Communications Technician

Title: COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN                  Salary Range: $46,537 - $58,170

Reports to: IT Manager                                               Classification: Non-Exempt

Affiliation: Administration                                            Date: September, 2009

GENERAL STATEMENT:

The RiverCom Communications Technician is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) systems hardware. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: repairing existing telephone and radio transmitting and receiving equipment, maintaining or overseeing microwave maintenance and repair, assembling, installing or overseeing installation of new radio and telephone equipment owned by RiverCom, and assembly, installation and maintenance of back up power systems, console equipment and other electronic devices. The Communications Technician ensures the availability of two-way communications to all RiverCom user-agencies, which may involve origination, design, fabrication, adjustment, repair, and/or replacement of systems, circuits, and components. The Communications Technician will be required to prepare, compile, and maintain various radio operations records, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses; parts inventory records, and maintenance activity logs.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Locates, diagnoses, and corrects malfunctions occurring in base stations, portables, mobiles, microwave radio and multiplex equipment, auxiliary power equipment, microprocessor-based radio dispatch consoles, closed circuit video cameras, monitors, recorders, pagers, amplifiers, antennas, cables, and electrical systems.

• Installs (or oversees installation of) radio site antenna systems, wire line carrier equipment, emergency power generators, towers, coaxial cable and ancillary equipment which may include climbing any tower or pole owned or leased by RiverCom to support such antenna.

• Provides assistance to the RiverCom Director and Information Technology Manager in planning for procurement, improvement/upgrade of equipment and replacement of repair parts, and provides cost estimates for the associated systems.

• Assists in making recommendations to user-agencies as to maintenance/improvement of radios, and assists in purchase of equipment compatible with RiverCom.

• Establishes, accomplishes, and documents an appropriate preventative maintenance program for all systems.

• Prepares and maintains various records of maintenance and operation, as may be required by the FCC including renewal of all FCC licenses required on each item of radio/microwave equipment or transmitter and receiver site.

• Responsible for maintaining asset tag inventory of technology equipment.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

Work is performed in the office and/or at remote radio sites. Mountain top radio site work will be outside in all weather conditions. Emergency response, night work or weekend work will be required. Regular local travel and occasional out of town travel for training is required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of: The principles of analog and digital electronics and microprocessor technology, as they apply to communications systems. The principles, usage and limitations of electronic testing equipment. Current developments and anticipated trends/advancements in the areas of electronics, two-way radio communications, and applicable regulations that directly affect public safety communications. The F.C.C. Rules and Regulations as they apply to public safety two-way radio and microwave. Radio propagation, transmitter/receiver characteristics, transmitter/receiver combining, microwave theory, telephone systems, and radio receiver voting systems. Analog and digital audio recording devices, including 24-hour logging recorders and console-mounted instant playback recorders. Various climbing techniques and safety measures utilized on lattice-type towers and mono-pole type towers. Fiber Optic and telephone cable installations, diesel and gasoline standby generators, alternative power sites, CCTV, CATV, battery maintenance, site grounding, exothermic welding, AC power distribution systems, alarm systems, telemenetry systems. Knowledge of windows XP Pro, IP networks and addressing.
Knowledge of basic routing is also required.

Ability to: Work independently with minimum supervision. Read, understand, and accomplish complex oral and written instructions. Locate, diagnose, and correct system malfunctions and to perform manual operations related to the repair of complex electronic and mechanical systems. Understand and follow blueprints and schematic diagrams. Construct and implement specialized electronic or mechanical equipment, as needed. Travel and work under all types of weather conditions including snow mobile operations, helicopter passenger, and snow cat passenger.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or G. E. D.

• Successful completion of a course of study in basic electronics including the use and operation of radio and microwave equipment and test equipment in the 35 to 2000 MHz range.

• 2+ years of technical installation and site maintenance, and (IT) Information Technology support related experience.

• 3 years free from illegal drug use at the time of application.

• Must be willing and able to climb and install equipment on a 160 foot tower and on a 50 foot wooden pole.

• Must have the ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted and work on hands and knees performing systems wire routing and equipment repairs.

• Ability to obtain Safety Certification.

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual, and consistent attendance as a condition of continued employment.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

• Must maintain a private telephone/cell to residence for 24-hour availability.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified applicants must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License.

Qualified applicants must possess the minimum amount of automobile insurance required by Washington State law.