Communication Technician
Job description
Pierce Transit is recruiting for an innovative and technically proficient Communication Technician to join the Radio Program in Lakewood.
Under direction from the Communications Systems Assistant Manager or the Lead Communication Technician, this classification applies knowledge of electronic theory and practice to assist in the installation, removal, and maintenance of fixed-station and complex mobile communication equipment.
Work is typically performed either at a central shop or at remote communication sites located throughout Pierce County. This journey-level technician classification receives project and program direction from leadership when working on technically complex equipment and will work increasingly more independent as they become more proficient.
BENEFITS:
At Pierce Transit, our employees’ health is important to us too!
That’s why we offer two on-site gyms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.
If your career goals change while you’re employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a position at Pierce Transit.
All of Pierce Transit are required to participate in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, PERS2 and PERS3, as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation.
Pierce Transit provides an ORCA Card benefit for each employee and a family member. This benefit provides free access to service on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Seattle Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Foot Ferry.
Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare.
PAID LEAVE:
Full-time Pierce Transit employees are eligible to receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 12 vacation days per year. Part-time employees, receive pro-rated leave, to include sick leave, vacation, personal holiday and holiday pay. Vacation leave accrual rates increase per the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties:
Performs initial tests on new equipment to determine compliance with purchase specifications; transports equipment to required location.- Assists in the installation and removal of mobile and fixed-station equipment; assembles, installs, and relocates various accessories, control consoles, base stations, mobile radio units, building and vehicular cabling and antennas.
- Makes adjustments to equipment as necessary ensuring that the communications equipment functions properly.
- Performs tests necessary to ensure that equipment and system meet all established goals, objectives and is in compliance with any applicable Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations using complex integrated test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, transmission impairment measurement sets, selective level meters, digital communications protocol analyzer, frequency counters, oscilloscopes, and miscellaneous other electronic test equipment).
- Performs installations and removals, preventive maintenance on mobile and fixed components; repairs on various electronic devices such as artificial vision technology (PASS), mobile cameras and recording systems, security systems, access points, Wi-Fi systems, automatic passenger counters, intelligent fare collection systems (Genfare), Smart Card (Ng ORCA), destination signs, automated vehicle announcement systems, etc.; and maintains serviceability and compliance with all warranty programs.
- Replaces or repairs defective equipment; diagnoses, repairs, and performs tests at the circuit board level to determine the cause of failure; periodically tests the system or equipment to ensure continued integrity of operation and compliance with OEM equipment specifications and FCC Rules and Regulations.
- Communicates with equipment users from other departments within Pierce Transit and with private communication companies to identify and clarify equipment malfunctions and to coordinate repair activities.
- As directed, provides training to others.
- Performs scheduled preventative maintenance schedules on mobile and fixed communications and related components to maintain OEM best engineering practices and any warranty program requirements.
- Inspects new electronic systems installed by contractors.
- Reviews completed work orders, worksheets, and inspection forms for accuracy.
- Maintains ability to operate all job-related vehicles.
- Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly work area.
- Maintains regular and predicable attendance.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Completion of a two (2) year degree in Electronic, Electrical, or Computer Engineering; OR
- A certified Armed Forces technical training; AND
- Two (2) years’ experience in communication technology; OR
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the position.
- ETA Fiber Optics Installer certification and experience
- ETA Distributed Antenna System certification and experience
- ETA Broadband Voice Over Internet Protocol certification and experience
- CCENT certification and experience
- Intelligent Transportation Systems (mobile and IoT Solutions) certification and experience
- Cisco Routing and Switching certification and experience
- Computer programming experience
Licensing, Certifications, & Other Requirements
- General FCC radio/telephone operator's license (GROL) or equivalent within the first year of employment with maintenance thereafter.
- Must possess a valid Washington State driver license at time of application, with maintenance thereafter. Must obtain a Class B Commercial License Permit (CLP) prior to hire and successfully obtain a Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with air brake and passenger endorsement within ninety (90) days of hire, with maintenance thereafter. Must maintain acceptable driving record throughout employment.
- Clearance is required prior to accessing Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Employees in this classification are subject to recurring background checks conducted by JBLM.
- This job is considered safety sensitive, covered by the Agency’s drug and alcohol program and subject to testing according to federal regulations and Pierce Transit Policy.
- Must pass a criminal justice information services (CJIS) security background check.
- Must possess basic hand tools including electrical testing equipment and hand-held electronic devices.
Knowledge of and skill in applying:
- Basic solid state electronic theory, diagnostic, and repair techniques.
- Basic digital logic theory and application.
