What are the responsibilities and job description for the ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM TECHNICIAN - FIELD / FULL TIME / NON-PERM - 22-14340 position at State of Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife?
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN (ECST) - FIELD
WDFW Enforcement Program
Tumwater, Washington – Thurston County
(24 Months)
Join the Enforcement Program as our Field Radio Technician to facilitate tactical radio communications and furnish technical guidance related to fleet mapping and planning throughout the State of Washington.
In this role, you will identify hardware and software solutions, propose and execute the procurement of radio communications resources, and troubleshoot and install radio systems in vehicles and vessels. This position also manages FCC frequency licensing and communications mutual use agreements, and advocates for agency radio communications need through attendance at relevant meetings and conferences, among other vital tasks.
- Karelian Bear Dog in the Truck – Photo Credit: WDFW Staff
Picture yourself managing a fleet of approximately 1,000 agency radios, base stations, repeaters, and radio network peripherals.
This is an opportunity to support the radio needs of WDFW Police Officers in their mission to protect our natural resources and the public they serve.
In this dynamic role you will install antennas, cables, ground cables, lightning arrestors, and other equipment in buildings and on towers.
We are seeking a candidate who models our agency’s ASPIRE values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy.
- Elk Hunter – Photo Credit: Officer Myers
Our Field Radio Technician,
Manages a fleet of approximately 1,000 agency radios, base stations, repeaters, and radio network peripherals to maintain an uninterrupted, interoperable communications capability.- Performs as technical advisor, attends meetings, and coordinates radio communications technical matters with external organizations and entities.
- Coordinates with Officers and vendors for radio servicing and repairs.
- Develops and installs codeplugs/frequency plans for agency use that are compatible with peer agencies and FCC rules/regulations.
- Installs antennas, cables, ground cables, lightning arrestors, and other equipment in buildings and on towers.
- Installs/removes radios/harnesses from airplanes, vehicles, and vessels.
- Uses technical equipment to perform radio and network services and perform repairs: Aeroflex, RF meters, watt meters, battery servicing equipment.
- Instructs staff on the proper operation of radio communications equipment.
- Manages agency FCC licensing and coordinates radio frequency use agreements.
- Manages technological support of ROIP network by identifying outages and service interruptions.
- Troubleshoots problems and attempts to restore network functionality and initiates inquiries and service work orders to restore network connectivity.
- Acts as liaison between ROIP vendor, ITSD, and WaTech to facilitate network efficiency and viability.
- Works closely with the Military Department, Emergency Management Division, to ensure the functionality of the OSCCR system and terminals.
- Maintains a large radio inventory and ensures proper transfers of accountability.
- Recommends, and coordinates radio equipment purchases; submits invoices for payment.
- Maintains a bench stock of radio parts and spares.
- Coordinates disposal of surplus radio equipment.
-
Work Setting, including hazards:
- Work is performed in both shop and field environments. Working conditions include long periods of standing, confined spaces, high places, darkness, inclement, cold, and hot weather.
-
Schedule:
- Normal schedule is five, eight-hour weekdays, but some weekend and non-standard duty hours will be required.
-
Travel Requirements:
- Frequent statewide travel and occasional overnight travel is required.
-
Tools and Equipment:
- Computer hardware and software, general office equipment, radios, antennas, ground cables, lightning arrestors, etc.
-
Customer Interactions:
- Most interactions are with Program Headquarters staff, regional Captains, Sergeants, Detectives, and Officers.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
An Associate’s Degree in Information Technologies or a related field AND two (2) years of related experience.
- Four (4) years of experience as an Electronic Communications Systems Technician-Shop.
- High school graduation or GED certificate, AND one (1) year of formal education in electronics, AND three (3) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of at least two of the following: two-way radio frequency communications systems, microwave carrier systems, or data systems.
- Must be willing to be fingerprinted and pass a background check.
- Valid driver’s license.
- ACCESS certification attained within 6 months of employment.
- Must obtain an FCC issued General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) within six (6) months of employment.
- Must obtain high angle rescue certification (tower climbing) within one (1) year of employment.
- Must be able to hear radio communications via a headset and/or external speaker setup (with accommodation).
- Must be able to clearly communicate via radio using the spoken word in the English language via a radio communications headset or handset containing a microphone and earpiece according to public safety communications protocols established by the Federal Communications Commission and Washington State Patrol.
- Must be able to effectively develop email messages in the English language that are grammatically correct.
- One (1) year of formal radio communications education or experience in the maintenance of UHF/VHF radios and systems.
- Tower climbing experience.
- General knowledge of VPNs or computer networking fundamentals.
- Good technician writing skills.
- A valid General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) issued by the FCC.
- FEMA certification as Unit Communications Leader and/or Technician.
As a result of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader) issued on August 9, 2021, all Washington State Agencies are requiring employees to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of your employment. Pursuant to this mandate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination as a part of the hiring process. Please do not upload your vaccination documentation with your application materials - your vaccination status will be verified by your supervisor prior to your first day of work. Exemptions may be granted for religious or medical purposes.
A list of acceptable documents to provide verification can be reviewed here. Vaccination acceptable documents link (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)
Please note: Failure to follow the instructions below may lead to disqualification.
In order to successfully apply for this position, you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.govand attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:
- A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (Generic cover letter will not be accepted).
- A current resume.
- Three professional references.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife’s priority during the Covid-19 health crisis is to keep our staff, candidates, and the public safe. We are hiring and encourage you to apply to open positions. We have transitioned to a virtual recruitment process, to include web-based interviews.
All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
JOIN THE WDFW TEAM:
Learn about our agency and the perks of working for WDFW!
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field. We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission. We value demonstrated skill in living WDFW values of Accountability, Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, and Empathy (ASPIRE).
WDFW employees may be eligible for the following:
Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s), Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), Vacation, Sick, and other Leave*, 11 Paid Holidays per year*, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Long Term Disability & Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation Programs, Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA), Employee Assistance Program, Commute Trip Reduction Incentives (Download PDF reader), Combined Fund Drive, SmartHealth.
VETERAN PREFERENCE NOTICE:
To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:
- Email a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter to OfficerRecruitment@dfw.wa.gov.
- Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and Vet (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – Veteran)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
To take advantage of military spouse preference, please do the following:
- Notify us of your military spouse status by email at OfficerRecruitment@dfw.wa.gov.
- Subject line should include recruitment number, position, and MS (for example: #10155 Biologist 1 – MS)
- Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
- Images shown are Pre-COVID, WDFW Staff follow current COVID Safety Protocol including the use of face masks.
Follow us on social media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram