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Communications and Electronics Technician

Summary of Job

Under general direction of the Captain of Administration, the Communications and Electronics Technician is responsible for the radio and telephony services for the City of Sheboygan. In conjunction with Sheboygan County government, the Communications and Electronic Technician is responsible for the operability of the County radio system, and ensuring that all components within the City of Sheboygan government are operational and functional. This position manages the installation, service and maintenance of all components of the Sheboygan County radio system held by departments of the City of Sheboygan to include base stations, mobile and hand-held radios. This position also works closely with the City IT department to manage City of Sheboygan telephony services.  This position is responsible for the selection, installation and maintenance of the mobile electronic devices necessary in the police fleet, to include mobile radar, mobile recording devices and their components, and the programming and installation of emergency response controls. Is responsible for the overall operability of the City of Sheboygan civil defense siren system. As an electronics technician, this position manages several functions in the police facility, to include audio-visual recording equipment, building access controls, facility HVAC controls and network connectivity and switch management.

Responsibilities
  • In cooperation with Sheboygan County Government, manages the County wide radio system and is responsible for the overall functionality of the radio network and related components.
  • Is responsible for the management of the City of Sheboygan controlled portion of the 800 MHz simulcast trunked radio systems, which includes maintaining all data bases and configurations, the programming and upgrading of subscriber radios and systems, the monitoring of system performance and alarms, and responding to system alarms which includes access to all system tower sites county-wide.
  • Works closely with the Police Fleet Operations Mechanic to manage the annual conversion of new fleet vehicles into service as police vehicles. This involves the wiring and installation of equipment necessary to mount mobile data services, radar units, mobile audio-video recording equipment, emergency lights and sirens, controllers for emergency lights and sirens, gun-locks and other mobile electronic equipment.
  • In cooperation with the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department, assists in the maintenance associated with the Sheboygan County Public Safety Dispatch center and the backup dispatch center, to include computer-based radio consoles, 911 telephone systems, fire and intrusion alarm monitoring system, CAD and TIME interface systems, digital recording systems, and all power back-up systems.
  • Programs, installs, and maintains all City telephones and telephone systems, including telephone switching equipment, voice mail, and management of the IP telephony software
  • Represents the City in inter-jurisdictional communication planning initiatives, and providing long-term strategic analysis of City radio and telecommunication issues and needs.  
  • Assists in the budget preparation as it relates to the activity. Prepares specifications for RFPs and requisitions and prepares purchase requisitions for submission through the Department Head.
  • Sets up mobile and portable radios and other related equipment when required.
  • Works closely with the Fleet Mechanics of the City to install radios, computer equipment, and necessary electronics on City vehicles.
  • Is responsible for the maintenance for the communication system of the City Emergency Warning System and the management software of that system.
  • Assists the City IT Department in the planning and installation of LAN/WAN wireless data, and other information systems and infrastructures.
  • In conjunction with the City IT Department, conducts ongoing preventive maintenance programs for the above-related equipment and maintains computer records regarding maintenance of the equipment.
  • Maintains and accounts for a proper supply of parts inventory and keeps accurate and complete computer records and reports.
  • Provides city-wide training assistance on the use of radios, mobile data terminals, and various other equipment as needed
  • Is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and programming of the police building fire and security alarm systems.
  • Ensures that all City radio antenna structures are properly maintained in compliance with FCC, FAA and OSHA regulations, and accurately maintains all FCC licenses required for the operation of all City radio equipment and systems.
  • Under the direction of the IT Director, assists in the installation and maintenance of communication equipment associated with the joint City of Sheboygan Emergency Operation Center (EOC).
  • Manages network resources and equipment necessary in support of mobile and fixed audio-visual recording stations.
  • Is responsible for the maintenance and records associated with the Police Department Access Control System.
  • Is responsible for the overall maintenance and operability of the facility audio-visual recording system.
  • Is subject to emergency call-in as needed to remedy system or equipment malfunctions.
  • Performs other duties as required and within the scope and skills of the Radio and Electronics Technician.

Qualifications & Education
  • Graduation with a minimum of an Associate Degree from a recognized school in electronics or a closely related field, or the equivalent training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities
  • Possession of an FCC radio telephone license or a certified two-way radio technician certificate, APCO or NABER desirable.
  • Experience with Motorola Simulcast P25 trunked multi-site radio systems. Successful completion of Motorola training is preferred.
  • Five (5) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of communications and electronic equipment such as two-way radios, I.P. based telephone systems, recording devices, video systems, transcription devices, etc., as described above.

Job Knowledge and Skills
  • Thorough knowledge of trade practices, methods, tools, and equipment in the audio and visual communications field.
  • Considerable knowledge of computer systems, personal computers and computer networks
  • Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and safe work practices
  • Considerable ability in diagnosing problem areas and defects
  • Ability to work from blueprints, schematics, and written and oral instructions and keep accurate and complete reports
  • A high sense of responsibility and initiative to work independently and productively without supervision
  • Possession of a valid Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Operator’s License in good standing
  • Must have good interpersonal skills with other employees, officials and the general public
  • Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal form is required.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and complete reports and records. 
  • Knowledge of basic mathematical principles required.
  • Ability to act, make decisions, and justify action based on logic, good judgment, and rational thought.