Public Safety Radio System Technician

HC1 Hamilton County; United States; On-site; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton County in Indiana is seeking a Public Safety Radio System Technician for the Communications department. You will assist with oversight of the Public Safety Radio system, maintain equipment, coordinate maintenance, and ensure secure tower sites and records.

The role requires 5+ years in public safety communications, knowledge of 800MHz, P25, FCC rules, and the ability to manage projects and budgets. On-call duties and occasional travel for training are included.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of five years of Public Safety Communications experience or equivalent.
• Knowledge of 800MHz radio infrastructure, consoles, radio equipment, and training requirements.
• Knowledge of P25, and VHF radio systems, microwaves, and radio repeaters.
• Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations.
• Ability to execute projects from start to finish; plan and coordinate communications equipment and systems.

Responsibilities

• Assists Radio System Manager with oversight of the Public Safety Radio system including software, hardware, towers, tower facilities, generators, battery backup systems, dispatch consoles, mobile, and handheld radios.
• Maintains radio maintenance facility and equipment, including monitoring operations, scheduling maintenance, and contacting vendors as necessary and ensuring maintenance of required records.
• Escorts vendors in sensitive areas during repair or maintenance of various systems.
• Monitors stock of inventory of spare radio equipment, coordinates with Radio System Manager to order new or additional equipment to maintain adequate stock levels.
• Maintains security systems of all tower sites including buildings, towers, perimeter, and grounds.
• Maintains communication with various departments using the Public Safety Radio System, such as law enforcement and fire departments and other County departments, including problem resolution, coordinating activities, and occasionally communicating policy/procedural changes as needed.
• Installs and configures Software used to program various makes and models of subscriber units.
• Assists with support of amateur radio equipment co-located at Hamilton County tower sites and facilities.
• Maintains high standards for installation of amateur radio equipment including proper grounding, power, and limiting interference.
• Prepares radio usage statistical reports for Communications, Police and Fire departments.
• Assists with establishing yearly goals and objectives for the operation of the radio system.
• Assists with yearly budget preparation for components of the radio system.
• Attends Hamilton County Public Safety Radio Users Group meetings.
• Shares 24-hour on-call rotation for emergencies.
• Maintains awareness of new trends and advances in the field, attending workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Maintains membership in appropriate industry groups, committees, or peer groups.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Public Safety comms

800MHz radio

FCC rules

Project planning

Microsoft Office

Education

High School diploma

Tools

Radio consoles

P25 systems

Microwaves

VHF radio systems

Job description

Location: 18100 Cumberland Road - Noblesville, Indiana, 46060 Hamilton County is one of Indiana’s fastest growing, highest educated and wealthiest counties in the state and the Midwest. Two-thirds of the workforce lives and works in the county — a percent that has remained constant since 2010. Hamilton County is continually recognized in rankings ranging from “Best Cities to Relocate To” and “Best City to Raise a Family” to “Healthiest County in Indiana” and “Happiest Suburbs in the Nation”. Come be a part of all Hamilton County has to offer as we work together to serve the citizens of Hamilton County.

Job Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION COUNTY OF HAMILTON, INDIANA POSITION: Public Safety Radio System Technician DEPARTMENT: Communications WORK SCHEDULE: As Assigned STATUS: Full-time FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt 2027 HOURLY RATE: Up to $39.1282 per hour To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Hamilton County provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would present an undue hardship. Incumbent serves as Public Safety Radio System Technician for the Communications department, responsible for maintaining the Public Safety Radio system.

