What are the responsibilities and job description for the IT Communications Specialist position at City of Westfield?
CITY OF WESTFIELD – TECHNOLOGY CENTER
IT COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The IT Communications Specialist provides technical support for systems used by police, fire, EMS, emergency communications (9-1-1), and other public safety agencies. This role ensures that mission-critical software, hardware, mobile data systems, radio communications, and networked public safety technologies remain fully operational, secure, and reliable. Work often requires rapid response, attention to detail, and strict adherence to security and compliance standards.
SUPERVISION:
Works primarily independent requiring person to be highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail. Supervision provided by the IT Manager, the appointing authority, or a designee. May also supervise and provide direction to interns or like level of position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
- Provide support for public safety personnel, including, but not limited to, police, fire, EMS, and dispatch.
- Troubleshoot all hardware, software, network, and connectivity issues as assigned.
- Support 911 dispatch center technologies, including CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch), RMS (Records Management Systems), surveillance monitoring, and telephony solutions.
- Diagnose and resolve issues with VPNs, mobile networks, and secure communications.
- Maintain uptime of critical systems, escalating urgent issues rapidly.
- Coordinate and implement Public Safety CAD/Records software updates with technical staff.
- Develop and maintain an inventory of all computer equipment used for Public Safety.
- Configure, maintain and inventory the City of Westfield’s radio system, including Westfield Communications Center sites.
- Coordinate and/or renew FCC Licenses as necessary for equipment maintained and supported.
- Liaise with, and provide training and support to, end users on computer and/or radio operation, mobile units in police cruisers and ambulances, and other equipment.
- Provide cross training for technical team on Public Safety systems.
- Assist the technical team with installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting municipal and school end user issues, including account issues, workstation hardware, software, and networked peripheral devices.
- Perform on-site analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of complex PC or Radio problems for a variety of end users, and recommend and implement corrective hardware solutions, including off-site repair as needed.
- Perform on-site analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of specialty Public Safety software, including but not limited to, Fire Alarm systems, radio consoles etc. Recommend and implement corrective hardware solutions, including off-site repair as needed.
- Receive and respond to incoming calls, pages, and/or e-mails regarding City of Westfield Public Safety hardware or software problems, including radios for both the City of Westfield and Westfield Communications Center sites.
- Position requires round the clock, on-call support work. May rotate with other network technicians/network administrators. Requires work during early mornings/evenings and/or weekends for scheduled maintenance/upgrades.
- Liaise with third-party support and equipment vendors on a regular basis.
- Any additional responsibilities identified by the Technology Center IT Manager or his/her designee.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Associates degree (BA preferred) in IT, Computer Science, Networking, or related field. An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered.
- 1-3 years of IT Support experience (helpdesk/desktop support, systems support).
- Strong knowledge of Windows OS, networking fundamentals, and mobile computing.
- Certifications in Microsoft, CompTia A , Network , Security preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to pass any Public Safety background check/clearance requirements
Preference will be given to candidates with 2 years’ work experience with any of the following:
- RoIP systems
- Public Safety Radio programming
- Public Safety CAD/Records systems
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure and time-sensitive environment.
- Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to conduct research into radio/RoIP, network and server issues and products as required.
- Experience supporting public safety technology (CAD, RMS, 911 systems, radios).
- Knowledge of CJIS compliance and law-enforcement security standards.
- Familiarity with body-camera systems, digital evidence platforms, and mobile VPNs.
- Hands-on hardware troubleshooting experience.
- Working technical knowledge of current network protocols, operating systems, and standards.
- Ability to operate tools, components, and peripheral accessories.
- Ability to read and understand technical manuals, procedural documentation, and OEM guides.
- Strong understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.
- Ability to make logical decisions and exercise good judgment within City policies and procedures and Department goals and directives. Ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to understand and explain various types of reports to others. Ability to present ideas in business- and user-friendly language
- Ability to maintain good public relations, to maintain effective collaborative working relationships with City/Town departments, department heads, fellow employees, officials, and general public, and to respond in a courteous and professional manner.
- Ability to understand and follow directions and take the initiative in completing assignments and projects as per deadlines. Must be detail oriented in all functions of the job. Must be able to handle discretionary matters.
- Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
- Operates a variety of office equipment as required including multi-line phone system, multi-function copiers, computers, printers, and scanners.
PHYSICAL, MOTOR AND VISUAL SKILLS
Physical Skills
- Position involves sedentary and light work with some pulling and pushing, generally of desk and file drawers. Regular lifting of up to 10 pounds.
- Occasional lifting, moving, and/or transporting of heavy to moderately heavy objects, such as computers and peripherals, up to 40 pounds. Position may require squatting, bending, kneeling, or getting into tight places to assist with computers and/or peripherals.
- Occasional inspection of cables in floors and ceilings.
- Travel between City of Westfield municipal and school buildings, Technology Center, Public Safety, and Communications Center sites is required. Some travel outside of city may be required.
Motor Skills
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and to handle other computer components, including tools.
Visual Skills
Visual demands require routinely reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.
The City of Westfield is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
Job Details
Category
City Employment
Status
Open
Salary
$55,611 - $65,850
Posted
December 12, 2025 3:45 PM
Closing
January 6, 2026 4:00 PM
Salary : $55,611 - $65,850