Telecommunications Technician

Salary : $65,720.30 - $87,985.04 Annually Location : Flagstaff / Phoenix / Tucson, AZ Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 6321-24E-02 Division: Technical Services Division Opening Date: 04/12/2024 Summary Statement This recruitment will be used to establish an 18-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson over the life of the list. The application period may close without notice. This classification is the core of the Telecommunications Technician series and may be entered by qualified new applicants or through promotion from Telecommunications Technician Trainee. Telecommunications Technicians install and maintain various types of electronic communications systems and equipment such as VHF and UHF two-way mobile systems, microwave point-to-point systems, technical investigative equipment, etc. Telecommunications Technicians often travel statewide working irregular hours and under hazardous conditions in the performance of their duties. Performs other duties as assigned. This is a competitive classification. Please review the Exam Plan relating to the testing for this position.Must successfully complete the examination process. Written Exam - Weighted 50% Physical Assessment = Pass/Fail Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB) - Weighted 50% If you have a disability which may require an accommodation, please notify in writing prior to the test date. Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive) 1. Communicates orally and in writing with Department, other agency personnel, and vendors (e.g., to obtain and disseminate information, resolve discrepancies, respond to customer concerns, and maintain good working relationships in the course of assigned work, and to offer training to users on telecommunications equipment, etc.). 2. Installs, repairs, splices, tests, and terminates various forms of telecommunications and electrical wiring and cabling (e.g., copper, fiber, coax, etc.) to ensure proper impedance matching and connections between various pieces of electronic equipment. 3. Installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs various forms of communications equipment (e.g., analog and/or digital microwave point-to-point radios; analog and/or digital multiplex equipment to interface carrier equipment with specific local equipment; low-band, VHF, UHF, 800 MHz base station/repeater 2-way radios; site security alarm and control equipment; site grounding grids, etc.). 4. Installs and repairs antennas and wiring on communication towers, vehicles, and buildings requiring climbing and working on tower structures and poles. 5. Installs, maintains, operates and repairs technical investigative equipment (e.g., telephonic intercept, video camera, video and voice transmitting, vehicle tracking, night vision, etc.) to obtain criminal evidence and ensure the equipment is operating properly. 6. Travels to communications sites located in various cities and towns, and remote mountaintop locations located in various locations throughout the state of Arizona and all adjoining states, for the purpose of installing and maintaining communications equipment using conventional cars and trucks, 4-wheel drive trucks, towed vehicles, snow-traversing vehicles, and, where appropriate, riding in fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, in all forms of weather (e.g., extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, blizzard, heavy snowfall, icy roads, muddy roads, etc.). 7. Schedules and/or coordinates services (e.g., repairs, installations, removal of equipment, preventative maintenance, etc.). 8. Documents job-related activity (e.g., service orders showing work performed, location of equipment, time and parts used for repairs and/or modifications, weekly time sheets, travel claims, etc.). 9. Installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs radio dispatch consoles, audio voter systems, and audio logging recorders at various dispatch facilities, including some remote facilities. 10. Responds to 24-hour/day, 7 day/week emergency call-outs to perform and/or facilitate emergency equipment repairs anywhere in the statewide communications system. 11. Installs, removes, modifies, repairs, and programs various mobile, portable, and hand held pieces of communications equipment and other electronic equipment (e.g., mobile and hand held two-way radios, mobile and hand held cellular telephones, video recording equipment, mobile data terminals, pagers, sirens, lights, and public address systems, battery chargers, flashlight chargers, tape recorders, remote control robots, etc.) for D.P.S. and D.P.S. supported governmental agencies. 12. Generates hand drawings and computer generated drawings, creating site documentation (e.g., layout of equipment within a room, electrical distribution at a site, site access maps, special site considerations and needs, and microwave baseband flow drawings) 13. Acquires, purchases, and distributes electronic parts, tools, and programming aids to facilitate the installation, modification, repair and maintenance of communications and other electronic equipment, including searching for second source items, using manufacturer's manuals, supply house catalogs, and computer based on-line services, and completing requisitions, and verifying receipt of items for correctness, 14. Repairs and maintains various electronic test equipment (e.g., RF service monitors, oscilloscopes, metering panels, audio test sets, etc.) and various hand tools (e.g., drills, drill presses, power bars, other specialized equipment, etc.). 15. Cleans communications equipment and other electronic equipment which has been removed from various locations in preparation of reinstalling the equipment into a new location. 16. Tests and evaluates new telecommunications equipment to ensure that the equipment meets the parameters of state contracts and stated manufacturer's specifications. 17. Develops and conducts training of criminal investigators on the correct use of technical investigative equipment. 