Emergency Communications Support Technician

Ramsey County; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Ramsey County is seeking an Emergency Communications Support Technician to maintain and improve CAD, Emergency Call Handling, and ARMER 800 MHz radio systems. You will troubleshoot, support end-users, and work across SQL queries, hardware, software, and basic networks to keep critical public-safety systems running smoothly.

The role involves installing, configuring, and maintaining systems, responding to user inquiries, and coordinating with contract radio shops, vendors, and responders.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience providing technical support to end users or troubleshooting radio communication systems/sites.
• Equivalent combination of education and related experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Respond to questions from users of ARMER 800 MHz Radio system, Emergency Call Handling, and CAD regarding operation, performance, and coverage.
• Maintain CAD, Emergency Call Handling, radio workstation hardware and configurations, troubleshoot problems, document anomalies, and coordinate with vendors.
• Monitor and manage fault queues for radio, phone, and related systems; own issues and coordinate with vendors as needed.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on radios, computers, and associated network/telecom hardware; assist with system upgrades and configurations.
• Develop and maintain database files for CAD including incident codes, response areas, and user accounts; support AVL connectivity on MDTs.

Skills

Technical support

Radio systems

Education

Associate’s degree in computer technology, telecommunications, or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The current vacancy is in the Emergency Communications department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department.

Join our team and help keep Ramsey County’s critical emergency communications systems running strong. In this role, you’ll support the technology that connects emergency responders, dispatchers, and the community—maintaining and improving the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Emergency Call Handling, and ARMER 800 MHz radio systems. You’ll troubleshoot issues, support end-users, and work across SQL queries, program development, hardware, software, and basic network systems. This is your chance to apply technical expertise to meaningful, high-impact work that keeps public-safety systems ready when they’re needed most. You’ll be a member of the team supporting all emergency communication technologies, from fire station alerting and paging to Wireless Emergency Alerts and severe-weather notifications. Perfect for someone who loves learning and enjoys working with a wide range of tools and systems.

BASIC FUNCTION: Perform work installing, configuring, and maintaining critical systems and applications for Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Emergency Call Handling and ARMER 800 MHz radio systems; troubleshoot and resolve routine problems with servers, databases, emergency communications applications, user hardware and software; provide technical support to end-users; perform highly technical work of considerable complexity developing custom program files to be written to mobile and portable radios for the county’s trunked radio system; assist in monitoring the performance and alarms for trunked radio system, microwave network, and supporting systems; evaluate, install, configure and maintain computer based information systems including computer hardware, software, automated systems, supporting equipment and network communications; and perform related duties as assigned.

Examples of Work Performed

• Respond to questions from users of the ARMER 800 MHz Radio system, Emergency Call Handling system phone, and Computer Aided Dispatch system regarding system operation, performance, features, connection or coverage issues, and system policies.
• Maintain Computer Aided Dispatch, Emergency Call Handling, radio computer workstation hardware, software and configurations including troubleshoot problems, documenting anomalies, reviewing error logs; working with vendors on resolution of issues, tracking open cases/tickets, communicating with stakeholders; and overseeing that work performed complies with applicable standards, rules and regulations.
• Daily monitoring and fault management of the radio, phone, and various other systems and/or equipment. Take ownership of issues and work with vendors when appropriate.
• Perform maintenance and repairs to hand-held radios, desktop computers, microwave and UHF antennas, radio and phone consoles, routers, switches, optical fiber-mux, other complex electronic equipment and other systems.
• Develop and maintain all Computer Aided Dispatch database files, including incident type codes, priority codes, emergency response areas, response plans, user accounts and resource assignment tables. Work with emergency responder agencies to maintain mobile software, AVL connectivity and user authentication methods on Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs).
• Prepare and manage custom program files for mobile and portable radios for use on the ARMER 800 MHz radio system.
• Serve as the point of contact for telecommunicators, dispatchers and emergency response personnel to resolve technical inquiries and requests.
• Coordinate with contract radio shops to ensure county and state policies on radio programming and maintenance are followed. Communicate changes in policies and procedures to contract radio shops.
• Support third-party Computer Aided Dispatch interfaces such as station alerting, Bureau Criminal Apprehension (BCA) inquiries, paging and notification systems, ANI/ALI and Record Management Systems.
• Assist the Emergency Communications Technology Systems Manager in characterizing and troubleshooting system level problems, including coverage deficiencies and redundancy opportunities.
• Identify and analyze system/user needs, as well as equipment requirements. Make technical recommendations. Write system and user documentation, policies and procedures.
• Share after-hours on-call duty with the Emergency Communications Technology Support Team.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Associate’s degree in computer technology, telecommunications, or a related field. Experience: Two years of experience providing technical support to end users or two years of experience troubleshooting and repairing radio communication systems and sites. Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and related experience Certifications/Licensure: Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Exam/Screening Process Information

The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Emergency Communications Support Technician will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark "see resume" or "see work history" as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligibility List

The names of all applicants who have submitted a completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as an Emergency Communications Support Technician. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Applicants will remain on the eligible list for 60 days or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted.

Veteran's Preference

Veteran's Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran's preference should update their veteran's DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks

All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation

Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.

Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives to be equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.

Contact & Application

For further information regarding this posting, please contact [e-mail]

Benefits Summary

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
  • Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
  • MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
  • VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
• Pre-tax Benefit Program
  • Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
• Paid time off
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 10 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
  • 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
  • Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
  • Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
• Retirement benefits
  • Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
  • New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
  • Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
  • Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
• Transit and parking
  • Fully funded Metropass.
  • Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
• Employee well-being
  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
  • Wellness programming
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
• Life Insurance and Disability leave
  • County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
  • Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
  • Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
• Career development
  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
  • Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues

For information about Ramsey County's 2026 benefits, visit: https://assets.ramseycountymn.gov/files/2026-02/Total%20Rewards%20Guide%202026.pdf