Wireless Communications Specialist

Supports and serves as a critical backup for the Wireless Communications Manager who oversees Dallas County’s public safety radio infrastructure, including multi-site dispatch centers, fire stations, and communication equipment that supports essential public safety and law enforcement operations.  Ensures compliance with department/County policies and procedures, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and other legal requirements.  Manages projects and consults with vendors. Performs diagnosis, daily repairs and maintenance on Dallas County public safety technology systems including P25 radio systems. Develops relationships with staff, other departments and individuals outside County government.

Education, Experience, and Training: 

Education and experience equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Electronics or in a job related field.  Six (6) years of related experience.  Preferred experience with Motorola SmartNet Simulcast GPS trunked radio systems or P-25 digital systems and/or public safety or governmental communications system. 

Special Requirements/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must pass CJIS compliance

Must obtain within the first 24 months of employment and maintain the following certifications:

Journeyman ETA certification

• Motorola P25 Radio System Certifications: Basic RF

• Basic Networking

• Basic Radio 

EVT Certification

Must obtain within the first 12 months of employment and maintain the following certification:

• APCO Radio Certification 

 Knowledge of electronics theory and practices involved in the installation, testing, diagnosis and repair of complex digital electronic circuitry.  Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License and good driving record. Will be required to provide a copy of 10-year driving history. Must maintain a good driving record and remain in compliance with Article II, Subdivision II of Chapter 90 of the Dallas County Code. Must pass a security clearance check. Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments and the general public. Skill in Microsoft Office products and Motorola Radio Programming Software suite.

Physical/Environmental Requirements: 

May be required to work in enclosed/cramped spaces, dusty conditions, and low-light conditions. May be subject to electrical currents and electrical shock, and RF exposure. Optimum mobility capabilities are required, including Balancing, Climbing, Crawling, Crouching, Kneeling, Lifting, Reaching, Standing, and Stooping.

1. Analyzes user needs and documentation requirements. Participates in system design and development for layout of new or modified systems at the Dispatch Center, remote public safety radio sites, and customer work locations. Develops and submits documents for acquisition of land mobile radio, data communications and telephony services and equipment. Makes recommendations for improvements to user -agencies and subscriber groups.

2. Performs and coordinates preventive maintenance and daily repairs on P25 digital multi-site, multi-department radio system throughout Dallas County to ensure peak operating performance and maximum uptime of equipment, including all public safety specialized technology equipment and access control server, equipment and 911 recording equipment. Provides periodic reports of activities and accomplishments.

3. Performs essential maintenance and operational support for analog and digital land mobile radio systems and other related electronics/communications equipment (radio tower sites, dispatch center, Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and subscriber equipment), including trunked & conventional radio systems, digital microwave networks, and supporting computer/IP communications systems. Coordinates and assists with the installation and maintenance of cable television and satellite television services countywide.

4. Programs voice and data radio communications equipment to maintain operational readiness and system integrity for standard telephony and dedicated data circuits, as well as packet switching techniques.  

5. Supports the Wireless Communications Manager; assists with developing long-term strategic plans to efficiently manage and improve the public safety radio systems. Serves as the backup for the Wireless Communications Manager.

6. Partners with internal department customers, as well as the Dallas County’s third-party solution vendor and subcontractor community, to provide remedies for system issues, outages, and other operational challenges. Manages projects and consults with vendors to ensure expenditures are within approved budget. Collaborates with engineering and project management to effectively maintain, optimize and support advanced communication systems, which meet customer expectations, R56 audits, and inspections at communications sites.

7. Responds to evening, weekend, and holiday on-call emergency radio/communication system operation problems; inspects and repairs the problem or calls for additional assistance if necessary..

8. Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Salary: 6082.96

Maximum Salary: 7593.40