Comms Specialist (Operations Specialist DPS) DEM

Operations Specialist, DPSUnder general supervision from the DEM Communications & Operations Manager, the Operations Specialist provides hands-on technical, operational, and logistics support for the internal Division of Emergency Management (DEM) communications infrastructure and state and local stakeholders.This position is directly responsible for maintaining DEM's tactical equipment assets (radio cache, fleet radios, satellite arrays, command truck), ensuring operational readiness of facility radio rooms (SEOC, ECC, Camp Williams), conducting routine testing on critical state warning circuits (NAWAS, FNARS, SHARES), and deploying to support field communications during state emergency activations.Example of Duties (The following duties are representative and may vary depending on operational priorities and activation levels)Tactical Asset & Fleet Management:- Programs, installs, and troubleshoots mobile and portable Land Mobile Radio (LMR) equipment assigned to DEM division vehicles and operational staff using state Customer Programming Software (CPS) and channel templates.-Performs routine hardware checks, firmware updates, and operational testing on DEM satellite phones and mobile satellite arrays (e.g., Starlink).-Maintains operational readiness of the State Communications Command Truck, including onboard generator power systems, audio gateways, mast hardware, and satellite backhaul.-Emergency equipment maintenance, research, procurement, inventory, and distribution. Also includes the inspection and evaluation of used equipment for reuse.-Emergency two-way radio installation, repair, programming, and coordination. May also include more in-depth management of complex communications equipment with coordination between state and local agencies.-Troubleshoots and diagnoses problems, makes adjustments, repairs and/or performs preventative maintenance on computers, vehicles, equipment, or machinery, etc.-Provides technical/hands-on assistance with agency radio communication systems, vehicle emergency equipment, etc.Facility Radio Rooms & Critical Warning Circuits:- Performs routine operational checks, preventative maintenance, and console verification across state facility radio rooms, including the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC at the State Capitol), Emergency Coordination Center (ECC at Taylorsville), and Camp Williams.-Monitors and conducts scheduled testing on National Attack Warning System (NAWAS) landline circuits and FEMA -National Radio System (FNARS/SHARES) HF/ALE radio systems.-Coordinates, executes, and logs monthly statewide HF/LMR radio checks with county emergency managers, Public Safety -Answering Points (PSAPs), and dispatch centers across Utah.Division Communications & Field Operations Support:- Assists DEM division staff with processing Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) cards, provisioning Wireless Priority Service (WPS) on state cellular devices, and conducting user familiarization. Deploys to serve as technical communications support inside the SEOC during emergency activations or dispatches to the field to support mobile command posts and tactical communications during major disasters, wildland fires, or state exercises.-Assists the Operational Readiness Manager and or SEOC Manager in tracking equipment repair logs, shipping/receiving, asset surplus processing, and vendor receipts for monthly recurring costs (MRC).Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience:-An Associate degree in Electronics, Telecommunications, Information Technology, Public Safety, or a closely related field; (preferred)-Two (2) years of hands-on technical experience in public safety radio communications, LMR hardware maintenance, or emergency field communications. (Substitution: Directly related technical experience in public safety communications, military communications, or telecommunications hardware may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis).Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):Knowledge of:-Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems, P25 digital standards, VHF/UHF/700/800 MHz frequency bands, and radio programming software (CPS).-Emergency management operations, Incident Command System (ICS) protocols, and State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) workflows.-Primary and backup emergency communications systems, including HF radio, satellite arrays, cellular priority services (FirstNet, WPS), and warning systems (NAWAS, FNARS).Skills in:-Hands-on programming, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of portable and mobile radio equipment.-Operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining mobile command vehicles, onboard power generators, audio gateways, and satellite connectivity.-Database entry and tracking using Excel or asset management systems to maintain inventory and maintenance logs.Ability to:-Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, with local, state, and federal public safety partners during high-stress disaster operations.-Perform routine preventative maintenance and rapid diagnostic troubleshooting on complex electronic, radio, and electrical systems.-Work independently in remote field conditions under challenging weather or disaster environments.Licensure & Certifications:-Valid Utah Driver's License (required upon hire).-FCC Amateur Radio License (General Class or higher) or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.-Completion of NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 courses upon hire.-Preferred: Active certification as a Communications Technician (COMT) or active COMT trainee status.Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:Work Environment: Duties are performed in standard office environments, EOC facilities, equipment warehouses, and active field deployment sites throughout Utah.Physical Demands: Requires physical agility to lift, carry, and load radio transport cases, mobile generator units, and satellite hardware weighing up to 50 lbs. Emergency Availability: Must be available for rapid response, after-hours call-outs, weekend/holiday shifts, and extended field deployments during state EOC activations, severe weather events, or catastrophic disasters.About the Role:In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah. Other benefits may include:The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.