Public Safety/RF Engineer
- Full-Time
- Phoenix, AZ
- Maricopa County, AZ
- Posted 2 years ago – Accepting applications
As a key member of the Maricopa County family, you will provide a critical communications element to keep the public safe. You will support wireless telecommunications for the Public Safety two-way radio and the digital microwave networks consisting of both trunk and conventional systems.
About the Office of Enterprise Technology Are you looking for a career in a dynamic organization that embraces a can-do spirit? Look no further than Maricopa County OET. We are a team that prides itself on leveraging technology to create digital transformations. We look for ways to bring about innovative solutions while providing top-notch customer service. Apply today and become part of the team that makes a lasting impact on the future of technology at Maricopa County. Position Qualifications We recognize your time is valuable, so please apply if you meet the following required qualifications.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, information technology, computer science, or a related field
Experience
- Two years of experience with trunked and conventional radio networks, which include digital microwave networks
OR
- An equivalent combination of post-secondary education and job-related experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis
Other Requirements
- Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Arizona driver’s license by the time of hire
- Must possess one of the following licenses or certifications by the time of hire:
- An FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License
- APCO Radio Technician Certification
- General Communications Tech-Level 3 Certification
- Microwave Radio Technician Certification
Our Preferred Candidate has
- Three years of experience working with radio networks
- Experience with TDMA simulcast public safety radio networks
- Experience with Digital Microwave Radio Networks
- Experience troubleshooting, identifying, and isolating equipment/system problems in public safety communications systems
- Motorola radio systems training
- Completes planned and unplanned maintenance on system-wide base stations and associated equipment, dispatch center consoles and related equipment, digital microwave equipment, and associated battery backup systems
- Records all work performed into a preventative maintenance log and updates planned maintenance records in the asset management application
- Maintains database with the up-to-date status reports of County radio licenses and renews FCC licenses as required
- Provides trunked and conventional radio system support, monitors system for unauthorized activities, and alerts management to interference issues
- Drafts reports for system utilization and performance
- Conducts detailed bi-annual preventative maintenance of communications sites in assigned area
- Identifies and documents site problems, determines needs, and creates a list of materials needed for repairs
- Assists with inventory and requisitioning equipment
- Participates in project needs analysis, consultation and design, recommendations, and implementation of existing system installations
- Ensures that communication sites in assigned area are in peak operating condition (including civil, mechanical, electrical, and backup power generation disciplines) and works with vendors to correct any issues
Working Conditions Must work on-call, additional hours, and rotating shifts as required. Must be willing to drive a vehicle or travel in a helicopter to remote mountain top communication sites, conform to all safety rules, including but not limited to wearing and using all appropriate safety equipment. Work requires prolonged periods of standing, bending, sitting, and kneeling; working outside in varying temperatures; working in confined/restricted environments; working in rough and uneven terrain. Must be able to climb a minimum of a 6-foot ladder. Work occasionally requires lifting various RF communications or microwave-related items not exceeding 50 pounds. Works a 4x10 shift. Selection Procedure The Maricopa County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates considered to be the most highly qualified. Those selected will be assessed based on the evaluation of listed education and experience. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a list provided by Human Resources.
All offers of employment made to new hires and rehires at Maricopa County are contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment thorough background investigation. A background investigation is conducted on a current employee who changes to a Safety Sensitive Position or one having the potential for serious adverse impact on the integrity or efficiency of the County. These requirements do not pertain to employees of elected officials who undergo background investigation processes administered through their respective offices.
Maricopa County is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.
Maricopa County offers a Total Compensation Package that includes competitive salaries and a comprehensive, affordable benefits package. High value is placed on employee well-being and meeting the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package is comprised of traditional benefits like medical, prescription, dental, vision, and other health benefits. Employees are supported by various wellness programs including classes, coaching, and fitness center opportunities. Our generous benefit options are some of the best in Arizona and just one of the unique advantages of working for Maricopa County. Below is a representative listing of typical benefits received by most full-time employees.
Holidays and Leave
Maricopa County observes ten paid holidays per year. Most County employees accrue vacation (starting at three weeks per year for full-time employees) and sick leave (starting at one hour for every 30 hours worked for all employees). Employees also receive paid leave for other needs such as jury duty, civic duty, and bereavement.
Medical, Prescription, Behavioral Health, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
We understand how important health care is to maintaining a good quality of life. We also know our employees want to have the freedom to choose benefit plans to best meet their needs. Eligible employees may choose from four medical plan options, an HMO, PPO, and two HDHP (High Deductible Health Plans) with a health savings account. When employees enroll in medical coverage, they are automatically enrolled in prescription and behavioral health coverage as well. There are three dental plans from which to choose, two PPO plans and a pre-paid dental plan that functions like an HMO. As is the case with medical, the plans range in cost, flexibility, and network of providers. The vision plan provides employees and their covered dependents access to routine vision services and materials, including an annual eye exam. For those who wish to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses, the flexible spending accounts are suitable for that need.
Life and Disability Insurance
Because life sometimes takes unexpected turns, the County offers life insurance coverage to help employees and their loved ones in the event of death. Basic life and basic accidental death & dismemberment insurance equivalent to one times an employee's annual base salary is provided at no cost, with the option for employees to purchase additional coverage including spouse and child life insurance. Disability insurance is available to replace a portion of an employee's salary should they experience a short-term illness or injury.
Retirement
Eligible employees are covered by one of several State-sponsored retirement pension plans, including the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). Additionally, there's the option to contribute to a 457(b) Savings Plan that provides employees with a variety of investment opportunities. For those employees who retire from the County and from their retirement system, and have accrued 1,000 or more hours of sick leave, the County makes a $10,000 contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan set up on their behalf to be used for payment of eligible out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Group Legal Plan
Maricopa County offers employees group discounts to purchase coverage for legal services such as adoptions, family matters, wills and trusts.
Wellness
Maricopa County's Wellness Works program promotes health and wellness for employees and their families by focusing on physical activity, good nutrition, self-care and stress management. Maricopa County offers eligible employees a wellness incentive for completing required activities. By meeting a set of criteria, employees and their families can get reimbursed for participating in a Weight Watchers Program. On-site fitness facilities and fitness classes are provided to employees at various locations around the County. Employees and their families also have the opportunity to receive a discounted fitness club membership at LA Fitness. Employees have access to smoking cessation programs and health-related classes on various topics including nutrition, exercise and stress management. Employees located downtown benefit from an onsite pharmacy and clinic. Every fall, flu vaccines are offered to employees at various County locations.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
When employees and their families are faced with personal issues, confidential, short-term counseling and referral services are available to them at no cost.
Employee Discounts
Maricopa County subscribes to a service association which provides employees with volume discounts for sporting events, entertainment, and many other services.
Commute Options Program (COP)
Maricopa County provides free Valley Metro passes for the bus and light rail systems for commuting to/from work; a vanpool subsidy is also provided. Employees can decrease stress, decrease wear and tear on their vehicle and help the environment all at the same time.
New Employee Orientation (NEO)
NEO provides new employees with information about Maricopa County such as: history, organizational structure, Merit Rules, County policies and procedures, County pay system and benefits and employee programs.
Tuition Reimbursement
To promote Maricopa County's long term employee retention objectives, our employees are eligible to receive financial assistance to continue their education, help make them more productive, enhance their job performance, and equip them to pursue new opportunities within County government.
To learn more about the County's generous benefits, visit the Maricopa County Employee Benefits and Wellness website.
Agency Maricopa County Address
301 W Jefferson
8th Floor
Phoenix, Arizona, 85003