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SLC Senior Communications Technician

Salt Lake City Corporation
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Thank you for your interest in the position of Senior Communications Technician for the Salt Lake City Fire Department. The Fire Department is one of the best organizations to work for, because its sole mission is to help people during emergency situations. If selected for this position, you will be directly involved with this objective.

About the Position:

As one of the primary emergency response agencies in local government, Salt Lake City Fire requires optimal reliability and uptime for communications during incidents and routine operations.  The Senior Communications Technician is the lead for ensuring radio, alerting, and other critical information technology systems work well when needed. 

The position is responsible for mobile device information technology, including programming radios, wireless networking, and the configuration of devices used for firefighter emergency alerts.  Additionally, the position is lead on the installation, maintenance, and repair of the fire station notification system.   An understanding of general information technology, radio system operations, and low-voltage in-building communication systems is desired.  Applicants should not be concerned if they lack experience in one of these areas – on the job training will be provided to supplement their skillset. 

The successful applicant will be heavily involved in the inspection and permitting of emergency response radio repeater communication systems (also known as BDA/DAS systems) installed public spaces throughout the community.  Additionally, they will be expected to gain familiarity with core competencies of the Fire Technology Division, including inventory systems, access control, and basic troubleshooting of department IT hardware.

Candidates with an associate's degree in computer science (or a closely related field) and two (2) years of experience in radio and mobile data systems or low voltage electronics (or an equivalent of education and experience) are encouraged to apply! Read more about the minimum requirements for this position below. Additionally, candidates will possess a general class FCC radio/telephone license or radio electronic industry certification.

This is a full-time position working during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Application Process:

This position will remain open until filled; however, it may close at any time without notice. Early application submittal is encouraged. Interested candidates must complete an online application at: https://slcgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/SLC/job/Public-Safety-Building/Senior-Communications-Technician---Public-Safety_JR4086 in order to be considered. 

Position Salary Range:

Grade N27 - $29.99/hr. - $51.89/hr.

The market rate for this position is $40.94/hr.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

  • New hires earn 13 days of paid holidays each year, 12 days of paid vacation, plus paid personal leave!
  • UTA bus pass
  • Competitive benefits package – The City will pay 95% of premiums for health insurance – Learn more about our benefits here: https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/
  • Pension, 401(k), Hybrid, and Roth and Traditional IRA Retirement Plan options through URS
  • Employee Medical Clinic - Discounted rates for employees and families
  • SLC Wellness 360 – Covered employees, spouses, and adult designees can earn up to $150 each per year, paid in the form of a gift card
  • ComPsych Program – Up to 15 free counseling sessions per event per family member
  • Tuition Reimbursement – Up to $4,000 reimbursed each year
  • Parental Leave – Up to 6 weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption, or foster care
  • Short Term Disability – Up to 12 weeks of pay based on length of service

Key Responsibilities:

  • Creates software packages to program and test all portable and mobile radios using laptop or desktop computers and specialized software. Handles equipment repairs directly or coordinates factory-level maintenance when necessary. Additionally, the role involves installing, maintaining, and repairing critical communication systems in vehicles and apparatus.
  • Oversees, administers, manages, and supports software and computer systems critical to the department's operations, ensuring their functionality, reliability, and continuous improvement.
  • Acts as the department’s radio communications and mobile device administrator, coordinating with vendors and employees to facilitate the repair and replacement of radios and other electronic devices while recommending the most cost-effective solutions.
  • Serves as the decision-maker for granting permits for Single Event BDA/DAS installation or BDA/DAS exemption permits in all new construction and remodeled buildings throughout Salt Lake County, using the Accela automation system.
  • Operates advanced test equipment to conduct routine, preventative, and emergency maintenance on all radio equipment used by public safety departments. This includes portable and mobile radios, radio network controllers, radio consoles, radio site base station equipment, and microwave systems.
  • Assesses technology requirements and provides strategic recommendations to department leadership.
  • Reviews data, recommends improvements, and implements software updates and configurations for computer systems and mobile devices.
  • Ensure effective management of assets and inventory, while handling service requests efficiently.
  • Acts as the lead technician and inspector, supervising Communication Technicians, contractors, and subcontractors during complex system installations at the public safety building, new constructions, or remodeled facilities.
  • Responds to emergency call-back or urgent situations involving radio communication systems.  Troubleshoots and resolves problems.
  • Designs diagrams, delivers training sessions, and produces instructional videos to assist city personnel in using radio communications software.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Associate degree in computer science or closely related field plus two years of experience in radio and mobile data systems or low voltage electronics. Education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Ability to follow oral and written instructions, including technical information.
  • Ability to read, interpret and update flowcharts, circuit diagrams and equipment operation and maintenance manuals.
  • Ability to keep records and prepare reports using windows office suite.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good communications with other department, vendors, consulting engineers and contractors for sound working conditions.
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card.
  • Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Possession of general class FCC radio/telephone license.
  • Knowledge of Analog or Digital radio system operations.
  • Experience in a Public Safety environment.
  • IT Certification, such as COMP TIA or comparable.

Working Conditions:

  • Moderately heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift medium to heavy level weights. Moderate exposure to disagreeable elements, such as heat, cold, fumes, noise, high voltage, RF exposure and some exposures to heights.
  • Intense mental concentration required under sometimes stressful conditions.
  • Intermittent exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior.
  • May be required to work odd hours, including on-call, evening, nights and weekends. Rotational standby is required.

Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check in accordance with City and department policy and applicable law.  Criminal offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and do not automatically disqualify a candidate from City employment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. 

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.