Communications Equipment Specialist I (Trainee)

Contra Costa County; California (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is seeking a Communications Equipment Specialist I to support the 911 system, radios, VoIP, and other telecom gear. This position operates within the Communications Division to ensure reliable communications for emergency responders and district personnel.

The role emphasizes learning, collaboration, safety, and the ability to work night shifts and long hours when needed, with opportunities to grow technical expertise and serve the community.

Qualifications

• License: Valid California driver’s license (out-of-state license accepted during application).
• Education: 12 college units in telecommunications, electronics, computer tech, or related field.
• Experience: 1 year of full-time experience demonstrating the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist technicians in repairing and servicing communication systems.
• Complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Install systems to industry standards to insure reliability and safety.
• Follow all safety practices to safely complete a task.
• Proactively acquire knowledge and expertise whenever the opportunity arises.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Professional & Technical Expertise

Safety Focus

Using Technology

Building Relationships

Customer Focus

Teamwork

Coaching & Developing Others

Education

12+ college units in telecommunications/ electronics/ computer tech

Job description

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 856

Why join the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District?

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is a large, well-respected, and busy fire district serving nearly 1 million residents of Contra Costa County. The fire district and the communities it serves are diverse, offering staff a wide range of opportunities. The fire district comprises 750 employees, including both civilian support staff and sworn Firefighters. This position serves in the Communications Division, which includes a 911 emergency communications center, information technology and telecommunications. This position works with three Telecommunications Specialists on fire district radios, VoIP phone systems, and other telecommunications equipment.

The Fire Protection District is seeking to fill one vacancy for the position of Communications Equipment Specialist I. This role presents a valuable opportunity to provide essential technical support to Firefighters and other personnel, ensuring reliable communications capabilities during emergencies. The successful candidate will contribute directly to the District’s mission of safeguarding the community.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Is

• Willing to learn and follow directions to complete a task
• Able to work well with others and project a positive attitude toward our customers
• Willing to ask questions to solve complex tasks
• Able to take the initiative to solve a problem
• Willing to work long hours at all times of the night and day to solve issues
  

What You Will Typically Be Responsible For

• Assisting other technicians in repairing and servicing communication systems
• Completing tasks in a timely manner
• Installing systems to industry standards to insure reliability and safety
• Following all safety practices to safely complete a task
• Being proactive in acquiring knowledge and expertise whenever the opportunity arises
  

A Few Reasons You Might Love This Job

• You will be given the opportunity to learn about new technology and services
• You will have a sense of accomplishment when you solve a problem
• You will be given the opportunity to work with the latest technologies
  

A Few Challenges You Might Face In This Job

• You will need to learn and work with many types of different technologies
• You will need to learn to be proficient at maintaining and repairing these technologies
  

Competencies Required:

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Involving Others (Engaging Teams): Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
  

To read the complete job description, please visit the website here

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operator's license. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Twelve (12) semester or eighteen (18) quarter college units emphasizing telecommunications, electronic technology, computer technology or closely related field.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time experience that would demonstrate the possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.

Substitution: One (1) year of additional journey level experience, including military; or completion of one (1) year of Communication Technicians Apprenticeship program may be substituted for the required education.

Promotional Status: Applicants must have probationary or regular permanent status in the County service on the final filing date in order to participate in this examination.

Selection Process

• Application Filing: All applicants must apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date.
• Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
• Training and Experience Evaluation: Consists of an evaluation of each candidate's relevant education, training and/or experience as presented on the application and supplemental questionnaire. (Weighted 100%)
  

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment specific questions, please contact Christine Bissada at [e-mail]. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at [phone].

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website .