I.T. COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Primarily responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of all City of Hobbs radio communications equipment, including trunked radio systems, conventional radio systems, mobile radios, base radios, portables, control/dispatch consoles, and related equipment. Respond to emergencies as necessary. 

• Operates radio and system manager software and maintains equipment database. 
• Changes groups, tones and frequencies as needed.   
• Develop, program and maintain all Kenwood and Harris radios. Maintains the radio user database.  
• Maintains control equipment for the wide area network (WAN) containing the trunked radio system.  
• Install, maintain and repair the City’s FM radio station – KHBX.
• Maintains emergency radio communications interoperability equipment at numerous locations.  
• Modifies, repairs and maintains City’s microwave radio system: analog and digital radios, frequency/time division multiplexing, antennas, towers, and related equipment.  
• Repairs and maintains outdoor emergency alert systems.     
• Troubleshoots communications system malfunctions. Performs on-site repairs as needed. 
• Inspects and repairs equipment and wiring, identifies and resolves issues relating to hardware and distribution connections.  
• Receives and responds to requests for service of electronic equipment for all departments. Maintains repair records.
• Maintains radio inventory and maintenance supplies for all communications equipment. 
• Maintains and applies for FCC radio frequency licenses. 
• Conducts frequency tests of transmitting equipment to assure FCC regulation compliance.   
• Responsible for maintaining current technical knowledge of radio technology and regulatory impacts of FCC rule changes.  
• Responsible for audio/visual equipment and management software related to livestreaming functionality. Maintains voting software and systems for commission meetings. 
• May serve on various employee committees, as required and assigned.
• The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  
• The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited two (2) year college with a degree in Computer Science or a closely related field focused on electronics or electrical technology and two (2) years of experience in the communications field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with public safety radio systems preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of P25 trunked radio systems.
• Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations pertaining to applicable communications systems. 

• Knowledge of electronic test equipment and other specialized devices used in the repair, installation and maintenance of communications systems.
• Knowledge of microwave systems and radio programming software.
• Knowledge of current technical aspects of communications field.
• Knowledge of audio/visual equipment and software.
• Ability to install, maintain, and repair a variety of communications and related equipment.

• Ability to learn computer information systems.
• Ability to work at heights greater than 10 feet, from antenna towers, platforms, or trucks when needed.

• Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to work schedule. 
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.  
• Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City personnel, outside technical support agencies, vendors, and general public.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid state issued driver’s license.

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. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear, and reach with hands and arms from a standing position.  The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, kneel and use hands and fingers to handle feel or operate objects.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is frequently required to climb ladders, work from man lifts, and work at heights eight feet or greater.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee frequently works in high, precarious places and is exposed to risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, occasionally moderate.

Salary : $29 - $33