- Basic antenna, transmission line and propagation theory.
- Basic mathematics as applied to electronics
- Basic FCC Rules and Regulations pertaining to Public Safety Radio Services, microwave radio services, data communications, and telephone systems.
- Use of a variety of power/manual tools, and equipment standard to the electrical and mechanical trades.
- Read and interpret electronic schematic diagrams; use of electronic hand tools and soldering techniques.
- Work with individuals or small work groups with diverse personalities and backgrounds.
- Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
- Work as a team with other employees in a directed work team environment; read and follow wiring schematics.
- Operate communications equipment in accordance with FCC rules and regulations.
- Work in all working conditions; pass CJIS federally required drug and alcohol testing.
- Drive all job related vehicles and maintain Washington State driver license and CDL, as required.
- Plan and organize work activity to meet departmental objective; Learn operating system language as required.
Physical Requirements:
- Requires climbing, standing, bending and lifting heavy objects and working in confined and enclosed spaces.
- Must have the ability to perform the essential functions as described above including the ability to maneuver objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.s.
Working Conditions:
- Must be willing to work any shift (assignment to swing shift, graveyard and/or weekends likely).
- Subject to exposure to fumes, dust and high levels of vibration.
- Subject to exposure to high noise levels requiring ear protection.
- Subject to working near moving parts of heavy machinery and high voltage equipment where the use of appropriate protective/safety equipment is required.
- Subject to working at heights and in adverse weather conditions.
- Work includes indoor and outdoor environment.
Representation:
Education Requirements
Any required education must come from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U S Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or foreign equivalent.
Application Instructions
To be considered for this vacancy you must apply online:
The online application must include a chronological work and/or education history covering ten years.- Applicants must also attach a cover letter stating how they meet the qualifications for the position in order to be considered.
- At least 3 professional references to include a recent or current supervisor with names, email addresses and current phone numbers.
READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMPLETELY:
- Carefully review your application for accuracy, spelling and grammar before submitting.
- Please ensure that your work history has been updated to include employment end dates as applicable.
- The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the information provided in the supplemental questions and the content and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application at www.piercetransit/careers/.
- A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
- All information may be verified and documentation may be required.
For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact Pierce Transit Employee Services @ 253-581-8095 or jobs@piercetransit.org
If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.
Pierce Transit Is An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Pierce Transit has a strong commitment to the community we serve and our employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.
Pierce Transit's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation
Paid Leave[1]:
Full-time Pierce Transit employees are eligible to receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 12 vacation days per year. Part-time employees, receive pro-rated leave, to include sick leave, vacation, personal holiday and holiday pay. Vacation leave accrual rates increase per the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Insurance Plans:
Pierce Transit employees and their dependents (including domestic partners) may elect a medical (includes vision) and dental plan. Medical and dental benefits begin the first day of the month following date of hire. Public Safety Officers are not a part of the dental plan and may elect dental coverage through their Union. Employees may also participate in a flexible spending account for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Basic life insurance as well as AD&D insurance coverage is provided by the employer at no cost to the employee. Employees may elect to purchase additional coverage. Additionally, long-term disability insurance is provided by the employer at no cost to the employee in the event an employee cannot work due to a covered illness or injury (some limitations apply).
Retirement Plan:
All employees of Pierce Transit are required to participate in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare.
For those eligible employees who were previous members of the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (TERS), continuation of participation in that system may be permitted. Those employees will be required to contribute to the Social Security System and Medicare.
Deferred Compensation Plan:
Employees are eligible to participate in a 457 savings plan with an employer match of up to 4.25% of annual compensation with increases as years of service are met.
Hours of Work:
Most Pierce Transit employees have a 40-hour workweek; however, positions may require shift work, overtime, and weekend work.
Probationary Period:
All regular employees are subject to successful completion of a probationary period of 1,040 hours, unless the position is listed as "at-will" (i.e. Transit Operator Trainee).
Public Safety Officers are subject to successful complete of a nine (9) month probationary period.
Union Affiliation:
This job classification is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Employee Wellness Program:
Pierce Transit offers a robust Employee Wellness Program to assist employees in developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Incentives may be available for successful completion of Wellness activities. Additionally, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available at no cost to the employee.
Tuition Reimbursement:
Pierce Transit offers reimbursement of tuition costs for successful completion of pre-approved courses once the employee has completed probation.
Student debt and how working for Pierce Transit can help
Employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program, which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service for more details.
[1] See applicable collective bargaining agreement for more information on eligibility for paid holidays and leave.
blackflymedia.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, blackflymedia.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, blackflymedia.com is the ideal place to find your next job.