Communications Technician

Application review will be conducted as determined by the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority (MVRDA). 

Performs installation, maintenance and modification of MVRDA’s radio and telecommunications systems. Participates in the maintenance of microwave networks as they converge with the County-wide communications system, MVRDA base stations and handheld radio. This position will implement changes as directed. This position must be able to organize and look ahead to troubleshoot operational hazards so that the operation of MVRDA will continue to excel.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background investigation and drug screening consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

PHYSICAL FACTORS: 

This position must be able to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods; reach, climb, stoop, bend, twist, stretch, squat, crouch, crawl, and maintain balance as required by job duties. Must be able to safely lift, carry, push, and pull equipment, tools, materials, and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds, with or without assistance; must possess sufficient fine and gross motor skills, as well as hand-eye coordination, to operate hand tools, power tools, diagnostic and testing equipment, computers, and communication devices; must be able to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, diagrams, computer screens, and electronic displays, including the ability to distinguish color-coded wiring, indicators, and system components where required for job performance. Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, and elevated structures and perform work at varying heights; must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle and travel to remote work locations, including communication sites and other facilities. Must be able to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, radio, and other communication systems. 

ENVIRONMENT FACTORS: 

This position requires exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and other environmental elements; dust, dirt, noise, and other field-related environmental conditions; electrical equipment, energized circuits, radio frequency (RF) emissions, and other hazards commonly associated with telecommunications and radio system installation, maintenance, and repair. Requires travel to remote communication sites and facilities as required.

WORK SITUATION FACTORS: 

This position requires the ability to manage shifting priorities and respond to both scheduled and unscheduled operational demands. Work may be interrupted by urgent service needs requiring immediate response. The employee must exercise independent judgment in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues in the field and must be able to adapt to evolving system requirements, workflows, and operational priorities. Manage multiple concurrent tasks, competing priorities, and deadlines. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws. Work effectively in a mission-critical environment where accuracy, reliability, and continuity of services are essential. Collaborate and coordinate with internal staff and external partners to ensure system functionality and operational continuity. Work shift assignments outside of standard business hours as required to support 24/7 operations. 

This position is subject to pre-employment and/or random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority policies.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Fulltime, regular, non-exempt position with the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority (MVRDA) eligible for MVRDA sponsored benefits. 

• Install, configure, maintain, inspect, and repair MVRDA radio, microwave, telecommunications, and related communications systems. 

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve failures involving radio sites, base stations, antennas, electronic equipment, cabling, infrastructure, and associated communication systems. 
• Perform preventative maintenance, inspections, testing, upgrades, and inventory of communications equipment, facilities, towers, and remote radio sites. 
• Respond to scheduled and emergency service requests to restore mission-critical communications systems in a timely manner. 
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to emergencies outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and disaster events. 
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies, emergency service providers, contractors, and vendors regarding radio communications, interoperability, and technical support. 
• Design, evaluate, test, implement, and modify communication systems and equipment to maintain operational reliability. 
• Operate specialized diagnostic equipment, hand tools, power tools, computers, and communications equipment necessary to perform technical duties. 
• Travel to remote communication sites and work both indoors and outdoors under varying environmental conditions. 
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, documentation, inventory records, and work orders. 
• Follow all applicable safety regulations, OSHA requirements, MVRDA policies, and established safe work practices. 
• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance. 
• Perform work while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive public safety and criminal justice information. 
• Provide cross-training or backup assistance to other Information Technology personnel. 

EDUCATION:

High School, GED, or equivalent. Electronics Technician certificate preferred. 

EXPERIENCE:

At least one (1) years’ experience in electronics, alarm, access control, two-way communications, telephone systems, and radio system design/installation/repair including repeaters and control stations, voting receivers and comparator systems, linking of system components by hard wire using RJ45 and RJ10, microwave, RF link and fiber optics.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Must have a valid NM Class D Driver’s License or equivalent issued by another state. Must be able to obtain the Class E Driver’s License within the first 6 months of employment. Must obtain Incident Command System (ICS/INC) certification within six (6) months of hire. General two-way radio/telephone technician or amateur radio operator’s license preferred.

Knowledge of: telephone and radio communications systems utilizing microwave, UHF/VHF, 700MHz and 800MHz; FCC rules and regulations; FAA regulations; business English and grammar; basic mathematics; records management; and system design, installation and maintenance.  Low voltage electronics and wiring.

Skilled in: installation, maintenance and repair of systems; performing analysis and design.

Ability to: communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relations; read electronics service manuals; and prioritize workload. Position involves competing demands such as strict deadlines, multiple tasks, exposure to confidential crime information and required overtime. Must be available to participate in an on-call rotation and respond to emergency service needs outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.