Radio Communications Branch Manager

Job Description And Duties

Join the executive leadership team of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), leading its Public Safety Radio Communications Branch (RCB). The Public Safety Radio Communications Branch serves the State of California by providing service, maintenance and design of emergency radio communications equipment used by State, Federal and local government agencies who are responsible for the protection of life and property for the citizens of California. The Branch serves first responders and over 38 million residents and visitors in 58 counties by providing reliable emergency radio communications and microwave services in California.

The incumbent is responsible with policy formulation, implementation and directing the activities of the State's Public Safety radio/microwave services and is responsible for:

• Representing the Public Safety Communications Directorate on various committees and advisory groups including but not limited to organizations and committees on a national level.
• Establishing statewide Public Safety Communications policy strategies, directions, and planning for telecommunications.
• Formulating and implementing statewide policies and solutions to public safety agencies through the design, installation and maintenance of reliable radio and microwave communications systems necessary to protect and service the citizens of California.
• Leveraging existing funding and obtaining new funding to enhance emergency communications services.
• Formulating and implementing policy to facilitate interoperability on integrated statewide public safety communications systems with local state, and federal public safety agencies.
• Formulating Public Safety Radio Service Communications strategic direction, goals, policies and methods to provide public safety telecommunications services development, systems uses and requirements on the engineering level of telecommunications systems, including redundancy and coverage.
• Establishing public safety radio/microwave system performance standards to ensure all statewide communication systems and services meet expected industry standards.
• Developing policy or telecommunications service interaction with state and federal regulatory bodies as well as appropriate state policies relating to requirements.
• Providing Public Safety Communications with leadership, management and communication strategies to support the operational objectives of public safety agencies on a statewide basis.
• Developing and managing the statewide public safety radio systems and system enhancements for the entire public safety community in California to achieve greater efficiencies and enable greater cost savings.
• Managing acquisitions, master contacts and service agreements to minimize redundancy and reduce cost for public safety communication operations and manages the Public Safety Radio Communications Branches’ business services functions including preparation of the associated budget.
• Ensuring statewide telecommunications training to all state departments and agencies in accordance with federal and state standards, guidelines, laws and principles.
• Participate as a communications leader and expert in meetings with federal, state, city and county public safety organization executives on statewide public safety communications issues.
• Represents the State of California on a variety of complex public safety communications issues before state and national committees including the California public Utilities Commission, Federal Communications Commission, specialized task forces and committees.
  
  

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

The Radio Communications Branch Manager position is based in Sacramento but will be expected to travel throughout the state. Please see duty statement for additional information.

Conflict of Interest (COI): This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code and is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.

All hires may be subject to a criminal background check.

Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025): Effective July 1, 2025, CalHR implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025), which reduces employee pay in exchange for leave credits. The reduction amount and leave credits vary by bargaining unit. Salary range(s) listed do not reflect this temporary reduction.For more information, visit the CalHR website (www.calhr.ca.gov).

Department Information

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring and retaining individuals from a variety of backgrounds and personal experiences. Our employees are empowered with the tools and resources necessary to meet our mission, while continuing to expand equity and inclusion efforts at all levels of the organization. We are committed to the spirit and work required to ensure the safety and resilience of every community in California.

The Radio Communications Branch (RCB) is responsible for the design, installation, maintenance, and repair of public safety radio communications systems and networks used by the state of California’s public safety agencies. Each public safety agency is assigned client representation to provide technical consultation, project management, or guide agencies to the appropriate services that will meet their communications needs.

In the event of an emergency, employees may be contacted and requested to report to work in the event of an emergency. This contact may be outside of your normal working hours (evenings/nights, weekends, and holidays). This service may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty location, and may include duties other than those specified in your official position description. Travel requirements in support of emergency operations may be extensive in nature (weeks to months), with little advance notice, and you may be required to relocate to emergency sites.

More information may be found here: Radio Communications Branch | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Department Website: http://www.caloes.ca.gov

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, terminology and trends in public safety communications policies, rules and operating practices of governmental agencies such as the State of California’s Office of Emergency Services and the State of California Emergency Plan
• Knowledge of the structure, organization and function of a variety of technology disciplines as well as local, State and federal initiatives and programs
• Experience working with control agencies at the State and national level, including standards setting bodies (i.e., the Federal Communications Commission)
• Experience in project management methodology
• Experience in communicating information regarding policy, technology and delivery issues effectively to management, other staff, and the public
• Experience in obtaining buy-in and providing leadership to a large group of multi-disciplinary team members that do not report directly to the incumbent
• Experience in developing and implementing sensitive projects that involve stakeholders from the public safety sector, including cities, counties and the State
• Ability to effectively coordinate the activities of other organizations that have an interest in the success of technology-based service delivery solutions
• Ability to mediate differences among stakeholders to arrive at satisfying solutions
• Ability to exercise discretion and diplomacy in client interactions
• Ability to lead diverse team of project managers, engineers, and support personnel and provide strategic direction that aligns with Cal OES mission and the needs of client agencies supported
• Proven track record of gaining the confidence and trust of individuals in key positions in the Public Safety Communications client base
• Well developed interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of the State fiscal process, human resources, purchasing rules, and an in-depth knowledge of management and supervisory techniques
  
  

Benefits

Cal OES is conveniently located near downtown, many local eateries, financial institutions, and the Light Rail Station. Cal OES employees are eligible for a number of benefits and working for us is a great opportunity to join a committed team. Benefits include but are not limited to the following:

• Excellent CalPERS state pension plan
• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans
• Flexible Schedules
• Generous paid time off
• Health, dental & vision insurance for the employee and their family
• Investment in careers development
• Free Parking
• Electric Carport
  
  

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.