Electronics Technician

NRHA’s Vision and Mission

At the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA), we’re proud to be the largest housing and redevelopment authority in Virginia and a leader in real estate development and property management across the country. Since 1940, we’ve been working to revitalize and improve neighborhoods in Norfolk.

We also acknowledge that public housing has a complicated history, tied to issues of social injustice and racial inequality. While we haven’t always gotten it right, we’re committed to making positive change by offering quality housing options that support diverse, mixed-income communities. Our vision is to provide quality housing choices in neighborhoods where people want to live. Our mission is to provide quality housing opportunities that create sustainable, mixed-income communities.  

Position Summary  

Designs, installs, repairs, and maintains electronic security, fire alarm, public address, and equipment control systems. Plans, develops, upgrades, and implements electronic system projects. Troubleshoots and repairs telephone systems. Repairs and maintains electronic control systems. Coordinates the integration of alarm, computer, and telephone systems to assure security of residents, staff, and properties. Coordinates purchases of electronic equipment and services. Maintains documentation on electronic work, products, and services. Operates and maintains personal computer system to manage security control systems. Monitors alarms and trouble calls related to all the security and fire alarm system accounts. Administers fire alarm contract: reviews contract.  

Essential Functions 

Designs, installs, maintains, and repairs electronic systems, equipment, and machinery, including but not limited to security, fire alarm, alarm monitoring, card access, closed circuit television, and public address systems: tests and evaluates security systems; troubleshoots and repairs fire and other alarms systems; troubleshoots and repairs computer network interfaces, personal computers, and computer peripherals; troubleshoots and repairs closed circuit television and public address systems; designs and installs new systems as directed; prepares cost estimates for work, supplies, materials, and equipment; maintains records/inspections of systems maintenance and repairs; coordinates work with external repair personnel; and advises and recommends corrective measures to management.

Plans, develops, upgrades, and implements electronic system projects as directed, designing and submitting electronic circuit diagrams for management review.

Troubleshoots and repairs telephone systems: diagnoses and identifies telephone problem; effects repair or contacts repair staff; and follows-up repair.

Coordinates the integration of alarm, computer, and telephone systems to assure security of residents, staff, and properties.

Coordinates purchases of electronic equipment and services: receives request for electronic equipment; researches electronic equipment products and vendors; researches services and vendors; prepares and distributes written contract specifications; communicates with vendors on product and contract issues; coordinates contracted electronic services; installs electronic equipment as necessary, and inspects purchases, installations, and finished service work.

Maintains documentation on electronic work, products, and services: maintains technical service manuals, wiring diagrams files, and equipment service records.

Operates and maintains personal computer system to manage security control systems: operates personal computer; performs minor programming to assure satisfactory operation of security l systems; and assures proper system downloading.

Administers and monitors alarms and trouble calls related to all the security and fire alarm system accounts.

Administers fire alarm contract: reviews contract: evaluates compliance to contract terms; approves contract payments; and works with the City Fire Department to correct identified deficiencies and code problems.

Performs a variety of administrative duties, including but not limited to completing, filing, and submitting administrative documents; completing work order documentation; ordering supplies, materials, and equipment; maintaining inventory control of electronic supplies, materials, and equipment; and prepares and monitors shop budget; serves as IT helpdesk assistant: answering calls, assigning tickets, and other general IT tasks.

Performs other related work as required. 

Performance Standards 

• Maintains 95% operational uptime of all electronic systems (security, fire alarms, CCTV, PA systems, etc.) through timely inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Responds to and resolves system faults, alarms, and trouble calls within 24 hours, or escalates appropriately with documented follow-up.
• Ensures 100% compliance with local, state, and national codes (e.g., fire safety, electrical), working closely with relevant authorities (e.g., City Fire Department).  

Minimum Qualifications 

• Vocational and/or Technical School training in electronics design and repair is required for this position.
• Three to five years of electronics system maintenance work experience; or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Special Requirements 

• Department of Criminal Justice Services Private Security Registration required within 60 days of hire. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Subject to a background check and reference verification prior to hire.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA’s code of conduct and ethics policies.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Considerable knowledge of electronic system design and repair concepts, methods, and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of alarm, closed circuit television, telephone, and public address systems; includes operational knowledge of electrical circuitry and electronics, operational knowledge of telephone circuits, and operational knowledge of alarm controls. 

Considerable knowledge of electronic controls system design and repair principles, concepts, methods, and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of electronic circuitry design, to include knowledge and skill in preparing electronic circuitry schematics.

Operational knowledge of fire codes and related regulations.

Operational knowledge of computer networking necessary to integrate network, alarm, alarm monitoring, and telephone systems.

Operational knowledge of personal computers, to include knowledge to work with a variety of operating system platforms; knowledge to operate security system software and knowledge to perform routine computer operations.

Skill in reading and interpreting technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, and other work diagrams.

Human relations skills, particularly supervisory, consulting, negotiating, and persuasive skills. The jobholder must have the capacity to deal effectively with a wide variety of individuals, including those who exhibit skepticism or who do not cooperate with the jobholder; includes skill in working effectively in team or group environment.

Oral and written communication skill to present and make comprehensible complex information regarding organization operations, of which some information may be technical in nature; provide clear work instructions; compose reports; and respond to questions on a variety of job-related matters.

Analytical ability to comprehend, understand, and interpret technical information, includes ability to comprehend, understand, and interpret organizational and environmental factors that could have potential effects on the success of projects.

Ability to exercise independent judgment in the development and implementation of operational activities.

Ability to exercise initiative in the development and implementation of operational activities.  

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, smell, see, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Job requires depth and color perception. 

NRHA will consider equivalent substitutes for education and/or experience, provided that the candidate can demonstrate that he/she has obtained the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the job.

NRHA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The compensation offer will be determined by the candidate's work history and skill set. Benefits include VRS retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; long-and short-term disability insurance; tuition reimbursement options; public service loan forgiveness, and much more.

Drug Free Workplace: NRHA maintains a drug free workplace.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction. 

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.