State of Washington Classified Job Specification
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS TECH 4
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS TECH 4
Class Code: 195I
Category: Information Services
Class Series Concept
See Wireless Communications Systems Technician 1.
Definition
Supervises wireless communications systems technician(s) and/or serves as a technical expert in wireless systems infrastructure and connectivity.
Distinguishing Characteristics
As a supervisor, positions supervise lower-level wireless systems technicians performing maintenance, installations, repair, programming and configuration of wireless communication systems infrastructure and connectivity.
As a technical expert, applies expert level knowledge in resolving the most complex issues in wireless communications, Internet Protocol based Land Mobile Radio systems, Microwave systems, Networking systems, connectivity, and support equipment.
As a technical expert, applies expert level knowledge in resolving the most complex issues in wireless communications, Internet Protocol based Land Mobile Radio systems, Microwave systems, Networking systems, connectivity, and support equipment.
Typical Work
Coordinates with agency staff on projects, progress and needs of the wireless communications systems;
Supervises staff to ensure wireless communications systems operate within local, state and federal regulations;
Supervises installation and configuration of wireless communications systems consisting of IP based P25 700Mhz/800Mhz, Very High Frequency, Ultra High Frequency, digital trunked communications equipment, conventional communications equipment, network routers and switches, communications dispatch console computers; interoperable gateways; Network Switching equipment, including virtual machines, and wireless system network manager. Manages and maintains the LMR Active Directory and Usage Accounting Systems;
Plans and schedules the installation, maintenance, repairs, and programing of P25 700MHz/800Mhz, VHF, UHF, digital trunked, conventional communications repeaters, base, and control stations, including usage accounting and remote management, as well as control and interconnect systems (e.g., fiber optic, Multiplex, digital microwave) for use by agency communications systems users;
Provides technical guidance for installations, maintenance, repairs, and programing of P25 digital, trunking and conventional portable and mobile radios used by agencies communications systems users;
Supervises or directs others in the installation and repair of digital microwave systems operating on licensed and unlicensed frequencies within the agency;
Serves as the point of contact and manages services for conventional radio control stations and base stations for other government entities, VHF mobiles, and VHF portables;
Approves programs for base stations, mobiles, portables, consoles, and other digital based electronic devices using a PC based programmer and radio fleet management system;
Schedules standby rotation and provides notifications for emergency repairs;
Manages and assists in the development of interoperability solutions and equipment providing interoperability with other State and local partners; manages radio sites with regard to interference, compatibility, maintenance, and coordination with other site users;
Assists in scheduling staff workloads, considering emergencies, priorities, and travel distance;
May climb and maneuver towers and performs work at elevated heights at or above 300 feet over land or water;
Coordinates and determines priorities with regional staff for project deployment and field activities;
Approves timesheets, develops schedules, approves call out and overtime and determines staff training needs;
Manages and maintains maintenance, purchasing, and inventory records;
Works with the Wireless Systems Manager on project budgets, scheduling, and project delivery, ensuring appropriate staffing for the delivery of projects;
Manages project budgets and regional staff to ensure projects remain on schedule and within scope. Assists regional staff when necessary for project delivery;
Develops a live inventory of coordinated IP lists and network programming parameters for equipment installed on the Wireless communications network;
Establishes and maintains records, fleet maps, and unique identifier tables in database;
Approves work orders; provides input for invoicing; maintains parts accountability forms and records; and assists in inventory of parts and equipment;
Performs site hazardous assessments and monitors RF levels at tower sites per federal, state, and local requirements;
Purchases repair parts from vendors and maintains receipts and invoices;
Prepares reports and forms, compiles, and prepares statistical analysis for the development of efficient communications systems;
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervises staff to ensure wireless communications systems operate within local, state and federal regulations;
Supervises installation and configuration of wireless communications systems consisting of IP based P25 700Mhz/800Mhz, Very High Frequency, Ultra High Frequency, digital trunked communications equipment, conventional communications equipment, network routers and switches, communications dispatch console computers; interoperable gateways; Network Switching equipment, including virtual machines, and wireless system network manager. Manages and maintains the LMR Active Directory and Usage Accounting Systems;
