Wireless Communications Systems Technician 2

Washington State Patrol; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Patrol seeks a Wireless Communications Systems Technician 2 to support field radio operations, perform maintenance, programming, and training for Academy cadets and troopers. The role focuses on end-to-end radio system support and ensuring mission-critical communications statewide.

Travel statewide is required; live within driving distance of district or duty station. A background in electronics and radio systems is essential to success in this position.

Qualifications

• Experience with computer-based applications.
• Knowledge of computer networks, wiring standards and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support for WSP personnel, including installation, maintenance, programming, and repair of radios and accessories.
• Update codeplugs and firmware for radios during refresh cycles.
• Diagnose and resolve radio, connectivity, and audio issues to maintain reliable communications.
• Prepare radios for issuance; verify functionality and inventory tracking.
• Assist in maintenance of statewide radio infrastructure under supervision.
• Deliver hands-on training on portable and mobile radios including LTE/SmartConnect features.
• Develop and maintain training materials with ESD team; update SharePoint resources.
• Update and maintain inventory records, site drawings, network configs, and work orders.

Skills

Computer applications

Computer networks

Wiring standards

Education

HD or GED

Electronics training

Job description

About the Agency & Division:

The WSP actively supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in the workplace, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The WSP strives to create and foster an inclusive culture inspiring everyone to be their authentic selves, speak openly, and be courageous. The WSP continues to focus on equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices and policies through innovative recruitment and retention solutions. Partnering with our communities helps the WSP provide the best in public safety services now and into the future.

Electronic Services Division (ESD)

supports all goals, most directly sustaining and enhancing agency infrastructure and business processes, by improving collaboration outcomes between WSP business and technology divisions, using consistent planning processes, increasing business continuity capabilities, and providing quality communication services.

The Field Support Section delivers daily operational support for the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and its mission-critical statewide voice and data communications systems. These systems serve not only the WSP but also partner agencies and other public safety customers across the state.

The Wireless Communications Systems Technician 2 performs journey-level technical duties supporting WSP’s public safety communications, ensuring reliable end-user equipment performance, assisting with field operations, and delivering structured end-user training.

Responsibilities

• Provide day to day technical support for WSP personnel through walk in service and scheduled appointments, including installation, maintenance, programming, and repair of mobile and portable two way radios and associated accessories.
• Update mobile and portable radio codeplugs and firmware during annual and periodic refresh cycles, using the current statewide codeplug and manufacturer specific programming software to ensure all subscribers equipment remains compliant, standardized, and fully operational.
• Diagnoses and resolves operational issues with subscriber radios, connectivity, audio performance, and configuration to maintain reliable communications for WSP personnel.
• Support fleet operations by ensuring mobile radios are fully prepared for issuance, including programming, functional checks, accessory verification, and readiness inspections. Tracks radio inventory in accordance with agency policy to maintain accurate accountability, lifecycle visibility, and deployment readiness.
• Assists the Wireless Communications System Technician 4, when directed, in the maintenance and repair of statewide radio infrastructure, including LMR base stations, microwave backhaul systems, and supporting ancillary equipment. Perform on site technical tasks at communications facilities, patrol offices, and field locations to support equipment installations, replacements, and corrective maintenance under the direction of a Wireless Communications Systems Technician 4.
• Deliver structured training by providing hands-on instruction on the proper technical operation of portable and mobile radios, including LTE/SmartConnect features, encryption use, channel navigation, and emergency functions to academy cadet and new troopers.
• Coordinates with LMR Admin group, ESD technicians, and supervisors to develop, align, and maintain all radio training materials, ensuring content reflects current system capabilities, programming standards, and statewide communications polices. Produces clear, concise quick-reference quides and job aids tailored to patrol operations and ensures all training resources remain updated and accessible on SharePoint.
• Updates and maintains WSP inventory systems and necessary databases. Maintain and/or develop comprehensive records, including site drawings and network configurations and block diagrams, specific and detailed work orders and asset management system updates.
• Orders and stocks repair parts, assemblies, and spare equipment. Submits and completes work orders. Enters Time and Activity Reports (TAR) and other necessary documentation in a timely manner.

Travel:

Travel statewide is required for agency and division functions, training, WSP infrastructure support and project support and this may result in overnight stays. A WSP employee with an assigned take-home vehicle shall live within forty-five (45) miles of their assigned district, division or duty station.

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must possess or obtain a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Two years of formal education or training in electronics.
• Five years of paid experience in maintenance and repair of at least one of the following:
  • Two-way radio systems and equipment
  • Digital Microwave carrier systems.
  • Wireless and wired data network systems
• Experience and understanding of computer based applications.
• Knowledge and understanding of computer networks, wiring standards and protocols.

The full position description is available upon request.

Equity Competencies

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Why work for the Washington State Patrol?

• Ahealthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• An Infants at Work Program that is based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.
• Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01.
• Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.

The Washington State Patrol does not provide immigration sponsorship; therefore, applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Applicants claiming veterans preference must attach a copy of their DD214 (SSN must be blacked out). If you do not provide the required documentation, the veterans preference will not be awarded.

Questions? Please contact Aleesha Brown at [phone] or via e-mail at [e-mail].