Wireless Communications Technician
This job posting may close at any time. Applicants are advised to apply promptly. Pay Schedule II, Grade H24, Regular Schedule: 40 hours per week A vacancy exists in the Office of Information Technology. A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below. Current and future vacancies occurring in any Office or Department of Baltimore County General Government may be filled from the list of eligible applicants. All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time. List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experiences on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications. Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time. You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.
Examples Of Duties
Under general supervision, installs, repairs, and maintains mobile radios, portable radios, control consoles, base radios, trunked radio systems, and related electronic communications equipment.
- Maintains, tests and repairs analog and digital radio communication systems including computer control equipment, timing and delay systems, microwave sub-systems, base stations and mobile two-way radios. Analyzes, modifies, maintains, designs, tests and repairs complex analog and digital RF communications systems for the transmission of voice and data as well as microwave communications equipment systems used as infrastructures to support RF voice or data transmissions.
- Installs and configures modifications to existing communications systems based on County need. Works directly with communications system manufacturers to resolve complex system problems or outages. Develops corrective action plans to resolve system problems. Operates various equipment and devices needed to perform maintenance and repair of electronic systems, equipment and components.
- Replaces defective components and wiring and adjusts mechanical parts. Tests and examines electronic components and circuits. Locates defects using specialized hand tools, measuring devices and testing instruments. Tests repaired radio equipment. Computes voltage, amperage and resistance values using algebraic formulas. Substitutes component parts and fabricates simple parts not requiring precision machine tooling.
- Tests and examines electronic components and circuits, locates defects using oscilloscopes, signal generators, ammeters, volt meters, spectrum analyzers, and other specialized hand tools, measuring devices and testing instruments.
- Assists with the preparation of cost estimates for installation, modification, and repair. Assists with the development of equipment and system specifications and Requests for Proposals. Recommends actions for enhancement based on logical and analytical evaluations of existing communication systems.
- Maintains accurate equipment maintenance records to facilitate preventative maintenance and to ensure compliance with manufacturer requirements. Maintains knowledge of technological advances related to all duties.
Examples of other duties include mounting, securing, inter-connecting and checking the operation of two-way mobile, portable and fixed station radio equipment, electronic sirens, bar lights, antennas, repeaters, computers, video cameras and other related equipment. May lead and instruct lesser skilled employees as related to a particular project, repair or method of service. Performs other related duties as required.
Qualifications
Required qualifications include possession of a high school diploma or appropriate equivalent plus four years of experience in the maintenance and repair of Radio Communications equipment and systems, simulcast analog or digital, mobiles, portables and base station equipment, controllers and delay/timing equipment; or four years of experience in the maintenance and repair of microwave point to point or multi-point systems, analog or digital, 6Ghz or 11Ghz frequency band. Additional education in electronic technology or a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two years.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities (entry level) include knowledge of Radio communications systems and theory. Knowledge of microwave radio systems and theory. Knowledge of system peripheral devices. Knowledge of the techniques and programming of radio system software, firmware, and components. Knowledge of RF data transmissions protocols, programming and servicing practices. Knowledge of FCC standards for communications equipment. Basic knowledge of building construction codes, automotive electrical systems, and mechanical principles as required for equipment and system installation planning and development. Knowledge of the use, calibration, and care of various electronic test equipment. Knowledge of the use of tools and diagnostic equipment used in electronic installation and maintenance.
Skill in analyzing and diagnosing problems with communications equipment using manufacturer's literature or by directly interacting with the manufacturer for problem resolution. Skill in operating test equipment and tools associated with maintenance and repair of systems and components. Skill in the use of personal computers and office software packages.
Ability to operate microcomputer systems and peripheral equipment. Ability to follow plans for successful initiation and completion of RF communications projects. Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms. Ability to perform mathematical and algebraic computations. Ability to analyze and resolve problems independently in an effective manner. Ability to interpret prints, schematics, diagrams, and drawings.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities (full performance) include knowledge of the operations, equipment, and components of Baltimore County's Motorola trunked radio systems and microwave radio systems. Knowledge of Baltimore County's RF data communications systems, multiplexing, MOSCAD and related peripheral devices. Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Knowledge and ability to understand and interpret FCC rules and regulations governing County communications operation.
Skill in interpreting prints, schematics, diagrams, and drawings. Skill in maintaining, modifying and repairing all County radio systems. Skill in modifying parameters of County radio systems to enhance performance and operational needs of the using agencies. Skill in analyzing and resolving problems independently.
Ability to assist in the preparation of estimates, reports and plans of action relating to installation and modification of radio communications systems. Ability to lead or instruct less skilled workers as related to a particular project, repair or method of service.
Character requirements include being of good character and emotionally stable as determined by a comprehensive background investigation and drug test. Licenses and certificates include possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver license is required at the time of application. Proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position is required. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of degree equivalency is required for applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America.
Conditions Of Employment
Persons appointed to this classification may work on either a rotating or fixed shift, which will include nights, weekends or holidays and overtime when scheduled. Physical and environmental conditions include the performance of physical activities including walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing ladders, lifting and carrying heavy objects and the operation of vehicles, tools and equipment. Work requires exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as adverse weather and live electrical wires. Employment background investigation includes a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.
Employment Benefits
Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time, merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise. Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants. All Baltimore County offices are smoke free. Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination. Salary includes annual salary review, general increases, and longevity increases. The Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life. Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts allow for setting aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs. Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000. Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions. Paid leave includes sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, holidays, bereavement leave, jury leave, and military leave. Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range