Radio Communications & Technology Specialist

Salary: $37.21 - $52.36 Hourly
Location : Various, Elk Grove, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-52
Department: Fire
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Closing Date: 6/4/2026 4:30 PM Pacific


Description
The Cosumnes Fire Department is seeking qualified professionals to fill current and future vacancies in the position of Radio Communications & Technology Specialist.

THE POSITION
Under general direction, analyzes, troubleshoots, and resolves technical operational problems for radios, telephones, routers, computers, Apple products, and code 3; installs and performs maintenance on hardware and software; performs project tests and program debugging; prepares user policies, procedures, and documentation, and provides training to users on systems implementation and operations.

Salary Information:
The Radio Communications & Technology Specialist salary range is between $37.21- $52.36 per hour . The District typically appoints new employees at step 1 of the salary range. Consideration for an appointment higher than step 1 will be based on experience, education, or the need for unique skills or knowledge, and shall be no more than the mid-point of the salary range. Final Filing Date: June 4, 2026 at 4:30pm. The District reserves the right to change the date/time of the deadline or re-open the application period without notice to the applicants.
Duties and Responsibilities
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

• Perform basic and advanced installation and maintenance of 800 MHz, UHF and VHF radios, Voice over IP, station alerting, mobile data computers, UPS and code equipment.
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve technical operational problems related to 800 MHz and VHF radios, Voice over IP, station alerting, mobile data computers, UPS, and code 3 equipment.
• Create, modify, and review technical systems documentation; develop procedures for use and maintenance of 800 MHz and VHF radios, Voice over IP, Station Alerting, Mobile Data computers, Apple products, UPS, and Code 3 equipment.
• Prepare user procedures and documentation; and provide training to users on system implementation and operations.
• Act as a liaison with representatives from vendors and District divisions.
• Assist in the development, planning, and construction of new communications systems.
• Prepare written or oral summaries of work performed.
• Drive vehicles to various shops or field locations to install, service and repair communications equipment.
• Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
Three (3) years of full-time paid experience, within the last five (5) years in installation, maintenance, and repair of electronics in vehicles.
Education Substitution: Education or training in Electrical Technology, Electrical Engineering, Communications Technology, or a field that is directly related to the knowledge and abilities may be substituted for one (1) year of required general experience. Acceptable education or training is:

• A certificate of completion of a vocational training program in one of the above fields.

OR

• Completion of thirty (30) semester units in one of the above fields.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Telecommunication experience such as Key Service Units, PBX's, wireless phones, and general maintenance and operation.
• Experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of communications equipment consisting of VHF/UHF/800 MHz two-way radios; simulcast trunked radio systems; portable and mobile radios; base control, and repeater stations equipment.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of and ability to maintain a current, valid California Driver's License.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

Knowledge Of:

• Basic theory of radio communications and electronics, including tube, solid state, and integrated circuits; communications mathematics; digital numbering and alphanumeric codes; digital to analog translation; analog to digital conversion; parity and checksum techniques
• Safety procedures, such as handling electrical energy devices and electromagnetic wave propagation
• Federal Communications Commission laws, rules, and regulations relating to radio and microwave equipment. Desirable knowledge to include Public Safety Service
• Principles and procedures of fabricating, installing, maintaining, repairing, operating, and testing VHF/UHF/800 MHz radio equipment, including simulcast trunked radio systems, radio-controlled equipment, test devices, mobile data computers, other telecommunications, and code 3 equipment
• Computer networking operations
• Voice over IP technology
• Uninterruptible power supplies

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with a wide variety of people that include senior management, employees, outside agencies, and the public
• Read and interpret laws, rules, and regulations governing radio and microwave equipment in the public safety service
• Read and interpret electrical and electronic schematic diagrams, blueprints, and service manuals
• Keep accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports
• Conduct and/or coordinate training regarding District radio, telephone, and code 3 equipment
• Prioritize work and seek solutions to specific problems
• Apply logical and orderly analysis process to troubleshooting and solving operational radio, telephone, and code 3 equipment problems
• Read and interpret instructions in technical manuals including circuitry, schematics and symbols and read blueprints
• Use the proper test equipment related to telecommunications maintenance and repair
• Understand and follow written and oral directions
• Effectively communicate, orally and in writing, with the public and District personnel
• Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; occasional sitting at desk or in meetings; frequent reaching and twisting to reach equipment surrounding workspace; occasional walking, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, crawling, twisting and climbing ladders while performing maintenance and repair work; frequent pushing, pulling or lifting to sixty (60) pounds.
• Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent computer use; occasional color and depth vision; frequent reading of blueprints, specifications, fine print and visual display terminals (VDT's);
• Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching; frequent handling of electrical wiring and mechanical parts; frequent operation of office equipment, hand tools, and power tools required to troubleshoot and repair heavy and specialized fire equipment and peripherals.
• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person, on the radio and phone, over vehicle and shop noise; ability to hear well enough to identify mechanical noise.
• Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision making and concentration, frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional work alone.
• Driving: ability to use fine and gross motor coordination for driving.
• Exposures: frequent exposure to loud noise, vibration, machinery, moving objects or vehicles, dust, dirt, oils, lubricants, solvents and assorted cleaning fluids or chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.

