Radio Communications Specialist I

Agrilife; Texas; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Radio Communications Specialist I position with Texas A&M Forest Service supports field operations by coordinating incident response logistics, installing and maintaining FM radio transceivers and digital systems, and ensuring proper licensing and software programming.

With an Associate degree and strong customer service experience, you will work under supervision of a senior coordinator, potentially travel for field deployments, and respond to emergencies as needed.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Holds Amateur Radio License.

Responsibilities

• Under direction of the Incident Response Logistics Coordinator and Lead Radio Communication Specialist, communicate with TFS managers and interface with state agency personnel.
• Install, modify, diagnose, and repair FM radio transceiver communications systems; install cable connections, calculate power loss, troubleshoot.
• Maintain service logs, asset and inventory control, and cost accounting data entry; manage TFS credit cards per policy.
• Manage and account for assigned TFS property and equipment.
• Participate in agency training, programs and activities; may require travel in State vehicles with overnight stays.
• Maintain FCC compliance and ensure all TFS communications and software are properly licensed and programmed.
• Be available for emergency response and establish emergency field communications as required.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

FM communications systems

PC assembly/repair

Education

Associates degree

Two-year technical degree in FM communications

Tools

FM communications systems

PC assembly/repair

Job description

Job TitleRadio Communications Specialist I Agency Texas A&M Forest Service Department Field Operations Proposed Minimum Salary$22.45 hourly Job LocationMerkel, Texas Job TypeStaff 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.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Fulfilling the service component of a land‑grant university system, Texas A&M Forest Service is a proud member of The Texas A&M University System. Celebrating 100 years of service, this state agency was created in 1915 by the 34th Texas Legislature. Each state in the nation has a state forestry agency, but Texas was the first to establish its state forestry agency as part of a land‑grant college. Texas A&M Forest Service is recognized as the leader in defining forestry for the future of Texas and the nation. Applied programs include forest and tree development; wildfire prevention, mitigation, and protection; urban and community forestry; and a host of innovative forest sustainability programs. Texas A&M Forest Service works to ensure the state’s forests, trees, and related natural resources are conserved and continue to provide a sustainable flow of environmental and economic benefits.