Sr. Communications Technician

County of Orange; California; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Orange is seeking a Senior Communications Technician for its Sheriff's Department. The successful candidate will oversee the design and maintenance of critical public safety communication systems, ensuring reliable operation across various emergency services in Orange County. This role requires significant experience in radio and communication technologies, along with relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in radio communications systems.
• Familiarity with FCC regulations in public safety communications.
• Knowledge in digital and logic circuitry for electronics.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain communication systems.
• Operate and support 35 radio transmitter sites.
• Ensure operational readiness of public safety communication systems.

Skills

Installation

Maintenance

Repair

Education

Valid General Radio Telephone Operator License

California Driver’s License Class C

Job description

SR. COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN
(RADIO MICROWAVE UNIT)

In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:

Effective June 27, 2025 – 4.00% increase

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Orange County Sheriff's Department is accepting applications and required supplemental information starting Wednesday, February 26, 2025 for a minimum of five (5) business days and remain open on a continuous basis until 11:59 p.m. (PST) on the day the needs of the department are met.Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time without further notice.
RECRUITMENT/POSITION INFORMATION
This recruitment is being conducted to establish an Open Eligible List to fill vacancies in this class until the next recruitment. This list may also be utilized to fill similar and/or lower level classifications.

THE DIVISION
The Orange County Sheriff's Department - Technology Division consists of approximately 150 personnel organized in five bureaus that specialize in specific technologies and services, including Operations, 800MHz Radio Communications, Applications, Infrastructure, and Security. Each section maintains a staff of Managers, Engineers, Technicians, and support staff to provide a high level of operational and technical expertise to various public safety functions including Law Enforcement, Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services, Lifeguard, Park Rangers, Public Works, Local Government, Courts, County and City jails, and Probation facilities. The Division supports all information technologies for approximately 4,000 Department employees and more than 320 law enforcement applications. OCSD Technology maintains a closed, wide area data network only accessible by law-enforcement, and has direct connections with more than 50 Orange County law enforcement agencies for information sharing. The Technology Division’s functions include: application development and support, help desk support, desktop support, body-worn camera, mobile, and MDC support, storage and server support, network and CCTV support, network security operations, and the management of the 800MHz Countywide Coordinated Communications System. OCSD Technology is committed to fully supportingall Divisions of the Sheriff’s Department and all Orange County, mutual aid, and federal partners with the honest delivery of high quality IT systems and excellent customer service.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Radio-Microwave Unit (RMU) is responsible for the design, procurement, implementation, optimization and maintenance of Orange County’s Public Safety communications systems. The RMU operates and maintains 35 radio transmitter sites throughout the County. These sites house the 6 simulcast 800 MHz interoperable Countywide Coordinated Communications Systems, numerous VHF, UHF and 800 MHz mutual aid radio systems, the County’s 900 MHz paging system, 50 high capacity digital microwave transmitter/receivers and several Alert & Warning radio systems utilized for public and crisis management notification during emergencies. Each of these systems directly support all Orange County public safety agencies including county law enforcement (Sheriff, Probation, District Attorney), all city police departments, the Orange County Fire Authority, all city fire departments, all paramedic and hospital communications, all city and county lifeguards, as well as all city and county public works and public utility departments. Each first-responder depends on our communications systems to coordinate their response to day-to-day incidents, as well as emergency or disaster situations.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will have five (5) or more years hands-on experience in radio, installation, maintenance and repair of communications systems and other associated electronic equipment.Candidate will have general knowledge of Federal Communications Commission regulations applicable to Orange County Public Safety Communications systems; principles of leadership; principles of organization and management including budgeting of equipment, materials and personnel; digital and logic circuitry used in computers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications and example of duties for the Senior Communications Technicianclassification.

License Required:

Possession of a valid General Radio Telephone Operator License issued by the FCC (for radio and microwave assignments)

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, Class C or higher is required by date of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must not have been convicted of a felony or be on any form of probation and must pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. Background screening includes completing of a Personal History Form, interview with a background investigator, polygraph test and fingerprinting. Some of the areas considered in the background screening include prior convictions, traffic violations, drug use and credit problems, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e. degree, license, or official transcripts. Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credentials Services N.A.C.E.S.).

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The County of Orange is committed to providing a means for applicants who have a disability to identify areas in which they may request a reasonable accommodation. The following is a list of the physical and mental abilities which are customarily required to perform the essential job functions of this position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed for any questions or to request an accommodation during the testing/selection process.

Environmental Conditions:

Must be willing to work in remote areas and on mountaintops in any type of weather conditions. Other assignments may require lifting and moving of heavy equipment and components and crawling through attics and confined spaces.

Physical Requirements:

Some work assignments may require climbing 100 foot towers; other assignments may require the lifting, pushing, and pulling of heavy sound, video, and security equipment which can weigh over 50 pounds; ability to stand, sit, walk, stoop, bend, or twist your back, kneel, squat or crawl, and work with arms above shoulder level to repair or install sound, video, and security equipment. Incumbents must be able to utilize their hands, arms, or shoulders repetitively to operate power tools to install and repair equipment; and occasionally operate heavy construction equipment such as forklifts and aerial trucks. Vision must be sufficient to perform the necessary functions of the position, identify and distinguish colors for color coded wire and electronic components; operate power tools that are potentially hazardous.

Human Resources | Minimum Qualifications
Sheriff Human Resources screens all application materials for minimum qualifications. After screening, candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All candidates will be notified via email of their status in the process.

SELECTION PROCEDURES
Applications must emphasize all the areas in which the applicant has expertise and accomplishments in the specific competencies related to the position.

Structured Oral Interview | Oral Exam (Weighted 100%):
A panel of job knowledge experts will interview and evaluate each candidate's responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. This is a competitive process; therefore, candidate responses to the structured questions should be thorough, detailed, and complete. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.

Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

ELIGIBLE LIST
After all procedures have been completed, Sheriff Human Resources will establish an eligible list of qualified candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings.

Please click hereto review the policy.

HOW TO APPLY
Only on-line applications will be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of on-line applications. Application information must be current, succinct and related to the requirements in this job announcement. Your application should demonstrate your professional experience and education related to the specific qualifications/duties listed in this bulletin, including areas which you have developed expertise. For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Lidia Verduzco at [phone] or email [e-mail].

EMAIL NOTIFICATION: Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

Candidates are regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.