MULTI AGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Radio System Manager's work is technical, managerial and administrative. The Radio System Manager performs design, engineering, project management and some high-level maintenance support for Multi Agency Communications Center technical communications systems and facilities. Employees of this position will perform a variety of tasks necessary to insure the readiness of the communications equipment owned or operated by Multi Agency Communications Center.

This is a highly skilled position responsible for but not limited to; designing, recommending for purchase, evaluating existing radio transmitting and receiving equipment, overseeing microwave maintenance and repair, assembling, installing or overseeing installation of new radio and telephone equipment; and assembly, installation and maintenance of backup power system, console equipment, recording equipment, and other electronic devices as used by the Agency. Maintenance and restoration work will be performed in conjunction with an outside contracted service provider. Work may involve origination, design, fabrication, adjustment, repair, and/or replacement of systems, circuits, and components. Work may also involve specification writing, preparation, compilation and maintenance of various radio operations records, FCC licenses, parts, inventory records, and equipment activity logs.

Directs the activities of subordinate employees and other associated contracted personnel.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Manage all aspects of the MACC communications systems. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Coordinating maintenance with service providers
• Submitting monthly project status reports
• Attending monthly Board meetings and providing status updates
• Be the primary point of contact for emergency communications to the first responders and users of the systems
• Conducting meeting and provide information to the users as required
• Leading communications systems projects and drive project schedule.
• Responsible to complete communications projects
• Will have budget authority to complete communications projects
• Ensures systems are designed, installed and maintained at an adequate state of readiness which will allow MACC to fulfill the function of providing adequate dispatch services to it's customers.
• Performs all job duties within prescribed rules and regulations under the direction of the Director or his/her designee.
• Deals with sensitive information in a discreet and professional manner by maintaining confidentiality. Establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Maintains a positive customer service attitude at all times with the public, user agency members, co-workers and supervisors.
• Performs and manages a variety of communications equipment repair, maintenance, installation, modification and design functions, both on premise and remote sites. Maintains service, parts and equipment inventory. Ability to maintain or oversee agency communications capital inventory and parts listing.
• Provide installation, maintenance, and repair support of computer terminals, computer communication devices, printers and other computer interface devices in conjunction with an outside contracted service provider.
• Maintains, test and repair electronic generating and power conditions equipment.
• Isolate and/or repair malfunctions in radio, telephone and recording equipment in conjunction with an outside contracted service provider.
• Supervises and participates in system design, plan, layout and construct new or modified electronic systems
• Performs frequency and audio level tests on radio equipment, troubleshoots problem areas and develops problem solutions
• Operates a variety of electronic test equipment including signal analyzers, multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal and tone generators and other testing equipment to isolate malfunctions
• Provide training to radio dispatchers and users of radio system as required
• Supervises subordinates and/or other associated contracted personnel and provides direction for a variety of jobs related to communications systems and other electronic equipment.
• Perform a variety of tasks necessary to insure 24/7 operations of the emergency communications system. Locate, diagnose, and correct malfunctions occurring in radio base stations, repeaters, microwave, etc necessary to operate the MACC Emergency Communications System
• Install or oversee the installation of radio site antenna systems, wireline/wireless carrier equipment, emergency power generators, towers, coaxial cable and ancillary equipment which may include climbing any communications equipment support structure.
• Provide technical assistance and directions to contractors/vendors as for a variety of jobs related to communications and other electronic equipments as needed and appropriate. Monitors contracted work being performed to ensure compliance with bid or contract specifications coordinates with vendors or manufacturers to obtain warranty repair service
• Establish, document, and maintain appropriate preventative maintenance program for the emergency communication system. Manage equipment replacement schedule and assist in budgeting for equipment replacement.
• Maintain current knowledge with respect to relevant state of the art technology, equipment, and/or systems
• Attend various meetings as directed. Work well in group problem solving situations and effectively communicate technical information in a non-technical way. Represent MACC in matters related to technical issues.
• Make recommendations to user agencies as to maintenance/improvement of radios, and assist in purchase of equipment compatible with the goals and objectives of the MACC emergency radio system
• Prepare and maintain various records or maintenance and operation, as may be required by the FCC, this is to include renewal of all FCC licensing.
• Effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes
• Plan, assess, budget and implement improvements, expansions, and changes to MACC emergency communications systems
• Performs other related work as required

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

• Will be required to work as necessary to complete projects and perform required maintenance. Emergency response and occasional work at night or on weekends may be necessary. Work may require weekend and evening duty for meetings, cutovers, and emergency recall for certain system failures and larger emergencies.
• Medium amount of bending and lifting required to a maximum of 70 lbs.
• Position requires travel and work under all types of weather conditions, and various types of terrain, and includes climbing of various types of antenna towers, support structures and poles to access and repair equipment.
• Regular and consistent attendance is a continuing employment.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of radio systems including conventional, trunked, simulcast, and microwave. The principles of analog and digital electronics and microprocessor technology, as they apply to radio communications systems.
• Working knowledge of dispatch communications equipment such as radio dispatch consoles and logging recorders.Telecommunications systems including networks and equipment specific to 911 center operations.
• Communicate in the English language verbally and in writing
• Write technical specifications project proposals, bids and technical system operational instructions for professional peers, vendors, employees and user agency personnel.
• Current development and anticipated trends/advancements in the area of emergency communications.
• The FCC Rules and Regulations as they apply to public safety radio and microwave.
• Radio propagation, transmitter/receiver characteristics, transmitter/receiver combining, and microwave communications theory.
• Must be computer literate in applicable software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel as well as programs related to communications engineering and technical system programming.
  
• Previous progressive responsibility and/or management experience in the communications maintenance field and experience in project management and record keeping functions is required. Previous supervisory and /or management experience in the communications maintenance field and experience in project management.
• Experience in radio site maintenance is required.
• Possess the equivalent to a FCC 2nd Class license or competency certificate issued by FCC sanctioned licensing agency is preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Supervisory skills shall be necessary to aid in installation and oversee installation of other technical employees or other associated contracted laborers on large projects.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma/GED/ Vocational education in a technical electronics training program (with emphasis in radio communications technology), at a recognized educational institution, or equivalent military training may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two years.
• Five years of experience in design, engineering, installation, maintenance, testing and repair of public safety radio systems, including UHF, VHF, microwave and associated electronic equipment. Previous Supervisory and/or management experience in the communications maintenance field and experience in project start-up including, but not limited to, service shop start-up and record keeping functions desirable.
• Five years of cumulative and relevant experience in communications maintenance, communications engineering, dispatch, and public safety operations.
• Experience in design and engineering of radio communications systems.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATION

• A valid Washington State Drivers License is required.
• General Radio Telephone Operator's License or equivalent industry certification is required.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.