Senior Telecommunications Specialist In-Training

About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 
 
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Senior Telecommunications Specialist in Union Gap, WA. This position is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, major and minor repairs, and preventive maintenance of the South Central Region wireless telecommunications equipment and supporting networks for Kittitas, Yakima, Franklin, Benton, Walla Walla,
Columbia, and Asotin Counties. Responsible for emergency repairs outside the shop, this specialist will assist other technicians in repairs, as well as assist wireless telecommunications engineers in the overall operation of the wireless telecommunications systems to ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment used in highway maintenance.
 
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Senior Telecommunications Specialist will:

• Work independently or as a team in the engineering, design, development, operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of IP based Ethernet network, as well as enhanced wireless communications systems and support equipment which includes Land Mobile Radio repeaters, Mobile data repeaters, antenna systems, DC power systems, digital microwave, multiplex equipment, networking, and controllers located on remote radio sites.
• Install, configure, manage, maintain, and repair digital microwave systems, including Nokia, Harris, Radwin, Exalt, Ceragon, and Dragonwave brand systems operating at licensed and unlicensed frequencies. 
• Install, configure, manage, maintain, and repair digital fiber optic networking systems.
• Install, configure, and maintain IP camera security systems. 
• Provide service for conventional radio control stations, base stations for other government entities, VHF mobiles, and VHF portables.
• Interface with other Regions to ensure the seamless statewide operations of the wireless Land Mobile Radio systems, Microwave systems, and ITS support systems. 
• Determine if equipment operates within the tolerances set forth by the F.C.C. rules and regulations.
• Maintain records, fleet maps, and UID tables in databases and WAIMS Assets management system.
• Climb and maneuver towers and perform work at elevated heights at or above 120 feet over land or water.

 
Qualifications
This is a Senior Telecommunications Specialist position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions at the lower level, Electronic Communications Systems Technician-Field, depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
 
At a minimum, this opportunity requires:  

• One (1) year of formal education in electronics.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in the maintenance and repair two-way radio frequency communication systems, microwave carrier systems and/or data transmissions systems OR equivalent electronic experience such as military, marine, networking, radio propagation, cellular, IT, or automotive electronics.
• Ability to obtain General Radiotelephone Operator License issued by the FCC within 18 months of employment.

 
To be considered at the Senior Telecommunications Specialist, you must have:

• Two (2) years of formal education in electronics.
• Five (5) years of paid experience in maintenance and repair of at least two of the following:  two-way radio frequency communications systems, digital microwave carrier systems, or data systems.  Education will substitute year for year for experience.
• Pass and maintain current General Radiotelephone Operator License issued by the FCC. 

 
To be considered for both levels you must:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Pass and maintain a Washington State Patrol Criminal Justice background check.
• Obtain and maintain a tower climbing safety and rescue certificate.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Read and comprehend technical manuals and drawings.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of electrical and wireless engineering principles, state and federal laws and regulations, and agency policies/ procedures and guidelines.
• Ability to safely install, maintain, and operate antennas, transmission lines, and wave guide associated with communications and microwave equipment on towers up to 120 feet.
• Ability to transport and operate a snow cat to access remote radio sites. 
• Ability to move and transport equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. 

 
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Formal education, training, or experience in the principles of Ethernet, networking, and radio propagation.

 
Important Notes 

• This recruitment will be used to fill positions per business needs.
• This position offers a career path and ample on-the-job training; it allows you to progress from an Electronic Communication System Technician-Field to a Senior Telecommunications Specialist. Candidates will be considered for an Electronic Communication System Technician-Field or Senior Telecommunications Specialist position depending on their qualifications. Salaries for each level are:
  • Electronic Communication System Technician-Field: $72,552 - $88,416 annually
  • Senior Telecommunications Specialist: $78,120 - $95,184 annually
• Pass and maintain a Washington State Patrol Criminal Justice Applicant with Waiver background check. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. 
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.wa.gov. 

 
Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. 
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options as well as their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

 
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?   

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application: 

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

 
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
 
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
 
Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-SCR-50134 in the subject line.