Communications Systems Tech

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance. HIRING RANGE: $52.04 - $57.82/hour Position is responsible for the City’s, along with other public safety agencies and varied disciplines, a multi-site P25 digital radio communications system and the associated infrastructure and network switching center. Installs, troubleshoots, and maintains radio systems networks and IP infrastructures. Perform integration of digital systems for voice, data, telephony, computer, and encrypted communications. Perform analysis, upgrades, modifications, maintenance, and repair work on electronic and electrical systems including specialized firmware and software. Resolve unusual problems relating to systems use and interference to communications operations. Position is responsible for troubleshooting equipment operation to isolate problem areas. Tests newly purchased equipment for conformance to specifications, proper operation and calibration. Tests firmware, software, applications and programming for conformance and proper functionality prior to implementation. Coordinates and assists with local through federal agencies on public safety communications issues. Position is required to maintain a database of repair actions, costs, equipment and materials, and inventories.  This position carries critical responsibilities for complex technical support as well as 24x7 systems support. The position is the technical point of contact for all radio communications technologies utilized by the City; and serves as an administrator for coordination, implementation, and management of radio and network interoperable systems associated with the City inclusive the Federal Protective Services, the Department of Homeland Security Forces, the Government’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories, the West Metro Fire Protection Agency, the City of Wheat Ridge, the City of Arvada, the Arvada Fire Protection District, the City and County of Denver, and numerous additional agencies inclusive, but not limited to, the F.B.I., U.S. Marshalls, I.C.E., National Guard, D.E.A., A.T.F., and the U.S. Secret Service on a regular basis. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Integrates systems and systems components; designs specialized circuits or cables for systems interfaces. • Works with and performs administration, maintenance and development of the radio network infrastructure via own efforts and through others on the team including, but not limited to: Network Configuration and device management. TCP/IP Addressing, Network Services, System and Applications Servers. Network Operating Systems, Routers, Switches, Communication servers. Firewalls, VPN, Intrusion Detection, Intrusion Prevention. • Troubleshoots complex problems with radio systems and decides on the best course of action to resolve the problems • Recommends critical systems improvements to vendors. • Troubleshoots microwave equipment and links. • Acts as technical liaison to other agencies (local, federal, commercial) on communications issues. • Maintains technical expertise on latest radio systems; stand alone and integrated. • Conducts intra and interagency systems’ diagnostics. Implements and/or modifies related communication’s hardware and software systems. • Performs hardware, firmware, and software maintenance. • Performs site equipment installation, test, removal, and disposal. • Performs programming of portables, mobile radios, and associated equipment. • Performs preventive maintenance checks on radio system mobile and portable radios. • Performs semiannual preventive maintenance on backbone infrastructure. • Performs necessary system and/or equipment repairs where feasible or will make arrangements for the necessary repairs. • Responds to and evaluates communications problems. • Develops, coordinates, and conducts training on hardware and software use specific to radio systems, and related systems and functions. • Performs work that requires keyboarding abilities. • Performs data collection, entry, and reporting using computer applications programs. • Tracks and maintains the radio system maintenance account. • Prepares and disseminates bulletins for Police and Fire Departments. • Provides maintenance support in the implementation of new electronic radio technology. • Evaluates new communication systems technology and provides recommendations. • Establishes and maintains communications systems’ security. Must be able to interact with others in a positive manner. Requires regular and prompt attendance. IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS • Evaluates tests and recommends technical equipment and related software programs to supervisor. • Installs required electronic cabling and wiring. • Prepares and maintains related documentation. • Cooperate with and maintain a good relationship with external agencies and their system users. • Prepares reports on systems' utilization and related issues. • Assists to develop policies on use of Public Safety electronics equipment. • Performs related duties and responsibilities, as required, on short notice. ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS Supervision Received Receives general supervision from the Radio Communications Supervisor. Supervision Given None. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) Education Bachelor’s Degree in electronics or related field is preferred. An appropriate combination of education and experience will be considered. Experience • Technical expertise in P25 700/800 MHz radio systems and protocols required. • Technical expertise in EDACS analog radio equipment and systems. • Maintenance experience on outdoor warning systems is a plus. • Knowledge of Cisco network equipment and basic configurations is a plus. • Familiarity with core