Senior Communications Equipment Technician

County of Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan and HSA

Pension retirement

Reciprocity with public retirement

Holiday and vacation leave

Job summary

The County of Santa Barbara’s Information Technology Department seeks a skilled technician to lead the installation, maintenance, and repair of complex communications systems including trunked and microwave networks. You will guide projects, diagnose system faults, and mentor lower-level technicians to ensure high-quality, compliant work.

Candidates must have extensive experience with RF communications, microwave systems, and related digital transport technologies, plus a valid CA driver’s

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in maintenance and repair of microwave or 2-way radio systems, or at least one year as Communications Equipment Technician II in Santa Barbara County.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Ability to climb poles and towers over 100 feet and work in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, installation, testing, and maintenance of complex Countywide communications systems (RF, microwave, trunked, simulcast).
• Serve as SME in RF, microwave transmission, antenna systems, and digital transport technologies.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to lower-level technicians; review work for quality and safety.
• Troubleshoot the most complex system faults and perform system-level diagnoses and adjustments.
• Coordinate vendor/contractor activities ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and update SOPs, installation practices, and training materials.

Skills

RF communications

Troubleshooting

System analysis

Documentation

Tools

Test/calibration equipment

Schematic diagrams

Job description

This is an excellent opportunity to begin a rewarding and reliablecareer with the Information Technology Department at the County of Santa Barbara. Come and be a part of a team of talented individuals who are passionate about fostering a culture of teamwork, learning and respect!

In the IT Department our success is powered by people and technology. Our culture is what makes IT a fun and rewarding place to work! We establish, develop and nurture partnerships and open communication within our communities. We embrace a willingness to learn and accept new ideas, to actively listen and to be receptive to change. We strive to grow our talents and do our best in the service of others while taking pride in our work. We explore and deliver new and creative ways to pair technology with business needs.

The Position

The County of Santa Barbara’s Information Technology Department has one (1) full-time vacancy, located in Santa Barbara, CA.

This role serves as a technical lead in the installation, maintenance, and repair of complex communications systems and equipment, including trunked and conventional two-way radios, microwave networks, and telecommunications infrastructure; leads projects and provides guidance to lower-level technicians; performs system-level troubleshooting and network analysis; and performs related duties as required

Highlighted Benefits:

• Health Plan: County contributes towards premium; HSA offered
• Pension Retirement
• Reciprocity with other public sector retirement systems (like CalPERS)
• 13 holidays, 12 sick leave days (unlimited accumulation), and 12 to 25 days of vacation (based on length of service) per year
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate for previous public service.
• For more information on County benefits, please click here.

1. Leads the planning, installation, testing, and maintenance of complex Countywide communications systems, including simulcast, trunked, and microwave systems.
2. Serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in RF communications, microwave transmission, antenna systems, and digital transport technologies.
3. Provides technical leadership and mentorship to lower-level technicians; reviews and inspects work for quality, compliance, and safety.
4. Troubleshoots and resolves the most complex system faults involving RF performance, interference, microwave alignment, or digital transmission.
5. Analyzes system performance and generates technical reports, trend analysis, and recommendations for upgrades or repairs.
6. Coordinates and oversees vendor and contractor activities to ensure conformance with County specifications, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
7. Provides input on system design, equipment specifications, and technology selection for new or upgraded communications systems.
8. Leads or participates in the design and construction of new radio sites, microwave paths, and networked communications infrastructure.
9. Supports frequency coordination, licensing, and compliance activities with the FCC and other agencies.
10. Represents the County in inter-agency meetings, project planning groups, or public safety communications coordination efforts.
11. Develops and updates standard operating procedures, installation practices, and training materials for technical staff.
12. Responds to system outages and emergencies, serving as a technical escalation point for field response.
13. Participates in strategic planning for communications infrastructure, including budgeting and lifecycle replacement.
14. Maintains detailed and accurate documentation, schematics, system diagrams, and records.
15. May assist with the planning and design of radio communication systems.
16. May provide functional and technical supervision to staff as assigned.
17. Performs related duties as assigned

• Four years of experience in the maintenance and repair of microwave communication systems and/or 2-way radio systems; OR,
• One year of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Communications Equipment Technician II with Santa Barbara County; OR,
• A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Knowledge of:

2-way radio and electronics theory; troubleshooting techniques for electronic communications systems; the construction, assembly, repair, and operation of modern solid-state microwave and 2-way transmitting and receiving equipment, microwave systems; safe climbing procedures; Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations pertaining to microwave and radio communications.

Ability to:

use specialized test and calibration equipment to diagnose and repair defects and causes of interference in microwave and 2-way radio systems; interpret schematic diagrams; use personal computers to program and diagnose communications equipment; work independently; perform complex system level diagnoses and adjustments; climb poles and towers in excess of 100 feet in height; maintain records; communicate effectively with other employees and equipment suppliers.

Additional Qualifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.

Performing the essential functions of this job requires the incumbent to: lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds; work on towers at heights in excess of 100 feet; work in confined spaces; perform full range of body motions involving reaching, bending, grasping, and climbing; and possess color vision.

Additional Requirements:

• This role also requires the ability to participate in scheduled after hours work and/or standby support.
• This position requires a successful completion of an in-depth background investigation (details below) that includes a Live Scan fingerprint check.

Selection Process

1. Review Application to determine applicants that meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking: Applicants who meet the employment standard will have their responses to the supplemental questionnaires evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the scored supplemental questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Completion of a 12-month probationary period is required.

Conditional Job Offer:

Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check and Live Scan fingerprinting.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:

Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history, or deception relating to employment history may bar employment.

The following process will be used as part of the background investigation process after the candidate is extended a conditional offer of employment:

• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): The selected individual will receive a notice regarding completion of a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline will result in disqualification from the hiring process for the Information Technology Department.
• Background Investigation: The selected individual will be required to complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) and undergo an extensive background investigation that includes an evaluation of references, prior employment, drug history, residence history, and neighborhood check. This process may take 4-6 weeks.
• Live Scan:Electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.

Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Disaster Service Worker:

Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 4:59 p.m. PST, postmarks not accepted. You can view job postings and apply online 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by email during each step of the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Selection Process steps to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

For any questions, please contact Sabina Netto, ITD Human Resources Manager at [e-mail].