Manager of Telecommunications (ECD)

City-of-Cambridge,-Ma; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cambridge seeks a Manager of Telecommunications to lead hands-on management of the Public Safety phone system, cellular devices, Project 25 and analog radio networks, and related operations.

You will coordinate with Cambridge Police, Fire, Emergency Communications and Community Safety Departments, ensure 24/7 readiness, and oversee procurement, system upgrades, and vendor relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience in mission-critical P25 and public safety LMR/wireless systems.
• Leadership in radio, cellular and public safety IT environments.
• Experience with vendor management and procurement processes.
• Ability to plan and manage large infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Administer and support public safety phone system and cellular devices.
• Lead radio network operations, dispatch consoles, and analog/digital systems.
• Monitor alarms, manage incidents, and coordinate with partners during emergencies.
• Supervise technicians and manage contracts with vendors and contractors.

Skills

P25 and public safety LMR

IT project management

Vendor coordination

Radio systems maintenance

Leadership

Cellular systems management

Service and incident response

Education

Associate degree in electronics

Electronics certification

Military electronics training

Tools

Motorola P25 tools

APX/XTS/XTL radios

CPS

RF test equipment

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Manager of Telecommunications is responsible for hands‑on management and support of the Public Safety phone system, City's cellular devices, Project 25 and analog radio networks, spanning network and service operations, incident and outage reporting, configuration, and change management. Working at the direction of the Deputy Director for Public Safety IT, and in close partnership with Cambridge Police, Fire, Emergency Communications and Community Safety Departments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

• Administer and support the public safety phone system and all cellular devices and services across the city.
• Order mobile devices and accessories for City employees; manage wireless service provider accounts; run reports on mobile device inventory and usage; and serve as the subject matter expert for Mobile Device Management and Mobile Application Management, including remote configuration of cell phones and tablets.
• Support the City's Project 25 and analog radio system infrastructure, including endpoint devices; install radio equipment and provide technical support for VHF/UHF and 800 MHz analog and digital systems, mobile and portable subscriber equipment, simulcast, conventional, and trunked radio equipment and systems, dispatch consoles, and microwave systems.
• Proactively monitor the P25 radio network and related management platforms, including the statewide core systems management console, for alarms and performance alerts, and elevate according to incident response procedures.
• Provide Tier 1, 2, and 3 IT support for public safety users including E911 dispatchers, Police Officers, and Firefighters.
• Manage radio inventory, configuration, and programming, including subscriber programming such as codeplug updates and minor configuration changes to support deployments, replacements, and returns to service.
• Service mobile radios in vehicles as needed; perform upgrades and programming for all handheld and mobile radios.
• Participate in planning, coordination, setup and on-site support for special events, command posts, and significant emergencies within the City and with regional partners to support radio communications.
• Respond to public safety incidents to provide radio communication and technical support, including fires reaching a second alarm level or higher, with 24-hour availability required; and coordinate with Public Safety and City departments and provide on-site support outside normal hours as required.
• Manage cellular & radio contractors for all issues, work requests, contracts, and projects.
• Plan, manage, and execute procurement for cellular systems and supplies, in coordination with City Purchasing to source, order, and track equipment for public safety and other authorized City users.
• Collaborate with all Public Safety and partnering agencies to ensure their radio needs are met.
• Provide system and user documentation and deliver end-user training on the use of public safety phone system and cellular services across the city along with XTL/XTS/APX radios, MCC7500 consoles, and deployable radio systems; ensure technical support teams are trained in first-level radio support.
• Supervise the team's successful project planning, execution, and completion, and manage large-scale infrastructure implementation and replacement projects for the P25 radio system, cellular devices, and Fire Station Alerting.
• Remain available for off-hours, weekend, emergency, or operational response as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:

Education & Experience:

• Preferred one of the following methods of formal training in electronics: associate degree in electronics or related field from an accredited two-year college or accredited technical school OR electronics certification from an accredited two-year college or accredited technical school OR received electronic training through the U.S. Military and completed a minimum of 3 years active duty working in an electronics field while in the military.
• Preferred seven (7) years of experience managing and supporting mission-critical P25 and public safety LMR and wireless systems in a mid-to large organization, including system administration and configuration, incident and outage management, vendor coordination, large installation projects, and repair and maintenance of base systems, repeaters, trunked radio systems, dispatch consoles, digital and VoIP systems, and antenna systems.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Preferred experience managing cellular systems, maintaining a mobile device management system, governance, and procurement of said cellular devices.
• Working knowledge and experience with 700/800 MHz trunked system configuration, Motorola systems, APX/XTS/XTL radios, and CPS preferred.
• Proven leadership experience managing IT professionals, particularly in radio, cellular and public safety, preferred.
• Preferred Motorola 7.17 or higher system certifications, Motorola P25 technical certifications.
• Valid state driver's license, plus the ability to pass a gun safety class and obtain CPR certification within six months of employment.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups across diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Preferred experience with Motorola P25 and analog radio infrastructure and endpoint devices, ensuring FCC compliance in a complex radio environment.
• Preferred experience with cellular based systems, signal testing, and management of devices
• Preferred knowledge of RF systems, including transmitters, receivers, antenna networks, remotes, and digital and VoIP systems.
• Knowledge of and compliance with City confidentiality requirements; ability to consistently exercise sound ethics and professional judgment.
• Skill in contract negotiation and vendor management.
• Ability to select and apply industry-standard best practices.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general direction of the Deputy Director for Public Safety IT, exercising considerable independent judgment in planning, prioritizing, and executing radio and cellular systems operations; work is reviewed for effectiveness, adherence to standards, and compliance with departmental policies.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Provides supervision to cellular and radio technicians and related staff, including work assignment and performance evaluation; oversees the activities of contractors and vendors performing cellular and radio systems maintenance and installation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in both professional office settings and outdoor environments, including construction sites, in all weather conditions, with fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, computers, and other standard office equipment, and includes meetings at other offices or facilities. The position may be required to respond to or support off-hour emergency situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves radio site visits and travel between the office and off-site meetings, requiring travel to and through active construction zones and activities such as driving, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching. Lift and carry up to 70 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.