DUTIES

• Assists Radio System Manager with oversight of the Public Safety Radio system including software, hardware, towers, tower facilities, generators, battery backup systems, dispatch consoles, mobile, and handheld radios.
• Maintains radio maintenance facility and equipment, including monitoring operations, scheduling maintenance, and contacting vendors as necessary and ensuring maintenance of required records.
• Escorts vendors in sensitive areas during repair or maintenance of various systems.
• Monitors stock of inventory of spare radio equipment, coordinates with Radio System Manager to order new or additional equipment to maintain adequate stock levels.
• Maintains security systems of all tower sites including buildings, towers, perimeter, and grounds.
• Maintains communication with various departments using the Public Safety Radio System, such as law enforcement and fire departments and other County departments, including problem resolution, coordinating activities, and occasionally communicating policy/procedural changes as needed.
• Maintains computer database of radio users and their appropriate radio identifiers, including receiving new information and entering data into computer.
• Installs and configures Software used to program various makes and models of subscriber units.
• Assists with support of amateur radio equipment co-located at Hamilton County tower sites and facilities.
• Maintains high standards for installation of amateur radio equipment including proper grounding, power, and limiting interference.
• Prepares radio usage statistical reports for Communications, Police and Fire departments.
• Assists with establishing yearly goals and objectives for the operation of the radio system
• Assists with yearly budget preparation for components of the radio system.
• Attends Hamilton County Public Safety Radio Users Group meetings.
• Shares 24-hour on-call rotation for emergencies.
• Maintains awareness of new trends and advances in the field, attending workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Maintains membership in appropriate industry groups, committees, or peer groups.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of five years of Public Safety Communications experience or equivalent experience. Through knowledge of 800MHz radio infrastructure, consoles, radio equipment, and training requirements to operate such systems. Through knowledge of radio talk group, procedures, limitations, acronyms, and codes.
• Knowledge and understanding, P25, and VHF radio systems, microwaves, and radio repeaters.
• Knowledge and understanding of FCC rules and regulations.
• Ability to execute projects from start to finish, provide input on planning processes related to communications equipment and systems.
• Ability to comply with all employer/department personnel policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
• Thorough knowledge of Hamilton County geography and area law enforcement, EMS and fire demands, and ability to use and understand maps.
• Knowledge of all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to Public Safety Radio Communications and major issues which require effective coordinated actions.
• Ability to properly use office/communications equipment, computer, printer.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Working knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, to prepare correspondence and various detailed reports as required.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, various law enforcement and fire departments and the public including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
• Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information/records according to state requirements.
• Ability to comply with all employer/department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
• Ability to collect, review, classify, prioritize, and analyze data.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive and advisory data and information.
• Ability to plan, implement and coordinate technical and administrative programs.
• Ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment with minimum supervision, and maintain appropriate, respectful interrelationships with co-workers.
• Ability to work on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure, and complete tasks effectively amidst frequent distractions and interruptions.
• Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information/records according to state requirements.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions/directions, and appropriately respond to constructive criticism.
• Ability to serve on 24-hour call and respond swiftly, rationally, and decisively to emergency situations.
• Ability to occasionally work evening, weekend, and/or extended hours, and occasionally travel out of town for training, sometimes overnight.
• Possession of a valid Indiana driver's license and demonstrated safe driving record.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK

Incumbent's duties are broad in scope with many variables and considerations. Incumbent performs according to general guidelines, exercising independent judgment and resolving problems and accommodating needs of multiple departments/agencies.

RESPONSIBILITY

Incumbent makes authoritative application of department policies and procedures in accomplishing well-established goals and objectives. Incumbent receives general supervision, discussing unusual situations with supervisor at incumbent's discretion. Work is reviewed primarily for soundness of judgment and attainment of objectives.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Incumbent communicates frequently with co-workers, other County departments, various law enforcement and fire departments, and the public for purposes of exchanging information, explaining policies and procedures, coordinating radio services, and resolving problems. Incumbent reports directly to the Radio Systems Manager.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment, involving sitting for long periods, sitting and walking at will, lifting/carrying objects weighing less than 25 pounds, pushing/pulling objects, keyboarding, fingering/grasping/handling objects, kneeling/bending/reaching/ close/far vision, color/depth perception, driving, speaking clearly, and hearing sounds/communication. Incumbent serves on 24-hour call for emergencies and occasionally works evening, weekend, and/or extended hours, and occasionally travels out of town for training, sometimes overnight.

APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The job description for the position of Public Safety Radio System Technician for the Hamilton County Communications department, describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions. Hamilton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We participate in E-Verify. Welcome to Hamilton County Indiana! Hoosier Hospitality is our culture, and you will find a unique blend of communities that define sophistication, have entrepreneurial spirit, as well as home town charm. Walkable downtowns, waterfront access, dynamic sports venues, cultural and food attractions, and open land all demonstrate the diversity of our county offerings.

Who We Are

With a growing population of 300,000+ residents, Hamilton County is a great place to live, work, learn and play. We are strategically located in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Close to downtown Indianapolis and the award-winning Indianapolis International Airport, Hamilton County is within a one-day drive of 50% of the U.S. population. We are listed as one of the fastest growing counties in the country and have earned a national designation as a Best Place to Live and Raise a Family. Home to four midsized cities and vibrant communities that include award-winning schools and workforce training opportunities, the county offers Midwest affordability, low tax rates, safe,walkable downtowns that include thriving arts communities, dining, entertainment and shopping with easy commute times and abundant parking. The county also includes options for lakeside living or properties in the open country. Central Indiana enjoys four seasons living for a variety of outdoor sports and recreation all year round. A short drive takes you to Indianapolis, the 16th largest city in the country and the state capitol. Home of the world-famous Indianapolis 500, The Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, minor league soccer and baseball, and host of numerous college and professional champions, in addition to unique museums and cultural venues.

Why choose a career in the public sector with Hamilton County?

To provide the most responsive level of governmental services To serve the public efficiently Ability to make a difference in your community The work is meaningful and rewarding Improve your Work/Life balance Stability and job growth Excellent Benefits Work and live in one of the best County in the Nation! 950 Full-time positions 350+ part-time = 1,300+ County wide

Position Types

• Law enforcement – Police
• Corrections Officers in Jail
• 911 Dispatch Center
• Community Corrections Judiciary - Clerk’s Office
• Court staff
• Court Reporter/Bailiff
• Probation & Prosecutors
• Clerical - Receptionist
• Data Entry
• Office Managers
• Labor/Trades/Crafts – Buildings & Grounds
• Highway
• Parks Department
• Professional and Executive – IT
• Health Department
• Engineers
• Elected Officials/Department Heads
• Human Resources

Benefits Highlights

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life (employee, spouse, children)
• Long and short-term Disability
• Hamilton County Employee Health Center & Pharmacy (Noblesville/Westfield): High quality primary medical care facility and wellness services
• Advocacy Program – One-on-one appointment with a Physician to evaluate chronic illness/injuries
• Nutrition Education and Wellness Center (diabetes, high cholesterol, weight loss and management, cancer and kids health)
• Pharmacy – Low-cost co-payments, encourage use of generic meds, Medication Management Program providing review of medication interactions/effectiveness

Leave Benefits

• Sick leave
• Bereavement
• Holidays (10-13 per year)
• Compensatory time
• Paid time off (1 week at 6 months, 2 weeks at 1 year then an additional day each year until max of 22 days on year 15).
• Upon completion of 30 years of service time, employees earn 1 additional day per year up to 40 years of service time.

Retirement Benefit Options

• Indiana Public Employee Retirement Fund Pension (annuity & pension)
• AUL Deferred Compensation Plan
• McCready Retirement (Merit staff)

Benefits Highlights

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life (employee, spouse, children)
• Long and short-term Disability
• Hamilton County Employee Health Center & Pharmacy (Noblesville/Westfield): High quality primary medical care facility and wellness services
• Advocacy Program – One-on-one appointment with a Physician to evaluate chronic illness/injuries
• Nutrition Education and Wellness Center (diabetes, high cholesterol, weight loss and management, cancer and kids health)
• Pharmacy – Low-cost co-payments, encourage use of generic meds, Medication Management Program providing review of medication interactions/effectiveness