About the role
Nature Of Work
An employee assigned to this
classification is responsible for a broad range of duties associated with the
installation, maintenance, repair, and modification of two-way radio systems,
laptop computers, GPS devices, vehicle lighting, and other electronic equipment
supporting public safety operations. Working under general supervision,
incumbents perform tasks of above-average complexity that require sound
technical judgment, initiative, and a high degree of independent decision-making.
Work is subject to review during its execution and upon completion through
conferences, technical inspections, direct observation, and evaluation of
operational results.
Examples of Duties
Installs,
maintains, services, and repairs municipal communication systems, including
fixed and mobile base stations, bi-directional amplifier (BDA) devices,
antennas, mobile and portable radios, GPS units, laptops, and related public-safety
electronic equipment.
Performs software installation and configuration; services vehicle electrical
systems, emergency lighting, 700/800 MHz trunking systems, and P25 digital
communication systems.
Inspects, tests, and prepares equipment to ensure operational readiness; loads
and unloads heavy equipment and supply items; operates light automotive
equipment in the performance of assigned duties.
Works at remote sites as required and participates in a rotating on-call
schedule, providing 24-hour operational support for one week during each seven-week
cycle.
Completes daily time and activity reports; enters detailed information into a
computerized work-management system, emphasizing accurate tracking of time,
parts, property, and costs.
Documents technical processes and procedures; collaborates with coworkers and
shares acquired knowledge to support organizational continuity and
effectiveness.
Operates radio equipment within a live, active operational environment using
established and approved communication protocols.
Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong
knowledge of:
RF and public-safety radio systems (LMR, L3Harris, Motorola, Tait); RF
transmitters, power supplies, and components (microwave, antenna networks); IT
systems (Microsoft Server, Active Directory, VMware, TCP/IP); dispatch
technologies; and core electronic/electrical theory and maintenance.
Working
knowledge of:
RF systems, measurements, and test equipment; software and tools used in radio
testing/repair; safety protocols; MS Office; and hands-on experience with
analog and digital VHF/UHF systems.
Ability
to:
Operate electronic test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, network/spectrum
analyzers, VNAs, power supplies, DAQs); troubleshoot RF, microwave, dispatch,
network, and IT systems; install and commission radio site equipment (racks,
grounding, etc.); maintain and repair LMR infrastructure; interpret plans and
schematics; prepare clear reports; follow instructions; work effectively with
others; perform physically demanding tasks; and operate a vehicle.
Skilled
in:
Configuring, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting communications systems;
diagnosing electrical/electronic issues; and proper use of repair tools,
computer hardware, software, and basic networking.
Physical Requirements
Work is performed primarily indoors in a mostly
sedentary environment and requires prolonged periods of computer use, including
typing and viewing a monitor.
Requires the ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing approximately
20–40 pounds.
Duties may involve occasional travel to remote sites and exposure to typical
field conditions associated with public safety communications infrastructure.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited high
school or vocational school; completion of
two years of college-level coursework preferred; in electronics, radio technology,
computer science, or a closely related field is preferred. Three (3) years of
experience in electronics work, trouble shooting circuit board to component level; reading electronic device schematics and soldering is required. An equivalent combination of
education, training, and experience may be considered.
Licenses or Certifications
Possession of a General Radiotelephone Operator’s license issued by the (FCC) Federal Communications Commission or certification by NABER (National Association of Business and Educational Radio) or APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials).
Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.
CompTIA A+ or similar certification preferred.
Comments
Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including
nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. During periods when the
Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees will be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to
the stated emergency.