Wireless Communications Technician

Wireless Communications Technician

Under general supervision, installs, repairs, and maintains mobile radios, portable radios, control consoles, base radios, trunked radio systems, and related electronic communications equipment.

• Maintains, tests and repairs analog and digital radio communication systems including computer control equipment, timing and delay systems, microwave sub-systems, base stations and mobile two-way radios. Analyzes, modifies, maintains, designs, tests and repairs complex analog and digital RF communications systems for the transmission of voice and data as well as microwave communications equipment systems used as infrastructures to support RF voice or data transmissions.
• Installs and configures modifications to existing communications systems based on County need. Works directly with communications system manufacturers to resolve complex system problems or outages. Develops corrective action plans to resolve system problems. Operates various equipment and devices needed to perform maintenance and repair of electronic systems, equipment and components.
• Replaces defective components and wiring and adjusts mechanical parts. Tests and examines electronic components and circuits. Locates defects using specialized hand tools, measuring devices and testing instruments. Tests repaired radio equipment. Computes voltage, amperage and resistance values using algebraic formulas. Substitutes component parts and fabricates simple parts not requiring precision machine tooling.
• Tests and examines electronic components and circuits, locates defects using oscilloscopes, signal generators, ammeters, volt meters, spectrum analyzers, and other specialized hand tools, measuring devices and testing instruments.
• Assists with the preparation of cost estimates for installation, modification, and repair. Assists with the development of equipment and system specifications and Requests for Proposals. Recommends actions for enhancement based on logical and analytical evaluations of existing communication systems.
• Maintains accurate equipment maintenance records to facilitate preventative maintenance and to ensure compliance with manufacturer requirements. Maintains knowledge of technological advances related to all duties.

Mounts, secures, inter-connects and checks the operation of two-way mobile, portable and fixed station radio equipment, electronic sirens, bar lights, antennas, repeaters, computers, video cameras and other related equipment. May lead and instruct lesser skilled employees as related to a particular project, repair or method of service. Performs other related duties as required.

Possession of a high school diploma or appropriate equivalent plus four years of experience in the maintenance and repair of Radio Communications equipment and systems, simulcast analog or digital, mobiles, portables and base station equipment, controllers and delay/timing equipment; or four years of experience in the maintenance and repair of microwave point to point or multi-point systems, analog or digital, 6Ghz or 11Ghz frequency band. (Additional education in electronic technology or a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two years.) Knowledge of Radio communications systems and theory. Knowledge of microwave radio systems and theory. Knowledge of system peripheral devices. Knowledge of the techniques and programming of radio system software, firmware, and components. Knowledge of RF data transmissions protocols, programming and servicing practices. Knowledge of FCC standards for communications equipment. Basic knowledge of building construction codes, automotive electrical systems, and mechanical principles as required for equipment and system installation planning and development. Knowledge of the use, calibration, and care of various electronic test equipment. Knowledge of the use of tools and diagnostic equipment used in electronic installation and maintenance.

Skill in analyzing and diagnosing problems with communications equipment using manufacturer's literature or by directly interacting with the manufacturer for problem resolution. Skill in operating test equipment and tools associated with maintenance and repair of systems and components. Skill in the use of personal computers and office software packages.

Ability to operate microcomputer systems and peripheral equipment. Ability to follow plans for successful initiation and completion of RF communications projects. Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms. Ability to perform mathematical and algebraic computations. Ability to analyze and resolve problems independently in an effective manner. Ability to interpret prints, schematics, diagrams, and drawings.

Knowledge of the operations, equipment, and components of Baltimore County's Motorola trunked radio systems and microwave radio systems. Knowledge of Baltimore County's RF data communications systems, multiplexing, MOSCAD and related peripheral devices. Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Knowledge and ability to understand and interpret FCC rules and regulations governing County communications operation.

Skill in interpreting prints, schematics, diagrams, and drawings. Skill in maintaining, modifying and repairing all County radio systems. Skill in modifying parameters of County radio systems to enhance performance and operational needs of the using agencies. Skill in analyzing and resolving problems independently.

Ability to assist in the preparation of estimates, reports and plans of action relating to installation and modification of radio communications systems. Ability to lead or instruct less skilled workers as related to a particular project, repair or method of service.

All applicants must be of good character and emotionally stable as determined by a comprehensive background investigation and drug test. Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver license is required at the time of application. Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application. Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services Services, Inc. ( Mail or deliver documents to: ATTN: Wireless Communications Technician Office of Human Resources Baltimore County Government 308 Allegheny Ave. Towson, MD 21204 You can attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application.

Persons appointed to this classification may work on either a rotating or fixed shift, which will include nights, weekends or holidays and overtime when scheduled. The work of this classification entails the performance of physical activities including walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing ladders, lifting and carrying heavy objects and the operation of vehicles, tools and equipment. Work requires exposure to potentially hazardous conditions such as adverse weather and live electrical wires. Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to a criminal background, education, and fingerprint check.