Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network; PSERN Operator Field Services Technician

Overview

Field Services Technician is an hourly (non-exempt) position that supports the day-to-day operations of the PSERN radio network and as part of the PSERN Field Services team. This team is responsible for maintenance, repair and operational support for radio network equipment and site infrastructure, ongoing execution of operational processes, procedures and practices, and is the front-line support for PSERN customers and user agencies.

The incumbent in this position reports to the PSERN Field Services Manager.

The Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) Operator is the public agency tasked with owning, operating and maintaining the P-25 Land Mobile Radios System, backhaul systems and MPLS network used to primarily serve fire services, law enforcement agencies, 911 centers and other emergency response and public service agencies throughout the King County area.

• Serves as technical expert on the PSERN radio system, including radio network equipment, site infrastructure, digital microwave and MPLS backhaul networks and supporting computer systems and networks.
• Performs hands-on technical work, including analysis, maintenance, programming and problem resolution relating to radio network equipment, services or infrastructure.
• Utilizes computer software and other tools to perform system diagnostics, interpret results and identify required changes and updates to equipment and configuration. Ensure all changes are processed through PSERN’s Change Management process.
• Works with other field services staff and management to resolve complex technical and/or operational issues related to the radio network and infrastructure.
• Represents PSERN in communication with external parties, including technical support and maintenance vendors, end user agencies and other governmental agencies.
• Works with customers, vendors, and PSERN Engineering staff to determine actions required to repair and resolve issues with mobile, portable and base station radios, radio and microwave equipment, backhaul network, dispatch consoles, emergency power systems and other radio site support equipment and infrastructure.
• Inspects, tests and aligns communications and infrastructure equipment as part of required preventative maintenance program.
• Ensures the radio network is operated and maintained in compliance with PSERN performance standards and operational policies, procedures and processes.
• Oversees the testing and verification of in-building coverage enhancement systems to ensure operation does not negatively affect PSERN performance.
• Maintains accurate records concerning work hours, labor hours, equipment preventative maintenance and repair and modifications of equipment and facilities.
• Identifies inconsistencies between the system current state and technical documentation, providing marked-up copies to PSERN Engineering for updates.
• Provides technical support for paging systems and other radio and electronic systems where applicable.
• Provides technical support and expertise for small and large projects.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with PSERN customers, user agency personnel and other PSERN stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned relative to this job classification.

• Knowledge and demonstrated hands-on experience with land mobile radio system techniques and principles, including operation and technical support, maintenance, upgrades and testing.
• A minimum of 5 years’ technical and/or operational experience (or equivalent) supporting wide area, land mobile radio systems and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience in the delivery of technology services in an organization responsible for operating significant physical infrastructure.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of multi-zone wide area, simulcast P25 land mobile radio systems is highly desirable.
• Skill in communicating effectively, orally and in writing.
• Skill and experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public safety and public service agencies and stakeholders.
• Skill in collaborating with others to achieve service and operational goals.
• Ski…