Radio Technician I - SR-19

County of Hawai`i; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Vacation time up to 21 days/year

Sick leave up to 21 days/year

13 paid holidays per year

Job summary

County of Hawai`i seeks a skilled radio communications technician for the Hawai`i Police Department's Technical Services Division in Hilo. The role involves installing, maintaining, and repairing radio equipment across island locations.

Applicants should have technical training in electronics and radio communications and at least three years of related experience, plus a valid Hawaii Class 3 driver's license. The position is full-time and on-site.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Technical training in electronics and radio communications required.
• 3 years of technical experience in installation, maintenance, repair of radio communications equipment.
• Valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class 3) required.

Responsibilities

• Adjusts, tests, services, maintains, and installs radio transmitters, receivers, and other communications equipment in vehicles and permanent locations.
• Takes frequency, power, and modulation measurements to ensure FCC compliance.
• Maintains records of work performed on transmitters per FCC requirements.
• Inspects radio equipment for defects and makes necessary repairs.
• Designs, installs, maintains, and repairs inter-communication and public address systems.

Skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma

Technical training in electronics and radio communications

Tools

FCC testing equipment

Electrical measurement tools

Job description

Adjusts, tests, services, maintains, and installs radio transmitters, receivers, and other communications equipment in vehicles and permanent locations island-wide; designs, constructs, and modifies communications equipment and performs other related duties as required. There are two (2) immediate permanent full-time vacancies with the Hawai'i Police Department - Technical Services Division in Hilo.

Special Working Conditions

Lift tools and equipment up to 70 lbs. alone and up to 170 lbs. with assistance; walk on rough terrain and slopes carrying load; climb ladders and perform work at height up to 250 ft. high, and work outdoors and in inclement weather conditions.

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

• Adjusts, tests, services, maintains, and installs radio transmitters, receivers, and other communications equipment in vehicles and permanent locations.
• Takes periodic frequency, power, and modulation measurements of transmitters to ascertain compliance with FCC requirements.
• Maintains records, per FCC requirements, of work performed on transmitters.
• Takes field strength measurements to determine operational coverage.
• Inspects radio equipment for defects and makes necessary repairs.
• Performs periodic inspections and adjusts and repairs as necessary transmitting and receiving equipment.
• Designs, installs, maintains, and repairs inter-communication and public address systems.
• Modifies existing telecommunications equipment for specific use such as by changing radio frequencies, antenna directivity patterns and characteristics, remote control consoles and accessories to be compatible with system design changes, fabricating unusual installation hardware for equipment, and modifying existing electronic circuits to adapt to newer requirements and maintain maximum utilization.
• Designs and constructs new equipment for specific uses such as unique controls, switches, circuits, and amplifiers for radio, audio, recorders, and other equipment.
• Monitors radio message between stations or vehicles to ascertain the efficiency and clarity of the messages.Instructs and informs departmental personnel concerned in the proper use, care, and operation of radio-telephone communications equipment according to FCC rules and regulations.
• Checks operational procedures and records for compliance with FCC requirement.
• Studies departmental rules and regulations, and other technical material.
• Maintains off-site equipment by performing periodic preventive maintenance checks;
• Upkeeps surrounding grounds to ensure access to equipment and to prevent obstructions and interference wth the functionality of equipment.

Training and Experience

A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from high school, and
• supplemented by technical training in electronics and radio communications, and
• three (3) years of technical work experience involving the installation, maintenance, repair, and modification of radio communications or related equipment (examples are: two-way mobile radio repair and installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of microwave equipment such as cables, dishes, transmission lines, and microwave terminals), and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at the time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at the time of hire.)

Examination

All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully.

Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score.

It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application.

Note

In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process.

Knowledge of

Principles of radio communications and electronics; characteristics, functions, operations, and capabilities of a variety of types of radio and electronic equipment; testing equipment and tools used in adjusting and repairing radio equipment; FCC rules and regulations governing public safety radio service; and safety rules, practices and procedures includes use of chemicals and hazardous materials.

Ability to

Diagnose defects in communications equipment in the field or in the shop; diagnose system malfunctions; identify radio interference problems; apply appropriate electronic theories and formulas involved in testing, trouble-shooting, designing modifications, calibrating, installing, maintaining, and repairing radio and electronic equipment; interpret electronic specifications and schematic diagrams; explain FCC requirements governing public safety radio services; learn the rules and regulations of the assigned department; lift tools and equipment up to 70 lbs. alone and up to 170 lbs. with assistance; walk on rough terrain and slopes carrying load; climb ladders and perform work at heights up to 250 ft. high; work outdoors and in inclement weather conditions; work well with others and understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements

Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Effort Grouping

Heavy

Benefits of County Employment

The County of Hawai‘i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours.
• Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
• Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.
• Retirement Plan: The Employees’ Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
• Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
• Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
• Health Benefit Plans: The County of Hawai‘i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
• Group Life Insurance: Free life insurance policy for active employees.
• Credit Union Membership
• Other Leaves: You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and change due to legislative actions and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining. Please check out the benefits tab for additional information.