RADIO REPAIR MECHANIC

FIRE DEPARTMENT; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

FDNY, the Fire Department, City of New York, seeks a full-time Radio Repair Mechanic in the Bureau of Enterprise Technology to support installation, maintenance, and operation of critical communications systems across the department.

You will repair radios, RF systems, and related equipment in fleet vehicles and facilities, use programming software, and document service records. A NY driver license and FCC radar endorsement may be required.

Qualifications

• Five years of full-time satisfactory experience as a radio repair mechanic or electronic technician repairing electronic equipment.
• Three years as described above plus sufficient trade/technical training to meet the equivalent experience.
• Possession of a New York State Motor Vehicle Driver License for duration of employment.
• For appointment, FCC General Radiotelephone Operator's License with radar endorsement may be required.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, align, maintain, service, and tune radios, radars, microwaves, multiplexes, televisions, and related equipment in FDNY communications systems.
• Service land mobile and marine radios including analog/digital VHF, UHF, 700/800 MHz; maintain power and antenna systems.
• Diagnose, locate, isolate, and repair defects; troubleshoot and replace faulty components.
• Install units and electrical elements, mount radios in FDNY vehicles and apparatus.
• Use computers and radio programming software to configure equipment.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and technical software for docs and records.
• Operate a vehicle to travel to FDNY facilities and field locations.
• Maintain service records, prepare technical reports, follow safety and procedures.

Skills

Radio repair

Electronic troubleshooting

RF fundamentals

Documentation

Radio programming software

Service monitors

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Multimeters

RF coaxial fabrication

Education

Trade school/technical/vocational electronics training

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Radio programming software

Service monitors

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Multimeters

RF coaxial fabrication

Job description

NOTE: This position is open only to City of New York employees serving in the permanent civil service title of Radio Repair Mechanic.

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department's main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs. FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property and the Department works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values.

The Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY), seeks a full-time Radio Repair Mechanic in the Bureau of Enterprise Technology. The successful candidate will: support the installation, maintenance, repair, testing, and operation of mission critical communications systems used throughout the FDNY.

The Radio Repair Mechanic will:

• Install, repair, align, maintain, service, and tune radios, radars, microwaves, multiplexes, televisions, and a wide range of electronic apparatus and equipment used in FDNY communication systems.
• Service land mobile and marine radio receivers and transmitters, including analog and digital VHF, UHF, 700 MHz, and 800 MHz equipment, radio power systems, antenna systems, miniature transmitters/receivers, audio systems, and public address systems.
• Diagnose, locate, isolate, and repair defects in electronic equipment; troubleshoot and replace faulty components.
• Install electronic units and associated electrical elements, including mounting radios and communications equipment in FDNY vehicles and apparatus.
• Use computers and radio programming software to program, configure, and update communication equipment.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and technical software tools for documentation, reporting, and equipment recordkeeping.
• Operate a motor vehicle to travel to FDNY facilities, communications sites, field locations, and emergency scenes as required.
• Maintain accurate service records, prepare technical reports, and follow all departmental safety and operational procedures.

RADIO REPAIR MECHANIC - 90733

Minimum Qualifications

1. FIVE years of full-time satisfactory experience acquired within the last 10 years as a radio repair mechanic, or as an electronic technician repairing electronic equipment; or
2. At least THREE years of experience as described in "1" above acquired within the last 10 years plus sufficient full-time training of a relevant nature, specializing in electronics, acquired in a trade school, technical school or vocational high school approved by a State's department of education or recognized accrediting organization, to make up the equivalent of the remaining required experience. Six months of acceptable experience will be credited for each year of approved trade school, technical school or vocational high school.
3. Possession of a Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.
4. For appointment to certain positions possession of a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radiotelephone Operator's License, with a radar endorsement, is required.

Preferred Skills

Candidates should have experience installing, maintaining, programming, aligning, testing, and repairing VHF, UHF, 700/800 MHz radio systems, including conventional and trunked networks. Knowledge of analog and digital LMR technologies (AES256, P25), and hands-on work with portable, mobile, base stations, repeaters, control stations, and dispatch equipment is required. Experience programming and servicing public-safety radios and installing communications equipment in emergency or fleet vehicles is preferred. Candidates must be able to perform RF troubleshooting using service monitors, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, multimeters, wattmeters, and antenna/network analyzers, and understand RF principles, antenna systems, transmission lines, and related components. Experience maintaining communications-site equipment such as repeaters, radio racks, DC/UPS power systems, grounding, and networked radio infrastructure is required, along with working knowledge of IP-based communications (Ethernet, TCP/IP, switches, routers, RoIP, gateways). They must be able to interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation diagnose complex equipment failures and perform preventive maintenance, system testing, inspections, and accurate documentation. Skills in fabricating and repairing RF coaxial, DC power, control, and network cabling are needed, as well as familiarity with FCC rules, RF/electrical safety, grounding, and industry standards. Experience in mission-critical, 24/7 public-safety environments is highly desirable. Candidates should work effectively independently or in teams, communicate technical issues clearly, and respond to outages and emergencies citywide. The role requires physical tasks such as lifting equipment, climbing ladders, and working in vehicles, confined spaces, rooftops, and adverse weather. Relevant technical education, certifications, FCC licensing, and manufacturer or military electronics training are desirable.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.