18. Analyzes, searches for, and eliminates sources of RF interference (e.g., intermodulation, desense, on-carrier interference, etc.). 19. Installs and troubleshoots failures on site controllers, data modems, personal computers, terminals, and printers used in data applications within the D.P.S. organization as well as other governmental agencies supported by D.P.S. 20. Provides technical assistance to other agencies to install undercover video and audio equipment. 21. Fabricates wooden and/or metal racks and/or brackets for use during the installation of communications equipment and other electronic equipment. 22. Modifies and subsequently evaluates telecommunications equipment to incorporate after-market subassemblies and other features necessary to properly interface with and to satisfy end user system requirements. 23. Cleans work areas (e.g., garages, parking areas, work benches, etc.) using brooms, mops, and other cleaning equipment. 24. Maintains and repairs computer equipment (e.g., desktop personal computers, laptop personal computers, printers, dial-up modems, etc.) and software installations (e.g., wordprocessor, database, communications, radio programming software, etc.). 25. Catalogs, maintains (e.g., adds, deletes, updates, etc.) shop technical service manuals and reference books. 26. Writes alignment procedures, recommended test methods, and general equipment documentation packets for new telecommunications equipment to support proper system level setting and equipment operation. 27. Performs inspections and cleanup at communications sites for safety issues (e.g., fire dangers, gas leaks at LP and diesel tanks, structural damage to buildings, heating and cooling equipment operation, general site cleanliness, etc.) using visual observations against previously noted conditions and adjusts conditions (e.g., clearing weeds, repairing door and/or locks, adjusting equipment, etc.) to clear safety issues. 28. Maintains and repairs remote site backup AC power systems (e.g., generators (diesel and/or propane powered), transfer panels, battery chargers, battery systems, low voltage disconnect units, etc.) including periodic services (e.g., changing oil, filters, belts, batteries, water, etc.). 29. Constructs or assembles new telecommunications equipment (e.g., experimental, prototypes, printed circuit boards, cabinets, racks, panels, etc.) to support engineering development efforts. 30. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with public utilities to install electronic investigative equipment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities RequiredKNOWLEDGE OF: the principles, applications, and physics of analog and digital electronics, microprocessors, amplifiers, antennas, transmission lines, land mobile RF, microwave, multiplexing, data circuits, and systems. electronic surveillance equipment (e.g., telephone intercept, microwave transmission, telephone systems, voice transmitters, vehicle tracking devices, video camera, night vision systems, etc.). FCC regulations pertaining to land mobile radio systems, licensing, transmission power, radiated power, modulation limits and spurious radiation. federal and state laws governing the use of oral intercept communication equipment SKILL IN: soldering techniques. working with others to accomplish tasks when required. using electronic test equipment and documentation (e.g., spectrum analyzer, service monitors, time domain reflectometers, field strength meters, digital and analog meter displays, etc.) to diagnose telecommunications equipment problems and effect repairs, or to ensure proper performance of telecommunications equipment. detecting and correcting electronic surveillance system malfunctions and failures. working independently with minimal supervision when required. following detailed oral and written instructions. oral and written communications to exchange information, explain procedures, techniques, and answer questions in a clear logical manner. the use, care and selection of appropriate hand tools. evaluating and identifying the source of the problem within a communications system with a minimum expenditure of time and resources. gathering technical information for trouble calls from non-technical personnel. installing or removing telecommunications and associated support equipment at fixed locations statewide. the repair of telecommunications and associated support equipment to the board, module, or component level. maneuvering and operating vehicles (e.g., automobiles, 4-wheel drive trucks, snow traversing vehicles, trailers, etc.) in all weather and hazardous conditions throughout the state (e.g., extreme temperatures, snow, ice, steep or narrow unimproved roads, etc.) at all times during the day and night. reading and comprehending technical shop manuals, manufacturers specifications, and troubleshooting guides used in the installation and repair of mobile communications equipment. the use of computers and various types of Dial Number Recorder (DNR) software. providing technical training to others. ABILITY TO: acquire additional skills to maintain technical and professional skills. safely move objects weighing 50 pounds. be flexible in responding to changes in schedules and job priorities. recognize and use industry standard cable color coding. prioritize work loads. evaluate situations and resolve problems. Minimum Qualifications Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of a formal electronics technology program of instruction from a recognized public or private school or Armed Forces Service school. Requires two (2) years of paid work experience within the past ten (10) years, performing system level troubleshooting and repair, down to a module or subassembly on two-way or multi-channel radio equipment (FCC Part 90, Part 101, or military equivalent); OR successful completion of the Telecommunications Technician Trainee probationary period. Must possess a valid Arizona driver license on effective starting date. