Communications Systems Specialist I

Delaware LLC; Delaware; On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Delaware is seeking a Communications Systems Specialist I to support statewide communications infrastructure. You will configure, install, repair, and align 800 MHz digital radio, microwave, and related systems across agencies, ensuring reliability and rapid response during incidents.

The role emphasizes hands-on electronics work, problem solving, and strong customer service, with travel statewide and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in electronics, telecommunications, or IT.
• Certification in electronics, telecommunications, or radio systems.
• One year of experience in technical electronics work.
• Six months installing and maintaining communications equipment.
• Valid driver's license and knowledge of FCC rules.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical electronics work to operate and maintain statewide communications systems.
• Configure, install, remove, repair, modify, and align systems and equipment.
• Monitor performance and reliability regularly.
• Deliver customer service and technical support to users.
• Troubleshoot issues and coordinate with vendors as needed.
• Plan and install software/hardware updates and upgrades.
• Use diagnostic tools to program, install, and troubleshoot systems.
• Complete continuing education to stay updated on tech.
• Maintain inventory records and logs of maintenance work.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Technical electronics

Problem solving

Customer service

Communications knowledge

Education

Associate degree or higher in electronics/telecommunications/IT

Certification in electronics/communications systems

Job description

Description Of Occupational Work

Employees in this class series support statewide communications systems infrastructure by performing technical electronics work, including the configuration, installation, removal, repair, modification, and alignment of statewide communications systems and related equipment, for state, county, and municipal government agencies, and fire and emergency medical services.

Description Of Occupational Work

Employees in this class series support statewide communications systems infrastructure by performing technical electronics work, including the configuration, installation, removal, repair, modification, and alignment of statewide communications systems and related equipment, for state, county, and municipal government agencies, and fire and emergency medical services.

This class series encompasses skill in hands‑on technical work, problem solving, and customer service, as well as knowledge of communications and related computer systems, technology, hardware, software, networks, peripheral devices, and equipment. Employees follow all state, federal, and local laws, rules, and regulations during installation and maintenance tasks and ensure compliance with industry standards. In addition, employees provide communications support during natural disasters, large-scale public events, and other incidents, requiring rapid system configuration, troubleshooting, and inter‑operability coordination. Work involves responding to fast-paced requirements and evolving technology, as well as traveling to various locations statewide.

Note: Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's/department's operational needs and distribution of work. The career ladder incorporates levels I, II, and III; therefore, all positions allocated into the Communications Systems Specialist career ladder are classified at the III level (the highest level in the career ladder). The I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels. To implement the career ladder, current employees are assigned to the level for which they meet job requirements and promotional standards. Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with promotional standards for those levels assigned to an agency. The promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, set forth the criteria that identify, measure, and verify successful performance at each level. The promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, set forth the criteria that identify, measure, and verify successful performance at each level.

The Communications Systems Supervisor and Communications Systems Manager, although not part of the career ladder, provide competitive opportunities for movement of employees.

Career Ladder

Upon satisfactory completion of department promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible to be promoted to the next level.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Performs technical electronics work to ensure the operation and maintenance of the state’s communications systems such as 800 MHz digital radio and microwave communications systems, analog, conventional, and digital trunked radio systems, and public address systems; and related equipment such as mobile, portable, rugged, and durable radios, base stations, repeaters, scanners, antennas, towers, 911 consoles, controllers, vehicular adapters, emergency lighting, cameras, microphones, headsets, amplifiers, speakers, radar and VASCAR equipment, and sirens.
• Configures, installs, removes, repairs, modifies, and aligns communications systems and related equipment, hardware, software, and peripheral devices, wiring, and cabling, ensuring connectivity and functionality.
• Conducts regular monitoring and testing to ensure performance and reliability.
• Delivers customer service and technical support to users, which includes responding to and resolving inquiries, requests, and other problems.
• Identifies, troubleshoots, diagnoses, and resolves technical issues, errors, or malfunctions. May work with vendors and contractors on maintenance and repair of equipment due to warranty and maintenance agreements.
• Plans, schedules, tests, and installs regular software and hardware updates, upgrades, or enhancements and integrates into existing systems.
• Uses a variety of specialized and diagnostic tools and test equipment, including computers and related software, to program, install, optimize, maintain, and troubleshoot systems.
• Completes continuing education and stays updated on advancements in related technology and industry best practices.
• Requisitions, processes, and controls inventory, and maintains records, logs, and databases of maintenance work and related activities.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Communications Systems Specialist I

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

OR

• Applicants must possess at least one of the following:
• Possession of an Associates degree or higher in electronics, telecommunications, communications systems technology, computer networking, information technology, or related field.
• Possession of a certification in electronics, telecommunications, communications systems, radio systems, or a related technical field

OR

• One year of experience in performing technical electronics work involving the operation or maintenance of communications systems.

2. Six months experience in installing, maintaining, and replacing communications equipment such as analog, digital or two‑way radios or other related communications equipment.

• Six months experience in using test equipment and diagnostic tools in troubleshooting analog or digital radio transmitter and receiver systems.
• Six months experience in soldering and repairing electronic components to the circuit board level.
• Coursework, training and/or work experience in applying FCC laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Conditions of Hire

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E‑Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

A satisfactory fingerprint‑based background check administered by the Delaware State Police is required as a Condition of Hire.

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Benefits

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on‑line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov .

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.

Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling [phone] or by visiting delawarerelay.com .

If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call [phone] or email [e-mail] .

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.