Typical Working Conditions
Work is typically performed in a modern fleet maintenance facility. Modern power tools, lifts, and cranes are present, with a full welding and fabrication shop on site. Work may take place and require travel in a vehicle to and from off-site indoor and outdoor locations throughout the District.

Incumbents are required to work callback and occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
Supplemental Information
THE PROCESS

Application Review (Pass/Fail): All applicants must complete and submit an application by the final filing deadline. Applications will be reviewed for possession of minimum qualifications and evaluated according to the essential functions of the job and other needs of the position.


Supplemental Questions: The supplemental questions are considered a part of the application process. All required questions must be completed before the application can be submitted. The supplemental questions will be used to evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of the applicant's education, training, and experience. Depending on the size of the applicant pool, the supplemental questions may be used as a part of the supplemental screening.

Supplemental Screening: The district will review the responses to the supplemental questions of all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications. The most competitive candidates in the applicant pool will be selected to continue in the selection process.

When writing job-related responses to supplemental questions in the supplemental questionnaire, please be concise and brief in your answers.

Oral Panel Interview - All candidates who pass the application review will be invited to participate in an oral interview panel scheduled for June 16, 2026.
Notification: Candidates will be notified of their status after completing the first interview phase.

Final Interview - Candidates who pass the first interview panel may be invited to a final interview. Tentative final interviews are scheduled for June 16, 2026.

Conditional Offer: Candidates selected from the process may receive a conditional offer of employment contingent upon the successful completion of the following:


Reference Check: verification of work performance and employment history


Background Check: A State of California, Department of Justice criminal background check;


Driving Record: A State of California, DMV driving record printout will be required.


Upon successful completion of the background check, candidates must complete the following before final appointment:

Medical: A clear Drug screening and physical will be required.
Work Eligibility: The District participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the US.


Failure to meet these pre-employment requirements will be grounds for withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment.


Probationary Period: A probationary period of one (1) year is the final phase of the selection process.


Benefits For Full-Time Employees:
Full-time employees receive generous medical, dental, life, disability, and vision benefits.
The District participates in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). New members in the CalPERS system will receive a retirement formula of 2% at 62. Applicants who meet the CalPERS requirements for a "classic member" will receive a retirement formula of 2% at 55.
All employees of the District participate in the Medicare portion of Social Security.
Full-time employees receive generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave allowances.


RIGHT-TO-WORK VERIFICATION
Documentation verifying the candidate's legal right to work in the United States will be required and shall be presented upon hire.


About the Cosumnes Community Services District

The Cosumnes Community Services District serves an estimated 221,000 south Sacramento County residents in a 157-square-mile area. Its award-winning parks and recreation services - including the operation of more than 100 parks - operate exclusively within the Elk Grove area of the District. The District provides fire protection and emergency medical services throughout the District, including the cities of Elk Grove and Galt and unincorporated areas of south Sacramento County.


Our Vision: Be an innovative, inclusive, and intentional regional leader committed to providing exceptional services that exceed expectations and enhance the quality of life of those we serve.


Our Mission: The District is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the residents, businesses, visitors, and employees within our diverse community by protecting lives, property, and the environment through superior fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and special operations response; and by providing parks and recreation services through well-maintained parks and recreational opportunities for health, wellness, and social interactions.


Our Values:
Safety & Mitigating Risk - We protect District employees, as well as mitigate risk and exposure of the District and the public.
Financial Responsibility - We are an accountable, transparent, and stable Agency as we provide quality services through progressive innovations.
High-Quality Workforce - We develop and train a high-quality workforce with an emphasis on professionalism, diversity, equity and inclusion, succession planning, competency, and organizational growth.
Service to the Community - We deliver the highest levels of service to the residents, visitors, and businesses within the District.
Diversity, Equity & Access - We ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of District work.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.


The District is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, gender, gender identity or gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, covered veteran/military status, marital status or any other status protected by federal or state law.
Cosumnes CSD Full-time employee benefits for
01


Do you have a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you over 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04


Have you completed thirty (30) semester units or hold a certification in Electrical Technology, Electrical Engineering, Communications Technology, or a field that is directly related to this position.

• Yes
• No

05


Please describe any experience you have with installation, maintenance, and repair of communications equipment consisting of VHF/UHF/800 MHz two-way radios; simulcast trunked radio systems; portable and mobile radios; base control, and repeater stations equipment.
06


Please describe any experience you have with telecommunication such as Key Service Units, PBX's, wireless phones, and general maintenance and operation.
07


Please list any certifications you currently possess. If none, indicate N/A.
08


The application and supplemental questionnaire must be completed fully. An incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire will be grounds for rejection and cannot be revised after submission. Resumes may be attached but applications with "see resume" will be considered incomplete. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification, including the use of copying and pasting answers verbatim from Artificial Intelligence (A/I) programs such as Chat GPT or Google Gemini. False statements may be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. By checking "yes," I certify that I understand and have followed the application instructions.

• Yes
• No

09


I understand that only a complete and accurate application will be considered. I have included all current and previous work history and education. Additionally, I understand that responses to supplemental questions are a part of my official application. By checking "yes," I certify that I understand and have followed the application instructions.

• Yes
• No

Required Question