Radio Contractor

Position Summary

This position provides specialized technical and comprehensive support, consultation, and training services for Department staff on P25 digital trunking radio systems. The primary responsibility and expertise are to support, configure, maintain, and install radio systems and the encompassing technologies.

Goals And Work Activities

• Analysis and review to ensure compliance for new and existing radio systems
• Analyze performance data related to radio systems with the development of techniques to optimize the use of radio resources
• Assist and advise institutions and centers on providing the necessary data to account for their radio communications needs for the upcoming biennium and provide recommendations on improvements to their plans and implementation strategies
• Aid in the development of department radio communications planning for the better use of existing services and consideration of new services and technologies
• Aid in standardizing operating procedures for all institutions and centers to follow, including a Communications Plan, Security Internal Management Procedures (SIMPs), policies and procedures as required by Security and Internal management, and establishing disaster recovery plans and services
• Aid in securing and administering FCC radio frequency licenses including filing applications with the FCC on a timely basis, with necessary input from the installation vendors, to ensure that the systems can be operational when needed
• Aid in maintaining Tower Licenses and FAA approval for towers located near airports
• Coordinate with outside agencies the analysis of frequency use for Mutual Aide and Emergency response
• Aid in developing Memorandums of Understanding for authorized use of such frequencies or written authorization to apply for licenses for said use when appropriate
• Attend Emergency Response meetings and apply findings to radio systems
• Partner with vendors to build relationships, analyze processes and technology to ensure system aligns with industry standards in all areas of radio technology, including but not limited to, network, PC & cabling standards
• Aid in developing and installing radio communications systems for the department on a state-wide basis
• Aid in the installation and implementation of all new services and systems with the involved vendors, contractors, architects, engineers, departmental users and other agencies, ensuring that installations meet all client and state standards
• Aid in implementing and ensuring quality control of Fleet Map identification of all radios, talk groups available and identification of which radios have access to specific talk groups
• Aid in maintaining inventory & databases reflecting the Fleet Map and inventory of all radio equipment
• Maintain drawings of connectivity & key hardware items with regards to the radio systems
• Maintain inventory of all Code Plugs (electronic file that contains features and programming for a specific radio) for programmable radio in the fleet
• Conduct periodic onsite analysis of radio programming of fleet radios and compare to code plug date on file to assure standardization and reliability
• Aid configuring networking equipment to include switches and other network apparatus used in radio systems and connectivity to existing state networks
• Aid in installing, configuring and backing up workstations used in any IT-integrated facility-based radio systems
• Aid with on-site radio asset management
• Aid with the scheduling, planning and implementation of site surveys to review existing radio communication systems and services aimed at identifying problems and needs for recommending changes either in current operations, for budgetary purposes or to effectively communicate in emergency situations
• Aid as point of contact for emergency back-up resources in event of a systems failure
• Aid in analyzing and evaluating all institution and center's Communication Trunking System, a computerized frequency management system that handles multiple frequencies
• Aid in maintaining consistent talk groups within the department
• Provision of consultation and technical assistance for all radio communications systems and equipment, department-wide
• Maintain a working knowledge of radio communications systems, services, and equipment to provide consulting service and recommendations to all department users and facilities
• Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with other industry professionals, vendors, equipment manufacturers and service providers to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies
• Aid with studies (feasibility studies, cost benefit analysis etc.) on radio systems, equipment and services for divisional and departmental budget planning
• Respond to requests for information and advice by providing technical expertise on radio communication operations, services and equipment
• Aid in preparing formal project reports, respond to questionnaires and surveys as assigned or requested and present progress to management, key stakeholders
• Act as liaison between department users and vendor/service providers in all areas of radio communications
• Aid in providing standards and other guidance material to assist institutions and offices of the department in establishing disaster recovery plans and services
• Communicate and assist Purchasing agent in the development of Request for Purchase for radio equipment and systems
• Maintain liaison with other agencies to share information on common problems and to take advantage of available expertise
• Train Institution staff on Radio Systems
• Direct and in some cases develop the training plans and supervise the delivery of training to departmental employees on the use of radio communications equipment and services to assure consistency to all institutions and centers

Professional Development And Other Duties

• Attend appropriate training, conferences, seminars and read technical publications to maintain a high level of expertise concerning radio communication technologies
• Follow industry publications and other sources to stay abreast of industry changes and new directions within this industry
• Attend product demonstrations to become familiar with new hardware and software developments
• Share technical skills and knowledge with other staff
• Provide backup support to the FIIT group
• Provide and coordinate for the providing of training assistance for maintenance technicians