Communications Technician

The City of San José, the Capital of Silicon Valley, is one of the nation's best managed cities and one of the top cities in which to live, work, and do business. Moreover, San José is the center of cultural, government and economic activity for the region. The employees of the City of San José have embraced the following values: Integrity, Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect and Celebration. The City's Public Works Department is seeking an individual whose values align with the values of the City's employees.

The Department of Public Works is responsible for delivering capital improvement projects for a wide variety of City facilities and infrastructure, maintaining City facilities and fleet assets, facilitating, and regulating development activities, and providing animal care and services. The Department is committed to high-quality service, partnering with the community, and providing an excellent environment in which to work.

Salary Information

The total salary range for the Communications Technician classification is $110,335.68- $134,272.32. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable pay. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience. 

Technician position for the Radio Communications Shop. The Radio Communications shop maintains the communication system for the City of San José that is used by multiple departments, such as: Police, Fire, Department of Transportation, Parks Recreation Neighborhood Services (Park Rangers), and Public Works (Animal Care & Services). The City of San José public safety and city services depend upon the use of commercial radio communications equipment. For police officers and firefighters, radio communications are the primary means of communicating with the 9-1-1 dispatch center in performing their duties. These vast stand-alone radio systems with fault-tolerant designs are essential to providing the public with reliable emergency response services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with demand for system survivability through any catastrophic event.

The key responsibilities of the Communications Technician may include:

• Install, maintain, and repair mobile and portable radios, base and control stations, microwave systems, dispatch consoles, voting receivers and comparators, digital Microwave system and P25 LMR systems.
• Respond to trouble reports, perform preventative maintenance and project assignments.
• Update technical documentation including wiring block assignments, as-built drawings of installed equipment at City radio sites, specialized vehicular installations, and diagrams of the City’s various communications systems.
• Provide recommendations for process improvement changes with the input of technical staff.
• Construct and/or modify communications equipment and perform research on new equipment.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment. 

Education: Completion of high school or equivalent (General Education Development [G.E.D.] Test or California Proficiency Certificate)

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in radio communications systems, which may include, radio communications systems installation, maintenance, and repair or fiber optic lines, transmitters, antennas, or similar equipment.

Acceptable Substitution: Up to two (2) years of undergraduate course work in electronics communications, electronic engineering, or closely related technical field of study from an accredited college or university (equivalent to at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units) may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

License/Certificates:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of California.
  • For those positions selectively certified to the land mobile radio function, possession of a valid General Class Radiotelephone Operators license, issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or an equivalent Communications Technician Certification, issued after examination by a recognized two-way radio professional organization is required within six (6) months of hire.

Background Investigation Process: Eligible candidates will complete a Class C Background packet. Upon successful completion and review of the background investigation, the hiring board will make their employment selections. Those selected will move forward in the hiring process.

Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:

Job Expertise -Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices; Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations. Experience in the area of public safety communications is desired.

Communication Skills -Communicates and listens effectively and responds in a timely, effective, positive and respectful manner; written reports and correspondence are accurate, complete, current, well-organized, legible, concise, neat, and in proper grammatical form.

Computer Skills -Experience with common business computer applications including but not limited to MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel.

Customer Service - Approaches problem-solving by focusing on customers first; advocates for customer results point of view; demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently in a timely, accurate, respectful, and friendly manner.

Leadership - Leads by example; serves as appropriate role model; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment; and encourages and rewards risk-taking, allowing others to learn from mistakes.

Project Management - Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.

Desirable certifications include:

• Possession of a Radiotelephone Technician Certificate issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
  • Possession of a Technician Certificate issued by National Association of Business and Education Radio/Personal Communications Industry Association (NABER/PCIA)
  • Possession of a Technician Certificate issued by National Association of Radio and Television Engineers (NARTE)

Possession of a General Class Radio Telephone Operators License issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Maritza Garcia via email at maritza.garcia@sanjoseca.gov.

Salary : $110,336 - $134,272