Sr Radio Communications Engineer; Sheriff's Office

Sr Radio Communications Engineer (Sheriff's Office)

Sheriff's Office, 1115 Albany St, Caldwell, Idaho, United States of America

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Administrative Services Captain, the Senior Radio Communications Engineer designs and initiates operational specifications for complex digital and analog radio systems for Canyon County. Responsible for making independent decisions and acting in emergency situations in accordance with department policy and procedures and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. Work requires independent judgement, initiative with minimal direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Management:
• Program and update communications systems to ensure continuous operations
• Plan and forecast future needs for Radio Services
• Engineer, design and maintain subscriber radio personality templates and user databases for portable and mobile radios compatible with the digital and analog 700MHz and 800MHz trunked radio systems
• Provide programming services such as frequency, personal or vehicle identification, alerts and scanning functions
• Maintenance:
• Analyze and troubleshoot specialized data transmission and communication systems
• Evaluate and monitor equipment repair costs to not exceed replacement value
• Perform maintenance for radio network systems and specialized voice and data transmission equipment such as transmitter sites including fire station alert systems
• Maintain and repair vehicular‑mounted communication equipment systems
• Respond to immediate needs of customers to avoid significant downtime
• Oversee maintenance of equipment on towers and at remote communication sites or coordinate with other organizations to perform related system maintenance
• Develop troubleshooting guidelines and protocols for programming, repair, and maintenance of radio and communications equipment
• Administrative:
• Coordinate and monitor workflow processes, recommending changes to ensure continuity and efficiency
• Coordinate extensively with end‑user work groups to provide optimum service
• Maintain inventory of electronic parts, supplies, work area and tools
• Maintain service incident and project documentation, record maintenance history, parts/material usage, labor tracking and cost
• Provide technical assistance to users in selection, operation and function of radio and communications equipment, and ensure proper and reliable service
• Evaluate equipment for quality assurance and standardization for system compatibility
• Other Duties:
• Attend seminars and training to find technology solutions to meet customers’ requirements
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with county policies, procedures, and safety practices
• Perform other related duties as required

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities:

• FEMA’s National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS)
• Knowledge of complex 700MHz and 800MHz, and Motorola P25 trunked radio communications systems
• Knowledge of microwave communications system and fiber optic system
• Knowledge of Federal DHS CISA cybersecurity standards and safeguards when designing and maintaining radio encryption frameworks for complex radio systems
• Functional knowledge of the operational theory of radio transmitters and receivers, digital and analog circuitry
• Appropriate adjustment and application of electronic test instruments such as automated radio test sets, multimeters, watt meters, distortion meters, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes and direction‑finding equipment
• Installation of mobile and base‑station communication systems, repeaters, towers and antennas
• FCC rules and regulations as they pertain to radio communications and related systems as well as license renewals
• Principles and practices of effective management and supervision
• Deep knowledge of schematic diagrams and technical manuals
• Work cooperatively and constructively with fellow workers and members of county first responder agencies to provide public service of the highest quality
• Maintain records efficiently and accurately and prepare clear concise reports
• Maintain high‑level confidentiality of information processed or prepared
• Perform time management and scheduling functions, meet deadlines and…