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Requires technical certification (e.g.,, FCC General Radiophonic Operator's License or the equivalent, PCIA or APCO Technician Certificate, CET Journeyman Certificate with a Communications endorsement, or equivalent) OR acquisition of the FCC General Class License or the APCO Technician Certificate within six (6) months of date of hire. Failure to acquire either of these two certificates within six (6) months from the date of hire will violate probation status and be grounds for termination. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Will be required to climb communications towers while carrying all necessary equipment and tools and successfully complete work assignment Progression to the next step requires an overall performance rating of "Standard" in the last 12 months. Must successfully complete the examination process.FLSA Status: Non-exempt A summary of the Arizona Department of Public Safety Benefits is linked 01 Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent? Yes No 02 Indicate where you successfully completed instruction of a formal electronics technology program. Armed Forces Service school Private school Public school None of the above 03 List the name of the public, private and/or Armed Forces Service school(s) where you completed a formal electronics technology program. The statement 'see resume' is NOT an acceptable response. NOTE: Transcripts and/or certificates must be uploaded when submitting your application. 04 How many years of paid work experience do you have performing system level troubleshooting and repair, down to a module or subassembly on two-way or multi-channel radio equipment (FCC Part 90, Part 101, or military equivalent)? Successfully completed the Telecommunications Technician Trainee probationary period at AZ DPS Two (2) or more years Less than two (2) years None 05 List the employer or employers and dates of employment where you gained the paid work experience performing system level troubleshooting and repair, down to a module or subassembly on two-way or multi-channel radio equipment (FCC Part 90, Part 101, or military equivalent). This information should also be included in the Work Experience section of your application. The statement 'see resume' is NOT an acceptable response. 06 How recent is your experience performing system level troubleshooting and repair, down to a module or subassembly on two-way or multi-channel radio equipment (FCC Part 90, Part 101, or military equivalent)? More than 10 years Within the past 10 years Not applicable 07 Select how you meet or will meet the technical certification requirement. NOTE: If you possess the required certificates or equivalent, you must upload copies when submitting your application. FCC General Radiophonic Operator's License or the equivalent PCIA or APCO Technician Certificate, or equivalent CET Journeyman Certificate with a Communications endorsement, or advanced/equivalent Will acquire the FCC General Class License or the APCO Technician Certificate within six (6) months of date of hire. NOTE: Failure to acquire either of these two certificates within 6 months from the date of hire will violate probation status and be grounds for termination. None of the above 08 Do you acknowledge you will be required to climb communications towers while carrying all necessary equipment and tools to successfully complete work assignments? Yes No 09 Please indicate your location preference. Select all that apply; you will only be notified for vacancies in the area(s) you select. Flagstaff Phoenix Tucson 10 Do you, or will you be able to, possess a valid Arizona driver license by the starting date? Yes No 11 I have read, understand, and agree to the requirements and working conditions associated with this classification. Yes No 12 Are you legally entitled to work in the United States? Yes No 13 Have you ever been convicted of a felony or an offense which would be a felony if committed in the state of Arizona? Yes No 14 I understand if selected for a position, I will take a polygraph and answer questions regarding my past drug use among other items. Providing untruthful or misleading answers will result in disqualification. I certify the responses I provide to the following questions regarding my prior drug use will be true and accurate to the best of my recollection. Yes No 15 Have you ever sold, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana, or any other illegal drug, for sale? Yes No 16 Please select the option below which details any marijuana usage (e.g., THC extracts, cannabis, hashish, or marijuana extracts) legally or illegal within the last six (6) months. None 1 - 5 times 6 - 10 times 11 - 20 times 21 - 30 times More than 30 times 17 Please select the option below which details your Adderall or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony. None 1 - 5 times 6 - 10 times 11 - 20 times 21 - 30 times More than 30 times 18 Please select the option below which details any steroid or similar drug usage within the last three (3) years NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony. None 1 - 5 times 6 - 10 times 11 - 20 times 21 - 30 times More than 30 times 19 Indicate your usage with any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony within the last seven (7) years. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.) None 1 time 2 - 3 times 4 - 5 times 6 - 8 times more than 8 times 20 Indicate your usage with any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony since turning 21 years of age. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.) None 1 time 2 - 3 times 4 - 5 times 6 - 8 times more than 8 times 21 Indicate your usage with any dangerous drug, illegal narcotic or vaporous substance NOT prescribed by a physician for the purpose of treating a medical condition or used in a bona fide religious ceremony during your lifetime. (Does not include marijuana or heroin.) None 1 time 2 - 3 times 4 - 5 times 6 - 8 times more than 8 times 22 Please select the option below which details any heroin usage over your lifetime. None 1 - 5 times 6 - 10 times 11 - 20 times 21 - 30 times More than 30 times Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04