PRN Auxiliary Communications (AuxC) Specialist

About the role

The Auxiliary Communicator (AuxC) supports National EMR’s emergency communications capability by providing resilient, interoperable radio communications during incidents, disasters, and exercises. This role ensures continuity of operations when traditional communications systems are degraded or unavailable. AuxC personnel integrate into established incident command structures and support local, state, and national communications networks.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and operate emergency communications systems (VHF/UHF/HF voice and digital modes) in support of incident operations.
• Maintain readiness of personal and assigned communications equipment, including go-kits.
• Support development and execution of incident communications plans (ICS-205).
• Ensure all communications activities comply with FCC regulations, AUXCOMM standards, and interoperability best practices.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with Incident Command, EOCs, and partner agencies.
• Maintain current AUXCOMM qualification status and remain in good standing with AUXCOMM USA.
• Auxiliary Communication (AUXCOMM) endorsement (Position Task Book completed) and a valid FCC Amateur Radio License (Technician or higher; General preferred) required.
• Support testing and maintenance of National EMR’s AUXCOMM, SAROS, and AUCOMM capabilities.
• Provide field-expedient communications solutions in austere or degraded environments.
• Understand and adhere to the National EMR Policies and Procedures Manual, Uniform Handbook, and Operations Manual.
• Maintain personal readiness to deploy within 6–12 hours of activation, including updated availability in National EMR’s mobile application.
• Complete agency-directed training through the learning management system, including Just-In-Time (JIT) training and mission-specific modules.
• Promote a culture of safety by identifying hazards, reporting safety concerns immediately, and following established safety protocols.
• Foster a culture that encourages team members to work safely, identify potential hazards, and report safety concerns immediately to their direct chain of command.
• Maintain active status within the agency’s platforms, including learning management systems to complete training that may be directed toward self-improvement, mission-specifics, or Just-In-Time (JIT) training.
• Participate in, assist, or supervise a workforce that will conduct disaster preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives as needed.
• Be receptive and flexible to serve in any position when responding to critical circumstances which may have obstacles and/or challenges that need to be overcome.
• Be able to solve day-to-day operational issues and reach short-term performance goals.
• Support survivors and communities during disasters by being readily available to assist at a moment’s notice.

Requirements

• Maintain deployable status and the physical/mental readiness to work in emergency environments on short notice.
• Adhere to high standards of professional integrity and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and workplace expectations.
• Provide proof of valid driver’s license and driving record in good standing with no restrictions (subject to review annually).
• Successfully pass a background check and drug screening (pre-deployment or random).
• Demonstrate the ability to: Work collaboratively across disciplines and communicate effectively (verbal and written).
• Respond sensitively to diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and community needs.
• Navigate high-stress environments with sound judgment and composure.
• Operate independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team with limited supervision.
• Use Microsoft Office and communication tools (radio, satellite phone, mobile apps).
• Respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
• Maintain professional skills, including strong interpersonal and non-verbal communication.
• Perform physical activity such as extensive walking, stretching, bending, and occasionally lifting and/or exceeding 50 lbs.
• Must be capable of maintaining physical endurance and focus during extended operations (12-hour shifts, nights, weekends, holidays).
• Must be available for on-call duty and may be required to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to support emergency response and deployment operations.