CA-TF5 US&R Communications Specialist

This Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 5 (US&R TF-5) Communications Specialist recruitment is an Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) internal recruitment. ONLY applications from current, qualified career OCFA Fire Captains, Fire Apparatus Engineers, and non-probationary Firefighters will be accepted.

The Communications Specialist, under the direction of the Logistics Manager, is responsible for supporting the practical communication functions of the US&R Task Force. Communications Specialists are asked to inventory and maintain the US&R radio cache, develop written plans, support base and field radio operations, utilize satellite phones, mobile satellite systems, computer networking and participate in related training, disaster operations, monthly cache maintenance and quarterly training.

Selected individuals will begin the training process immediately after selection, with required attendance at the FEMA Communication Specialist course, exact date TBD.

The position requires participation in rigorous physical and mentally challenging base camp and field operations, encompassing multiple disciplines of the communications functions in extremely varied and potentially hazardous working conditions. Communications Specialist requires the ability to provide both verbal and written interaction with all Sections of the US&R Task Force, including: Local, State and Federal Officials.

The position also requires working in disaster zones, in adverse weather conditions, hazardous atmospheres and flight in military or civilian aircraft (fixed and rotary). As a Member of the US&R Task Force you will be asked to represent the Local, State and Federal Government, under extremely diverse conditions.

• Participation in the OCFA "WEFIT" program
• Rank of Fire Captain, Fire Apparatus Engineer, or non-probationary Firefighter with the OCFA
• Standard or higher rating on last employee performance evaluation
• Have a basic knowledge of US&R and GPS operations
• Demonstrate the ability to follow orders and possess personnel management skills
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Have the ability to be flexible, resolve conflicts, and solve problems
• Possess basic working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Be willing to work and live in poor conditions for extended periods of time
• Follow the Federal "Code of Conduct" for US&R Task Forces

• Must maintain a basic knowledge of the use of specialized Task Force equipment and support resources related to your position
• Meet and maintain qualifications for Communications Specialist per the FEMA Position descriptions
• Completion of the FEMA Communication Specialist Course
• Completion of FEMA classes IS100, IS200, IS700 & IS800 and FEMA Orientation class
• Completion of GPS operational, WMD Enhanced Ops classes (online)
• Participate in Air operations – Helicopter and fixed wing during deployments or training
• Attend quarterly training
• Maintain/respond by timely communication with Task Force and Section administration through email and phone
• Complete annual FEMA Ethics training

• Online application - application must show current OCFA experience
• Memo of interest
• Resumé (two-pages maximum) outlining your education, experience and any other background information relating to this position
• Inclusion of related certificates or training or related professional qualifications is encouraged

All materials must be uploaded with your electronic application and submitted no later than October 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM. 

• Recruitment Closes - Monday, October 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
• Panel Interviews - Week of November 3, 2025

All dates are subject to change based on organizational need. Should a change occur, Human Resources will notify all affected candidates via email.

QUESTIONS

All questions regarding this position should be directed to Fire Apparatus Engineer Ryan Sampson at ryansampson@ocfa.org. 

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH NEOGOV

Please contact the assigned recruiter, Ivonne Spagon, Human Resources Analyst II at IvonneSpagon@ocfa.org or (714) 573-6810.  

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Ivonne Spagon, Human Resources Analyst II at IvonneSpagon@ocfa.org within 72 hours of the need for an accommodation.

WITHDRAWING FROM RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Whenever an applicant chooses to withdraw from a recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to Ivonne Spagon at IvonneSpagon@ocfa.org requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.

NOTE

The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.