County of San Mateo is hiring: Radio Communications Specialist III (Open and Pro

The County of San Mateo's Information Services Department seeks a Radio Communication Specialist III (IS Communications Specialist III). The vacancy is a full time position in the Radio Services Unit. The Radio Services Unit maintains wireless communications and low voltage systems for over 50 County and local government agencies with equipment located at approximately 100 remote sites. These systems include microwave which supports County voice and data networks, two-way radio, alarms, audio and video equipment. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from assigned IS Communications Supervisor. May exercise technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff on a project basis. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is the advanced journey class in the IS Communications Specialist series. Incumbents serve as subject matter experts in specific area(s), perform complex and varied technical support, and frequently solve problems of unique issues or problems without precedent and/or structure. Incumbents serve as technical lead for assigned projects. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area(s) of responsibility, working with a high degree of independent judgment, tact, and initiative. The ideal candidate for this position is an advanced journey level Two-Way Radio/Microwave Technician capable of providing maintenance and engineering support for the County's radio and microwave communications systems. The applicant should be familiar with the planning, installation and maintenance of the following types of equipment: Digital microwave radios Digital multiplexers and channel bank systems Motorola trunking system controllers Digital Simulcast transmitters Analog Simulcast transmitters Digital and analog receiver voting comparators AC and DC power conversion and distribution systems Transmitter combiner systems Receiver distribution systems Single and polyphase electrical distribution systems The ideal candidate will also have knowledge of ITIL Service Management framework fundamentals. Inspects, troubleshoots, diagnoses, and resolves complex system malfunctions; assesses system performance and identifies, analyzes, and resolves problems; modifies configurations as appropriate; coordinates response to emergency maintenance and repair situations. Provides specialized and complex technical support and assistance to staff concerning assigned systems; serves as the primary contact for and resolves related issues, conflicts, and concerns; responds to inquiries and provides information concerning system operations, projects, malfunctions, equipment, upgrades, practices, procedures, and related software applications. Serves as technical lead for assigned projects, including developing project budget and allocating resources, gathering user and systems requirements, working with vendors, contractors, project managers, and other project staff, installing, configuring, testing, and providing general technical support, and developing technical and user documentation. Serve as a technical lead for operational maintenance and incident remediation. Functions as a liaison between project managers, analysts, data specialists, systems specialists, and client systems specialists to ensure standards and protocols are maintained; assists in coordinating activities with other information services staff. Provides recommendations to managers and supervisors on the development of long- and short-term system infrastructure plans. Participates in the review and recommendation of contracts with outside vendors and consultants; administers, monitors, and evaluates contract scope of work; reviews design documents to ensure technical integrity. Researches and provides recommendations or with approval, purchases tools, supplies, and repair parts from a variety of sources. Writes and maintains user and technical operating instructions and documentation; provides training to users and other technical staff and advises on best practices. Performs other duties as assigned. Designs, implements, and upgrades countywide radio communications systems, network or telecommunications infrastructure systems to accommodate County needs; works with staff to maintain, revise, or improve systems. Ensures the functionality and operational stability of systems; optimizes and tunes systems to resolve performance issues; troubleshoots problems; tracks possible problem areas affecting response time; develops and implements recommendations for correction of problems and improvement in performance. Engineers sites for new or replacement of existing communication or network equipment; provides estimates of equipment, time, and materials required. Engineers and installs new communications or network systems or systems upgrades; provides technical guidance to vendors to ensure planning, scheduling, and acceptance testing are in accordance with County and department standards. Participates in the preparation and execution of component, subsystem, and system integration testing for new and modified applications that support or depend upon the radio communication infrastructure. Develops and implements preventative maintenance schedules for radio communications equipment. Perform related duties as assigned. Knowledge of: Advanced system infrastructure design, engineering, configuration, installation, and maintenance methods and techniques. Advanced techniques and methods of system evaluation, implementation, and documentation. Advanced troubleshooting, configuration, and installation techniques. Principles and practices for identifying systems-related issues and actions needed to improve or correct performance. Principles and practices of project management. The organization, operation, and functions of the department as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities and to determine appropriate point of escalation. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with vendors and County staff. Skill/Ability to: Perform advanced technical support functions in the design, engineering, installation, configuration, maintenance, and repair of assigned systems; take appropriate action to resolve problems or escalate to appropriate staff as needed. Identify, maintain, and repair hardware and software problems. Perform analyses of informational requirements and needs; identify, evaluate, and solve systems problems; design and implement new or revised systems and procedures; provide technical advice and consultation, and ensure efficient computer system utilization. Collect, analyze, and interpret procedures and data; develop sound conclusions, recommendations, and solutions. Deal tactfully with the customers and staff in providing information, answering questions, and providing customer service. Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations. Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems. Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: completion of coursework and/or training in information systems, computer science, or related field and four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in providing technical support in the installation, maintenance, and repair of systems specific to the specialty area assigned which includes radio communications, telecommunications, or network. Licenses and Certifications: Some positions may require possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License. Some positions may require possession of, or ability to obtain, industry-recognized information technology certifications. If designated as Radio Communications Specialist (in addition to above): Possession of, or ability to obtain, General Radiotelephone Operator License issued by the Federal Communications Commission is desired. Physical Demands Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various County sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift and carry materials and objects up to 50 pounds with the use of proper equipment and push and pull materials and objects up to 100 pounds with the use of proper equipment. In addition to the above, when performing Radio Communications assignment: Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Environmental Elements Employees work in an office environment with moderate levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff when providing telecommunications, communications, and network equipment and systems support. In addition to the above, when performing Radio Communications assignment: Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions and mechanical and/or electrical hazards. Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination. The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidate's application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense. IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the Apply button above. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Tentative Recruitment Schedule: Final Filing Date: Monday, February 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST Screening (Tentative): Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Panel Interview (Tentative): Wednesday, March 12, 2025 About the County San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities. The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work. The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels. Analyst: Arlene Cahill (IS Communications Specialist– V282) #J-18808-Ljbffr