Plans and schedules the installation, maintenance, repairs, and programing of P25 700MHz/800Mhz, VHF, UHF, digital trunked, conventional communications repeaters, base, and control stations, including usage accounting and remote management, as well as control and interconnect systems (e.g., fiber optic, Multiplex, digital microwave) for use by agency communications systems users;
Provides technical guidance for installations, maintenance, repairs, and programing of P25 digital, trunking and conventional portable and mobile radios used by agencies communications systems users;
Supervises or directs others in the installation and repair of digital microwave systems operating on licensed and unlicensed frequencies within the agency;
Serves as the point of contact and manages services for conventional radio control stations and base stations for other government entities, VHF mobiles, and VHF portables;
Approves programs for base stations, mobiles, portables, consoles, and other digital based electronic devices using a PC based programmer and radio fleet management system;
Schedules standby rotation and provides notifications for emergency repairs;
Manages and assists in the development of interoperability solutions and equipment providing interoperability with other State and local partners; manages radio sites with regard to interference, compatibility, maintenance, and coordination with other site users;
Assists in scheduling staff workloads, considering emergencies, priorities, and travel distance;
May climb and maneuver towers and performs work at elevated heights at or above 300 feet over land or water;
Coordinates and determines priorities with regional staff for project deployment and field activities;
Approves timesheets, develops schedules, approves call out and overtime and determines staff training needs;
Manages and maintains maintenance, purchasing, and inventory records;
Works with the Wireless Systems Manager on project budgets, scheduling, and project delivery, ensuring appropriate staffing for the delivery of projects;
Manages project budgets and regional staff to ensure projects remain on schedule and within scope. Assists regional staff when necessary for project delivery;
Develops a live inventory of coordinated IP lists and network programming parameters for equipment installed on the Wireless communications network;
Establishes and maintains records, fleet maps, and unique identifier tables in database;
Approves work orders; provides input for invoicing; maintains parts accountability forms and records; and assists in inventory of parts and equipment;
Performs site hazardous assessments and monitors RF levels at tower sites per federal, state, and local requirements;
Purchases repair parts from vendors and maintains receipts and invoices;
Prepares reports and forms, compiles, and prepares statistical analysis for the development of efficient communications systems;
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: operating and technical principles of conventional or P25 wireless communications systems, P25 mobile and portables, microwave systems, and/or IP networking systems. The use of electronic and IP test equipment associated with the wireless communications industry.
Ability to: supervise and direct others; manage to agency standards P25 wireless communication systems, P25 mobile and portables, and microwave systems,; apply FCC and industry standards and procedures, read and comprehend technical manuals and drawings to effectively manage, the maintenance, repair, and operation of wireless communications systems.
Ability to: supervise and direct others; manage to agency standards P25 wireless communication systems, P25 mobile and portables, and microwave systems,; apply FCC and industry standards and procedures, read and comprehend technical manuals and drawings to effectively manage, the maintenance, repair, and operation of wireless communications systems.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification such as a valid General Radiotelephone Operator License issued by the Federal Communications Commission. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
Three years of experience as a Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3, OR completion of equivalent formal training in networking, project management, or wireless communications systems, or radio frequency theory.
Four years of experience in the supervision or management of maintenance, repair, and programming of conventional or P25 wireless communications systems, P25 mobile and portables, microwave systems, or IP networking systems.
Additional experience and/or technical training in P25 wireless communications systems, P25 mobile and portables, microwave systems, or IP networking systems may be substituted for educational requirements on a year-for-year basis.
Equivalent education/experience.
AND
Four years of experience in the supervision or management of maintenance, repair, and programming of conventional or P25 wireless communications systems, P25 mobile and portables, microwave systems, or IP networking systems.
Additional experience and/or technical training in P25 wireless communications systems, P25 mobile and portables, microwave systems, or IP networking systems may be substituted for educational requirements on a year-for-year basis.
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
New job class established; range 67E; adopted June 23, 2025; effective July 1, 2025.