Public Safety Radio Administrator

This role is part of the technical services team within the Sheriff's Office supporting Emergency Communications within Ada County. It involves managing the 700 MHz radio network, which includes multiple Motorola ASTRO P25 sites and backhaul connectivity via a Nokia Microwave MPLS network. The position also oversees the Master Site for the Statewide 700 MHz Public Safety Radio Trunked Network, collaborating with State and Government partners to maintain a statewide mission-critical communications system. The ideal candidate should show strong decision-making skills, initiative, and a solid understanding of radio systems and network infrastructure.

Low cost medical, dental, and vision insurances

Idaho PERSI retirement plan

Deferred Compensation plan 457(b) with a County match of up to 3%

Flexible Spending Accounts – Health and Dependent Care

Post-Employment Health Plan – 50% of unused sick leave above 240 hours

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

No cost basic life, accidental death, and short-term disability insurances

Eleven (11) paid holidays annually

Paid vacation leave, sick leave, and parental leave

No cost gym access at three (3) County owned gym facilities

Wellness Program

Optional 401(k) and/or Roth IRA

Radio Administrator I

• Ensure network users/subscribers have access to the proper Public Safety resources on the radio network.
• Collaborate with technicians to troubleshoot and resolve subscriber radio issues.
• Support Land Mobile Radio (LMR) infrastructure, including radios, dispatch consoles, programming, and in-building repeaters/bi-directional amplifiers.
• Monitor network performance, including servers, switches, connectivity, and software, to ensure reliability.
• Coordinate system software and hardware updates, including preventative maintenance and vendor support.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and update software/hardware systems as needed.
• Resolve complex technical issues related to system maintenance, upgrades, or support for radio systems.
• Manage radio IDs, talk groups, aliases, and configuration files for subscriber access and network management.
• Provide technical support and maintenance for Ada County Sheriff's Office radios, dispatch consoles, and telecommunications equipment.
• Document activities such as support tickets, service orders, repairs, and project updates.
• Act as a liaison with contractors, vendors, and public safety agencies to ensure proper system installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Maintain the security and integrity of the public safety radio network.
• Prepare accurate records and detailed reports.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Radio Administrator II

• Perform all duties of the Radio Administrator I position.
• Troubleshoot and repair radio network issues, requiring independent decision-making.
• Analyze communication systems to identify malfunctions and determine corrective actions.
• Administer and control access to the trunked radio network, including managing Network Access Agreements.
• Manage the County's Key Management Facility (KMF) for deploying AES encryption keys, including understanding LMR encryption theory and protocols (AES 256).
• Load and share encryption keys using Key Variable Loader (KVL) for subscriber radio units.
• Develop and enforce System Key policies for programming mobile and portable radios, including tracking and maintaining System Key Agreements and recommending updates.
• Conduct radio coverage testing for new facilities, working with the Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with fire and building codes for equipment installation to boost radio signals.

Radio Administrator III

• Perform all duties of Radio Administrator I & II.
• Highly technical role responsible for maintaining the statewide Public Safety Radio Network for stakeholders and subscribers.
• Manage databases, programming, and system performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with vendors and stakeholders to ensure network availability and peak performance.
• Oversee installation, maintenance, and repairs for trunked and conventional voice/data radio systems and supporting networks.
• Manage the Radio Network Master Site, including performance monitoring, software/hardware updates, troubleshooting, and vendor coordination for the statewide 700 MHz public safety network.
• Use diagnostic tools to isolate faults, analyze failures, and resolve performance issues.
• Address issues related to beaconing, interference, jamming, and interception affecting Ada County's radio resources.
• Conduct routine system analysis to identify trends and resolve problems.
• Handle Key Management Facility (KMF) duties, including provisioning and managing encryption keys (UKEK, TEK, CKR) and performing OTAR/OTEK commands.
• Adhere to encryption key protocols and safeguard cryptographic material.
• Develop system agreements with new agencies joining the Radio Network.

• Three years of full-time experience in maintaining, administering, and provisioning a digital trunked radio system, including troubleshooting hardware and software, or equivalent education/experience.
• Knowledge of Motorola trunked radio networks, systems, connectivity, protocols, and security.
• Experience with communication and electronic systems installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Familiarity with Federal Communications Commission regulations and licensing.
• Understanding of trunked and conventional radio communication systems and supporting networks.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting electronic and network schematics.
• Strong ability to prioritize tasks and perform duties with attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Preferred Training
  • Motorola Astro 25 IV&D Radio System Administrator Workshop
  • ASTRO 25 IV&D Radio System Administrator Workshop
  • ASTRO 25 IV&D IP Based Digital Simulcast Workshop
  • MCC 7000 Series Dispatch Consoles Workshop
  • ASTRO 25 IV&D Secure Communications Workshop
  • ASTRO 25 IV&D System Core Workshop
  • ASTRO 25 IV&D GTR 8000 Repeater Site Workshop
  • APX Radio Management Workshop
  • APX CPS Programming and Template Building

• OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Must appear before an oral board.
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check to include polygraph.
  • This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
  • The employee must be available to work variable shifts, perform overtime work, and be subject to recall to respond to requirements of the telecommunications systems, controls and equipment etc.

DISCLAIMER:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Salary : $38 - $43