Comms Specialist (Operations Specialist DPS) DEM

State of Utah; Taylorsville (UT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

State of Utah seeks an Operations Specialist to provide hands-on technical, operational, and logistics support for DEM communications infrastructure and state/local stakeholders. You will manage tactical radio assets, ensure readiness of SEOC/ECC facilities, and deploy to support field operations during emergencies.

Responsibilities include testing critical warning systems, maintaining mobile and satellite communications, and coordinating with county and PSAP partners.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electronics, Telecommunications, Information Technology, Public Safety, or a closely related field (preferred).
• Two (2) years of hands-on technical experience in public safety radio communications, LMR hardware maintenance, or emergency field communications.

Responsibilities

• Maintain DEM tactical equipment assets and ensure operational readiness of radio rooms and field assets.
• Perform routine testing on NAWAS, FNARS/SHARES, and other critical warning circuits.
• Deploy to support field communications during state emergency activations and disasters.

Skills

LMR systems

Radio programming

Emergency management operations

Excellent communication

Asset tracking

Education

Associate degree in Electronics/Telecommunications/IT/Public Safety

Tools

CPS

Job description

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $30.24 - $47.66 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site
Application Deadline – 10/25/2026*

Key Responsibilities

Operations Specialist, DPS

Job Summary

Under general supervision from the DEM Communications & Operations Manager, the Operations Specialist provides hands‑on technical, operational, and logistics support for the internal Division of Emergency Management (DEM) communications infrastructure and state and local stakeholders.

This position is directly responsible for maintaining DEM’s tactical equipment assets (radio cache, fleet radios, satellite arrays, command truck), ensuring operational readiness of facility radio rooms (SEOC, ECC, Camp Williams), conducting routine testing on critical state warning circuits (NAWAS, FNARS, SHARES), and deploying to support field communications during state emergency activations.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

(The following duties are representative and may vary depending on operational priorities and activation levels)

Tactical Asset & Fleet Management

• Programs, installs, and troubleshoots mobile and portable Land Mobile Radio (LMR) equipment assigned to DEM division vehicles and operational staff using state Customer Programming Software (CPS) and channel templates.
• Performs routine hardware checks, firmware updates, and operational testing on DEM satellite phones and mobile satellite arrays (e.g., Starlink).
• Maintains operational readiness of the State Communications Command Truck, including onboard generator power systems, audio gateways, mast hardware, and satellite backhaul.
• Emergency equipment maintenance, research, procurement, inventory, and distribution. Also includes the inspection and evaluation of used equipment for reuse.
• Emergency two‑way radio installation, repair, programming, and coordination. May also include more in‑depth management of complex communications equipment with coordination between state and local agencies.
• Troubleshoots and diagnoses problems, makes adjustments, repairs and/or performs preventative maintenance on computers, vehicles, equipment, or machinery, etc.
• Provides technical/hands‑on assistance with agency radio communication systems, vehicle emergency equipment, etc.

Facility Radio Rooms & Critical Warning Circuits

• Performs routine operational checks, preventative maintenance, and console verification across state facility radio rooms, including the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC at the State Capitol), Emergency Coordination Center (ECC at Taylorsville), and Camp Williams.
• Monitors and conducts scheduled testing on National Attack Warning System (NAWAS) landline circuits and FEMA -National Radio System (FNARS/SHARES) HF/ALE radio systems.
• Coordinates, executes, and logs monthly statewide HF/LMR radio checks with county emergency managers, Public Safety -Answering Points (PSAPs), and dispatch centers across Utah.

Division Communications & Field Operations Support

• Assists DEM division staff with processing Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) cards, provisioning Wireless Priority Service (WPS) on state cellular devices, and conducting user familiarization.

Deploys to serve as technical communications support inside the SEOC during emergency activations or dispatches to the field to support mobile command posts and tactical communications during major disasters, wildland fires, or state exercises.

• Assists the Operational Readiness Manager and and/or SEOC Manager in tracking equipment repair logs, shipping/receiving, asset surplus processing, and vendor receipts for monthly recurring costs (MRC).

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience

• An Associate degree in Electronics, Telecommunications, Information Technology, Public Safety, or a closely related field; (preferred)
• Two (2) years of hands‑on technical experience in public safety radio communications, LMR hardware maintenance, or emergency field communications.

(Substitution: Directly related technical experience in public safety communications, military communications, or telecommunications hardware may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis).

Knowledge Of

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems, P25 digital standards, VHF/UHF/700/800 MHz frequency bands, and radio programming software (CPS).
• Emergency management operations, Incident Command System (ICS) protocols, and State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) workflows.
• Primary and backup emergency communications systems, including HF radio, satellite arrays, cellular priority services (FirstNet, WPS), and warning systems (NAWAS, FNARS).

Skills In

• Hands‑on programming, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of portable and mobile radio equipment.
• Operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining mobile command vehicles, onboard power generators, audio gateways, and satellite connectivity.
• Database entry and tracking using Excel or asset management systems to maintain inventory and maintenance logs.

Ability To

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with local, state, and federal public safety partners during high‑stress disaster operations.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and rapid diagnostic troubleshooting on complex electronic, radio, and electrical systems.
• Work independently in remote field conditions under challenging weather or disaster environments.

LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid Utah Driver's License (required upon hire).
• FCC Amateur Radio License (General Class or higher) or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Completion of NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 courses upon hire.
• Preferred: Active certification as a Communications Technician (COMT) or active COMT trainee status.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work Environment: Duties are performed in standard office environments, EOC facilities, equipment warehouses, and active field deployment sites throughout Utah.

Physical Demands: Requires physical agility to lift, carry, and load radio transport cases, mobile generator units, and satellite hardware weighing up to 50 lbs.

Emergency Availability: Must be available for rapid response, after‑hours call‑outs, weekend/holiday shifts, and extended field deployments during state EOC activations, severe weather events, or catastrophic disasters.

About The Role

Location

4315 S 2700 W
Taylorsville, Utah, 84129
United States

Background Check Required – Yes

Drug Test Required – No

Schedule Code – TL - Time limited

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah , . Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well‑established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised of 12 divisions and bureaus that include the Utah Highway Patrol, the Division of Emergency Management, Driver License division, Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), State Fire Marshal, Highway Safety Office, Communications, State Crime Lab, Bureau of Criminal Identification, and Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). The DPS dive team, aero bureau, CERT team and Public Protection Unit (PPU) also fall under the Department of Public Safety. DPS is made up of more than 1,500 state employees who are stationed across Utah.

EEO Statement