Nature Of Work
An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for a broad range of duties associated with the installation, maintenance, repair, and modification of two‑way radio systems, laptop computers, GPS devices, vehicle lighting, and other electronic equipment supporting public safety operations. Working under general supervision, incumbents perform tasks of above‑average complexity that require sound technical judgment, initiative, and a high degree of independent decision‑making. Work is subject to review during its execution and upon completion through conferences, technical inspections, direct observation, and evaluation of operational results.
Examples of Duties
Installs, maintains, services, and repairs municipal communication systems, including fixed and mobile base stations, bi‑directional amplifier (BDA) devices, antennas, mobile and portable radios, GPS units, laptops, and related public‑safety electronic equipment.
Performs software installation and configuration; services vehicle electrical systems, emergency lighting, 700/800 MHz trunking systems, and P25 digital communication systems.
Inspects, tests, and prepares equipment to ensure operational readiness; loads and unloads heavy equipment and supply items; operates light automotive equipment in the performance of assigned duties.
Works at remote sites as required and participates in a rotating on‑call schedule, providing 24‑hour operational support for one week during each seven‑week cycle.
Completes daily time and activity reports; enters detailed information into a computerized work‑management system, emphasizing accurate tracking of time, parts, property, and costs.
Documents technical processes and procedures; collaborates with coworkers and shares acquired knowledge to support organizational continuity and effectiveness.
Operates radio equipment within a live, active operational environment using established and approved communication protocols.
Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong knowledge of: RF and public‑safety radio systems (LMR, L3Harris, Motorola, Tait); RF transmitters, power supplies, and components (microwave, antenna networks); IT systems (Microsoft Server, Active Directory, VMware, TCP/IP); dispatch technologies; and core electronic/electrical theory and maintenance.
Working knowledge of: RF systems, measurements, and test equipment; software and tools used in radio testing/repair; safety protocols; MS Office; and hands‑on experience with analog and digital VHF/UHF systems.
Ability to: Operate electronic test equipment (DMMs, oscilloscopes, network/spectrum analyzers, VNAs, power supplies, DAQs); troubleshoot RF, microwave, dispatch, network, and IT systems; install and commission radio site equipment (racks, grounding, etc.); maintain and repair LMR infrastructure; interpret plans and schematics; prepare clear reports; follow instructions; work effectively with others; perform physically demanding tasks; and operate a vehicle.
Skilled in: Configuring, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting communications systems; diagnosing electrical/electronic issues; and proper use of repair tools, computer hardware, software, and basic networking.
Physical Requirements
Work is performed primarily indoors in a mostly sedentary environment and requires prolonged periods of computer use, including typing and viewing a monitor.
Requires the ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing approximately 20–40 pounds.
Duties may involve occasional travel to remote sites and exposure to typical field conditions associated with public safety communications infrastructure.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school; completion of two years of college‑level coursework preferred; in electronics, radio technology, computer science, or a closely related field is preferred. Three (3) years of experience in electronics work, trouble shooting circuit board to component level; reading electronic device schematics and soldering is required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Licenses or Certifications
Possession of a General Radiotelephone Operator’s license issued by the (FCC) Federal Communications Commission or certification by NABER (National Association of Business and Educational Radio) or APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials).
Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.
CompTIA A+ or similar certification preferred.
Examination
Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.
Comments
Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees will be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.
