Communications Installer I/II

Orange-County-Fire-Authority; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Orange County Fire Authority is seeking candidates for Communications Installer I/II in the Fleet Services Department. The roles involve basic installation of radios and related equipment on fire apparatus, with duties including parts handling, inventory control, and basic fabrication.

Training progresses with supervision from Installer I to II as skills grow. Applicants should have a high school diploma plus vocational training in automotive or electronics communications and, for Installer I,

Qualifications

• Completion of the twelfth grade with vocational training in automotive or electronics communications.
• One year of automotive or electronics communications repair experience for Installer I.
• Two years of experience performing duties similar to a Communications Installer I.

Responsibilities

• Install mobile and fixed communication equipment on fire apparatus.
• Receive, store, and issue parts and equipment; fabricate brackets and mounts.
• Maintain inventories and documentation using computer-based systems.

Skills

Install equipment

Read manuals/schematics

GPS usage

Inventory management

Coordinate with vendors

Education

HS diploma plus vocational training in automotive/electronics

Tools

GPS

Hand & power tools

Job description

Communications Installer I – $48,345.44 - $65,124.80 Annually

Communications Installer II – $54,610.40 - $73,590.40 Annually

The OCFA is currently accepting applications to fill vacancies for the position of Communications Installer I/II in the Fleet Services Department. This recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.

CLASS SUMMARY

Under immediate (Communications Installer I) to general (Communications Installer II) supervision, performs basic installations of communications equipment on fire apparatus including radios, mobile data terminal, wiring equipment, lighting, and sirens; receives, stores, and issues a variety of parts, materials, and equipment for fire apparatus and other vehicles; maintains inventories and documentation using computer based systems; fabricatesbasic brackets and mounts; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Communications Installer I) to general (Communications Installer II) supervision from assigned supervisory and/or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Communications Installer I – The Communications Installer I is the first level in the two-level Communications Installer series and is part of the broader five level Communications Technical series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties in the Logistics/Communications Division including basic installation of communications equipment, receiving, storing, and issuing a variety of parts, materials, and equipment for fire apparatus and other vehicles. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Communications Installer II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level, and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Communications Installer II – The Communications Installer II is the second level in the two-level Communications Installer series and is part of the broader five level Communications Technical series. This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Communications Installer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Communications Installer I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Communication Services Supervisor in that the latter performs full supervisory duties and supervises lower level staff.

Positions in the Communications Installer classifications are flexibly staffed; positions at the Communications Installer II level are normally filled by advancement from the Communications Installer I level; progression to the Communications Installer II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Communications Installer II level.

EDUCATION (position requirements at entry)

• Communications Installer I/II – Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by vocational training in automotive or electronics communications

EXPERIENCE (position requirements at entry)

• Communications Installer I – One (1) year of automotive or electronics communications repair experience.
• Communications Installer II – Two (2) years of experience performing duties similar to a Communications Installer I with the OCFA or other fire agency.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS (position requirements at entry)

• Possession of, or successful acquisition by time of appointment, a valid Class C California driver’s license, to be maintained throughout employment. This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbent's Driver License record and status

HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (All related experience must be detailed in your application)

• Experience in assisting with radios, modems, and other electronic equipment for vehicles
• Experience in assisting with electrical outfitting to include emergency lighting, and multiplex programming. Ie Code-3, Whelen, and other emergency lighting products
• Experience in Vehicle load managers and low voltage circuit protection devices

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry)

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics of electrical and electronic components used in modern vehicles and equipment
• Communications mounting techniques for fire apparatus and other vehicles
• Hand and power tools used in the course of work
• Methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in basic fabrication
• Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work
• Methods and procedures involved in the maintenance of accurate inventory records
• Inventory control methods and techniques
• Proper methods of receiving and storing a variety of supplies; lifting and carrying techniques
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping and reporting
• Authority and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Orange County geography and street layout
• Safe driving practices and techniques; applicable California Vehicle Codes
• GPS for driving purposes
• Basic principles and procedures of record-keeping and reporting
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Authority staff
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

SKILLS (position requirements at entry)

Skill in:

• Maintain an accurate inventory and record-keeping system; maintain perpetual inventory records to ensure adequate stock on hand
• Read, interpret, and apply a wide variety of technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, and schematics
• Install mobile and fixed communication equipment
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand and power tools
• Drive vehicles in a safe and effective manner
• Read and follow maps and/or use GPS to determine best routes
• Load and unload a variety of items
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Recruitment Closes: Sunday, September 27, 2026

Oral Interviews: Week of October 26, 2026

Selection Interviews: Week of November 2, 2026

Expected Hire date: TBD

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Depending on assignment, must possess mobility to work in a warehouse environment and in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend from ladders to reach shelving, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; vision including color vision to inspect supplies, detect wiring, and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and driving to various County sites. Finger dexterity is needed to operate equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights with the appropriate equipment on a frequent/occasional basis, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees primarily work in a maintenance shop and in the field and are exposed to loud and excessive noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, grease, oils, solvents, vermin, insects, and parasites, biologic and infectious agents, hazardous physical substances and odors, fumes, dust and air contaminants, machinery with extremely hot surfaces and moving parts, moving objects or other vehicles, and work at heights using stationary and mobile ladders. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

NOTE

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

PRE-HIRE REQUIREMENTS

Before an employee is hired, he/she must successfully complete pre-employment requirements including, but not limited to: fingerprinting and background check, reference check, DMV check, licensure/certification check, Oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California, and proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFA's designated physician.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

To view the full list of essential functions, please use the following links:

Communications Installer I

Communications Installer II

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.