Communications System Technician

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.

To learn more about Macomb County benefits click here

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

SALARY:

DEPARTMENT:

Opening Date:

Closing Date:

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - Overtime pursuant to collective bargaining agreement and/or Human Resources policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under direction, this position repairs, services, maintains, and installs various types of communication and electronic equipment.  Troubleshoots issues and repairs equipment to the component level using relevant schematics and electronic testing equipment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinates and performs preventative maintenance and daily repairs to ensure peak operating performance of equipment on the countywide 800 MHz public safety communications system.

Installs, monitors, maintains, upgrades and troubleshoots servers, switches, routers, desktop computers, cables, and various operating systems as needed for the radio systems.

Performs backup, network security, and data protection duties on the various components of the radio system.

Installs, programs, monitors, maintains, upgrades and troubleshoots handheld and mobile radios.

Coordinates the maintenance and repair of radios and other equipment with vendors.

Repairs and services various types of radio frequency, digital, analog, computer, video and other electronic equipment.

Troubleshoots and repairs equipment to the component level using relevant schematics and electronic testing equipment.

Takes frequency, power and modulation measurements and adjustments.

Repairs, maintains and installs intercom, CCTV and DVR systems in the Macomb County Jail and other County facilities.

Repairs and maintains security door locking systems in the Macomb County Jail.

Installs, maintains and repairs public address systems.

Repairs and maintains outdoor siren warning systems.

Plans and directs the work of contract service providers.

Builds specialized equipment as needed.

Responds to emergency situations and is on-call on a twenty-four (24) hour basis, based on a rotating schedule.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.  

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED

• Two (2) years of experience installing, maintaining and repairing electronic and/or radio communications equipment and systems

Preferred Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college in Electronics or a related field

• Experience with Motorola radio systems, including Motorola P25 trunked radio systems

Required Licenses or Certifications

• As a condition of employment must obtain and maintain one of the following licenses or certifications within six (6) months of hire: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL); Electronics Technician Association (ETA) General Communication Technician Level 2 (GCT2); Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) All-Hazard Communications Technician (COM-T)

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

Preferred Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of one of the following licenses or certifications at time of hire: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL); Electronics Technician Association (ETA) General Communication Technician Level 2 (GCT2); Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) All-Hazard Communications Technician (COM-T)

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Repair and maintenance techniques of digital radio equipment

• The use and operation of various types of electronic equipment, including repair and maintenance techniques

• Computer operations, network repair and maintenance, including software installations and upgrades

• Principles, concepts and practices of Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and 800 megahertz (MHZ) conventional two-way radios, antennas, speakers and Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL)/Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment

• Solid state electronics, the operational design of circuits, and electronic devices

• State and federal two-way radio regulations

• Commons causes of failure that occur in radio transmitting and receiving equipment

• Safety procedures, techniques and equipment

Ability to:

• Diagnose and repair computer hardware failures

• Identify system malfunctions and take appropriate corrective action

• Read, research, understand, analyze, interpret and apply technical data, manuals, schematics and related specifications

• Adapt electronic components and equipment for specific uses

• Interconnect electronic components into a functional system

• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign

• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language

• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred

• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions

• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files

• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries

• Work independently

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, co-workers, federal, state, county and local agencies, and the public

• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: O

Street environment (near moving traffic): O

Construction site: N/S

Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: O

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): O

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): O

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: O

Fumes or airborne particles: O

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: O

Loud noises (85+ decibels): O

Blood Borne Pathogens: O

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Demand:

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: F/C

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): F/C

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: O

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees): O

Inspecting in confined spaces: O

Digging:  N/S

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: F/C

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: F/C

Kneeling to work at low levels: O

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another up to 75 pounds: O

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: O

Standing in an upright position without movement: F/C

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/C

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations. 

The AFSCME Local 411 bargaining unit represents this position.  Therefore, there may be contract language which could require consideration in the selection process.

GRANT OR EXTERNALLY FUNDED POSITION –This position will continue only if sufficient grant or external funds are provided.