Radio Communications Specialist I

Texas A&M University System; Merkel (TX); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M Forest Service in Merkel, Texas is seeking a Radio Communications Specialist I to support incident response logistics, ensure FCC compliance, and install/repair FM radio and computer systems. The role involves maintaining licenses, documentation, and cost accounting records while interfacing with agency personnel.

Under supervision, you will respond to wildfires and other hazards, provide emergency field communications, and may require travel and extended hours in challenging

Qualifications

• Associates degree required; two-year or equivalent preferred.
• 5 years of customer service experience required.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with TFS managers and interface with state agencies.
• Install, modify, diagnose and repair FM radio and digital computer systems.
• Maintain service logs, asset/inventory control and cost accounting records.
• Respond to wildfire incidents to provide logistical support.

Skills

Customer service

Multitasking

Communication

Education

Associates degree

Job description

Job Title

Radio Communications Specialist I

Agency

Texas A&M Forest Service

Department

Field Operations

Proposed Minimum Salary

$22.45 hourly

Job Location

Merkel, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Radio Communication Specialist I, under the direction of the Incident Response Logistics Coordinator and Lead Radio Communication Specialist, communicate effectively with TFS managers and interface with other state agency personnel, maintain compliance with FCC rules and regulations, ensure that all TFS communications and computer software is properly licensed and programmed accordingly. Install, modify, diagnose and repair TFS digital computer systems and FM radio transceiver communication systems. Perform documentation or data entry necessary to maintain service logs, asset control, inventory control and cost accounting systems. Respond to a variety of wildfire and all-hazard incidents and provide logistical support as needed. ***The location for this position will be determined based on candidate selection.***

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Incident Response Logistics Coordinator and Lead Radio Communication Specialist, communicate effectively with TFS managers and interface with other state agency personnel
• Install, modify, diagnose, and repair TFS digital computer systems and FM radio transceiver communications systems. Installing cable connections, calculating power loss. Basic troubleshooting and diagnostics. Radio programming, installing computer software, new computer set-up, and computer virus identification and removal. (May require extended bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and sitting.)
• Perform documentation or data entry necessary to maintain service logs, asset control, inventory control, and cost accounting systems, Manage and account for TFS credit cards in accordance with applicable laws, policies, rules, procedure, and guidelines
• Manage and account for assigned TFS property
• Participate in agency-sponsored training, programs and activities (May require infrequent travel in State vehicles with overnight stays).
• Maintain compliance with FCC rules and regulations. Ensure that all TFS communications and computer software be properly licensed and programmed accordingly.
• Available for emergency response and to establish emergency field communications systems as required. (May require working long hours with minimal rest and in primitive conditions. May also require exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as wind, sunlight, smoke, rain, and temperature extremes. May also require walking long distances, standing for extended periods and twisting. May also require driving motor vehicles long distances and lifting and carrying heavy objects. Emergency response may result in exposure to emotionally stressful situations for extended periods of time.)
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Texas A&M University System strives to support the health and wellness needs of our diverse workforce. Texas A&M Forest Service offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off and health and lifestyle programs as well as educational incentives and tuition reimbursement opportunities. Some additional benefits include the ability to accrue compensatory time off, overtime on emergency response and a physical fitness incentive of $500 for passing the arduous test (walk three miles wearing a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) each year.

Education and Experience

Required Education: Associates degree.

Preferred Education: Associate degree in Applied Sciences or two (2) year equivalent technical degree, with specialization in FM communications and computer repair.

Required Experience: Five (5) years in the field of customer service.

Preferred Experience: Five (5) to ten (10) years of proven customer service field experience. Experience working with FM communications systems with a wildland fire agency. Holds Amateur Radio License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required Knowledge: Use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of FM communications and computer (PC) assembly , repair and maintenance;

Required Abilities: Ability to become familiar with basic knowledge of Incident Command System (ICS).. Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Registrations, Certifications, and Licenses

Required: Valid Texas Driver’s License. Completion of IS-100, IS-700 and L-180. Become NWCG qualified as Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Technician (COMT).

Preferred: NWCG qualifed as Incident Communication Technician (COMT)

Other Requirements

Required: Availability to respond to emergencies and establish emergency field communication systems as required.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.