JOB DESCRIPTION

Installation, repair, and maintenance of RF systems and dispatch centers. RF Systems Technicians must have a working knowledge Project 25 telecommunications equipment installation and repair. Must be able to be on call 24/7 within the needed rotation, as the job requires. Must be able to travel with minimal notice when required.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Experience: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Communications, IT, Radio Frequency Engineer or a closely related field is preferred; and seven (7) years trunked simulcast Phase 2 network experience. Military specialized training in tactical or higher echelon communications is preferred; or any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSES

Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s license required.

Within fourteen days (14) days of employment, the employee is required to pass level four (4), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification training. Current CJIS guidelines determine the level and may change periodically. Certification is obtained by successfully completing web-based training courses that cover physical security, incident response, the protection of information, and other IT-specific security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks.

SALARY:  $26.47 per hour plus benefits

DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS: 06/23/2026

Each applicant is required to submit a complete County Application for Employment. Applications are available on-line www.columbiacountyfla.com/Jobs.asp . Successful applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment medical exam, criminal history background check, driver’s license check and drug screening. Applications can be emailed to: hr@columbiacountyfla.com or by mail, FedEx, or UPS to:

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

POST OFFICE BOX 1529

LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32056-1529

(386) 758-3351; TDD (386) 758-2139

An AA/EEO/ADA/VP Employer

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles of two-way radio communication
• Knowledge of the design principles of radio equipment, components, and systems
• Knowledge of solid-state electronics, the operational design of circuits, and electronic testing equipment
• Knowledge of state and federal two-way radio regulations
• Knowledge of safety procedures, techniques, and equipment
• Knowledge of the common causes of failure that occur in radio transmitting and receiving equipment
• Preferred candidates will possess at least two years of experience in simulcast trunked radio systems
•  Motorola ASTRO P25 Network experience is a plus
• Knowledge of wireless communications systems, such as RF repeaters, backbone microwave, GPS time servers, and simulcast cells
• Ability to read and use schematic diagrams
• Ability to apply rules and guidelines to specific situations
• Ability to use RF and handheld electronic testing equipment
• Ability to complete and maintain records and forms
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to maintain favorable public relations.
• Ability to solve customer problems quickly during stressful situations
• Ability to understand technology and keep up with emerging trends
• Knowledge of wired communications systems, such as local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN), must be proficient in                   computer network installation, configuration, and maintenance systems, including cabling, routers, switches, firewalls and bridges
• Server implementation, configuration, and management
• Advanced Routing and Switching implementation, configuration, and management CAT5 termination and management
• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to IT
• Superior analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work without close supervision
• Ability to deal with complex tasks

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Applicant must be able to perform unsupervised tasks using technical documentation
• Install, test, and troubleshoot a variety of RF systems and sub-assemblages
• Must be able to complete all paperwork and logs clearly and timely
• Maintain, optimize, test, and document complex Motorola ASTRO P25 Simulcast Network radio system and infrastructure equipment, including radio repeaters, GPS time server oscillators, network servers, controllers, power supplies, network routers, and switches
• Performs two-way radio programming, preventive maintenance, and repairs
• Aligns and adjusts radio equipment as needed to ensure compliance with FCC regulations
• Maintains 911 radio dispatch consoles and backup radio equipment
• Collaborate with management to stay ahead of industry standards to exceed customer's unique needs and concerns
• Maintain, test, and operate various models of RF repeaters, antenna subsystems, and microwave communications
• Perform server hardware/OS and software infrastructure maintenance and troubleshooting to resolve system/application-related issues as it pertains to the radio communications systems
• Install, test, repair, maintain repeaters, antenna systems, and other equipment for various brands and models
• Effectively communicate with vendor-specific engineering, project management and sales personnel to effectively maintain, optimize and support advanced communication systems that meet or exceed BOCC, County management and user expectations
• Maintain assigned vehicle inventory and vehicle maintenance
• Logging recording systems, RF interfaces, wired/wireless communications systems and networking equipment
• Employee is responsible for the installation, configuration, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of all desktop computers, laptops, printers, and  peripherals as pertains to the radio communication systems
• The Employee is responsible for networking PC Clients, which involves the setup and configurations of desktop computers, laptops, printers, peripherals, communications software, email, and internet access as it relates to the ASTRO25 network
• Employee utilizes the technical support Help Desk application to provide technical support and user assistance
• Employee assists in implementing new network applications, systems, and upgrades and in implementing servers, server applications, systems, and upgrades as it pertains to the communications systems
• Employee is on-call 24/7 to independently diagnose and repair RF and computer equipment
• Employee will maintain professional relationships with communication vendors who support the county communications system
• Regular attendance at work is required
• Employee shall maintain a professional relationship with elected officials and other County Departments, and affiliated Municipalities
• Provide both technical and strategic planning support to all public safety functions
• Employee shall provide administrative support for all of the County communications
• Occasional overnight travel may be required from time to time

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related work as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed at various remote communication tower sites around Columbia County, in an office, or a shop and may require frequent travel as well as the transport of heavy equipment. Employee may be exposed to inclement weather conditions and hazardous work environments, such as high voltage power sources, including high ‘RF’ energy. Employee is subject to “on call” status at any time.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS/DEMANDS

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
• Acceptable color perception (must not exhibit color vision deficiency, commonly known as color blindness, of any type or degree)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Extended sitting and standing and intermittent walking, bending, crawling, stooping and kneeling, climbing stairs, reaching above and below           shoulders, and must be able to fit into tight spaces
• Ability to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds
• Manual dexterity while standing, sitting, bending, or twisting

NOTE: The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.