Senior Communications Technician

Kern County; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern County's General Services Department seeks a Senior Communications Technician to support electronic and mobile communications systems. The role involves installation, maintenance, and evaluation in line with FCC rules and safety standards.

Applicants must hold a two-year certificate in electronic technology or equivalent experience, plus one to three years in the field, and possess a valid California driver's license. A background check and post-offer screenings may apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a two-year college certificate in electronic technology and 1 year of experience in installation and maintenance of electronic and mobile communications equipment, or 3 years of such experience.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain electronic and mobile communications equipment.
• Assess and apply FCC regulations related to radio and microwave equipment.

Skills

Electronic technology

Demonstrated maintenance

Troubleshooting

Education

Certificate in electronic technology

Job description

EXAMINATION SCHEDULE

• Written Exam: will be conducted on October 6, 2026.
• Oral Exam: Qualified candidates will be notified of the testing date five days prior to the examination.

Examinations

Written Exam (Weight 50%): will be conducted for the purpose of assessing the applicant's knowledge of Federal Communications Commission regulations relating to radio and microwave equipment: theory of radio communications and electronics; troubleshooting techniques for electronic communications systems; electronics assembly, installation, maintenance and repair; telephone equipment installation and operation; simulcast transmission and receiver voting systems; understanding of basic Network Protocol and Operation.

Oral Exam (Weight 50%): Will be conducted for the purpose of appraising training, education, experience, interest and personal fitness for the position.

If the number of applicants successful on the written exam is insufficient to merit an oral exam, the written exam shall be weighted at 100%.

Kern County Human Resources may limit the number advancing to the oral exam to approximately the top 15, based upon the final earned results of the written exam.

Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the examination process.

Minimum Qualifications/Employment Standards

Possession of a certificate in electronic technology from an accredited two (2) year college and one (1) year of experience in the installation and maintenance of electronic and mobile communications equipment or three (3) years of experience in the installation and maintenance of electronic and mobile communications equipment.

AND

Possession of one of the following license/certifications:

• A general class Federal Communications Commission (F.C.C.) license
• Associated Public Safety Communications (APCO) certificate
• Electronics Technical Association (E.T.A), Certified Electrical Technician(C.E.T)Master Certificate or an equivalent
• An industry equivalent license/certification

Certifications/Licenses Required

Possession of a valid class C California Driver's license is required at the time of appointment.

Incumbents may be required to obtain Climber/Rescuer certification within six months of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain the required certification may result in termination.

Senior Communications Technician

This position works within the General Services Department. For more information about the department, please view their website here.

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which immediate appointment(s) will be made. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed.

Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.