation with maintenance thereafter.
• Completion and maintenance of training, following hire, required by WAC 296-45 to work in the vicinity of energized equipment.
• Must be able to pass background screening for applicable security access and maintain security clearance.

Knowledge & Skills

• Methods, materials and terminology used in the installation, repair and maintenance of communication and security equipment.
• Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations pertaining to applicable communications systems.
• Electronic theory and standard electrical wiring procedures.
• Circuit analysis and trouble shooting.
• Current technical aspects of communications and security field.
• Operation of specialized tools, test equipment, bucket trucks and other devices commonly operated in the trade.
• Configuration and operation of computers, microprocessors and computer peripherals.
• Interpret and apply related laws, rules, codes, policies and procedures.
• Read and interpret schematic, wiring and digital diagrams.
• Identify and isolate electrical and/or electronic problems and equipment malfunctions.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Safely work at heights from communication towers, platforms or manlift trucks.
• Observe adequate safety precautions against occupational hazards.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 170,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Information Technology Department
The Information Technology Department's Public Safety Radio Communications Team provides customized radio communications services and associated end user device support for internal and external customers. Our services enable public safety and public service agencies throughout Tacoma and the Central Puget Sound Metropolitan Area to reliably communicate with each other in real time, on scene and whenever necessary. Operating from the Radio Service Center (RSC) in the Fleet Building adjacent to Tacoma Police Department headquarters, our customers include Tacoma General Government departments, Police and Fire/EMS agencies, E911 dispatch agencies, ambulance companies, hospitals, and other public service organizations.

Apply

Interested individuals should apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental questions scored by subject matter experts. Applicants who pass will be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Appointment is subject to passing a background check. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 483. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Position requires lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Position requires ascending/descending over 75 feet.
• Position requires working in confined spaces.
• Position requires pulling and pushing.
• Must be able to distinguish and identify color coded devices, wire and fiber cabling.
• Must be able to communicate and respond effectively.
• Work includes indoor and outdoor environment.
• Subject to driving from site to site to conduct work.
• Subject to adverse weather conditions and extended working hours.
• Travel may be necessary.
• Subject to working at heights above 75 feet.
• May be exposed to fumes, noise and electrical hazards.
• May work alone without direct supervision for extended periods.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or neogov.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

Should you have any questions about this position please call Human Resources at (253) 591-5400 before 5pm on the closing date.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 10/2/2023 5:00 PM Pacific