Radio Communications Coordinator

Job Description:

Radio Communications Coordinator

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The City of Fort Lauderdale employees possess a passion for public service demonstrated by a high degree of enthusiasm, self-reliance, and job proficiency. They effectively convey the vision and mission of the organization and provide excellent service and satisfaction to our internal and external customers.

Under general administrative direction, directs functional operation of mission-critical communications systems; addresses technical issues as related to mission-critical radio communication infrastructure i.e., radio system, fire alerting, microwave network, etc.; directs planning and coordination of systems maintenance and repair with vendors and end-users; creates codeplugs, programs, and upgrades subscriber two-way radios, repeaters, etc. Activates and mobilizes emergency backup systems and communications trailer, and provides technical support and responses to public safety departments during emergencies.

NOTE: The duties of this position will include all of those duties set forth in the official Telecommunications Coordinator classification job description.

This position will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

The City offers a wide variety of benefits to employees. In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option, and requires a 3% contribution from employees. New hires are automatically enrolled in FRS.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!
That's right! Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale! Please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/PublicServiceLoanForgiveness for more information or to see if you qualify.
This job classification is in Management Category III for benefits purposes, which includes Six (6) additional Management Vacation Days and a Vehicle Allowance of $250/month.

This job classification will be governed by the Personnel Rules, as it is not represented by a collective bargaining unit.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Provides technical guidance to developers with regards to ensuring two-way communications compliance within structures
• Maintains technical and support aspects for all mission-critical and ancillary systems including but not limited to; radio systems, microwave network, fire alerting system and coordinates contractor maintenance activities
• Troubleshoots and performs first echelon level service on subscriber radios and components
• Assists in long range planning of telecommunications and electronic systems requirements
• Prepares technical specifications for proposals
• Develops radio templates and codeplugs utilizing Customer Programming Software (CPS)
• Maintains the radio fleet radio management servers
• Oversees and assists in maintaining all radio system software records such as; programming templates, radio programs, identification numbers, assignments, aliases, talk group assignments, talk group registers, inventory, records and cross reference lists
• Programs backbone system equipment including system controller and interface management system for a trunked radio and conventional repeater communication systems
• Coordinates with system users on activities involving repair, maintenance and regional public safety activities
• Assists and supports departments in implementing the City’s Telecommunication Ordinance overseeing the applications for use of the City’s right-of-way, establishing an equitable cost, and negotiating preferable routes
• Assists and supports departments in reviewing new development projects within the City which may interfere with the City’s radio system and assists in negotiating leases for towers located on City’s right-of-way
• Monitors radio and alerting systems and initiates immediate corrective action
• Reviews new development programs submitted to the City for approval to determine which may reduce radio system coverage to below acceptable levels; conducts fade margin studies to determine the effect of any system impacts
• Provides system usage reports
• Keeps schedule of routine preventive maintenance on various equipment and tower sites
• Serves as liaison with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for licenses and enforcement actions; maintains all required FCC license records; prepares and submits all required FCC reports; assures proper posting of FCC licenses
• Serves as liaison with Local and Federal Law Enforcement agencies to process interoperability agreements and facilitates programming of their radios onto City radio systems
• Monitors the County’s Change Management Request Process (CMR) for communications and dispatching issues
• Provides after hours support to public safety departments during emergencies
• Performs related work as required

JOB REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Bachelor's Degree in Telecommunications, Electronics, Engineering, or a related field. Three (3) or more years of experience in a radio communications infrastructure environment along with experience utilizing radio programming software. Additional qualifying experience in a job related field, may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required education.Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Communications Unit Technician (COMT) or Communication Unit Leader (COML) preferred.Possess or be able to obtain a valid State of Florida driver’s license within 30 days of hire.This position will require on call, holiday, night and/or weekend work. Special Requirements:
An in-depth pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed security-sensitive. Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared emergency. The employee’s Department Head will determine who will be required to work.
As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The position involves heavy physical demands, such as exerting up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally (with assistance), and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.

Ability to lift, carry, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, walk, push, pull, grasp, stand and access heights or areas where limited space is available.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY/ VETERAN INFORMATION

Depending on the number of applicants and the quality of their education and experience, the examination may consist of one or more of the following tests: Evaluation of Training and Experience, Oral Interview, Written Examination, or other assessment method. Applicants must attain a minimum score of 70 in each part of the examination in order to qualify.

An eligible veteran who enters an open-competitive examination shall receive preference points added to the total passing score earned in the examination as provided for in the Florida Statutes. To obtain veteran's preference, candidates MUST submit a copy of separation papers and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J204 ).



The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click here for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Click here for additional management benefits.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan! Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale! Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 1/6/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary:

$82,892.58 - $128,489.50 Annually