Communications Technician

Full job description DESCRIPTION This classification is scheduled to receive the following Base Salary Adjustments:
2.75% effective May 2, 2025
2.54% effective May 1, 2026

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently accepting applications to fill two (2) vacancies for the position of Communications Technician in the Communications Division of the Logistics Department. This recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.

CLASS SUMMARY: Incumbents are responsible for installing, programming, servicing, and repairing a wide variety of communication equipment in emergency apparatus. This would include the following: radio receivers, vehicular intercoms, mobile data computers, public address systems, cell phones, video equipment, vehicle electrical systems, and monitoring devices.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Communications Technician is the third level in a five level communications technical series. The Communications Technician is distinguished from the Communications Installer II by its responsibility for troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing radio and communications equipment. The Communications Technician is distinguished from the Senior Communications Technician, which has lead responsibilities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These duties are intended to be representative sample of the duties performed by the class.) Troubleshoot, analyze, program and repair mobile radio equipment, mobile data terminals, intercom systems, and deficient vehicle wiring for communications equipment at field site locations. Plans, installs, and modifies mobile and stationary communications equipment, which includes: fabricating mounts, laying out equipment, routing cables, and placing and tuning antennas. Prepares and reviews work orders; enters work order information into a database. Monitors, tracks, and updates equipment inventory. Provides end-user support and training on equipment use and operations. Designs and fabricates communication equipment mounts and brackets. Assists with the installation and repair of telephonic equipment, and station alarms and alerting systems. Interfaces with outside vendors and industry specialists in planning and installations of communication equipment. Coordinates the availability of inventory or essential parts and provides specifications for tools used in repairs and installations. Verifies applicable vendor invoices. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

EDUCATION (position requirements at entry): High School Diploma, or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
EXPERIENCE (position requirements at entry): Two (2) years of related radio and electronic communications experience, including installation experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS (position requirements at entry): Possession of valid Class C California driver's license at time of appointment. This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbent's Driver License record and status.
HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS ( All related experience must be detailed in your application) : In-depth knowledge of communication parts and equipment used in installations Experience identifying parts from a wiring schematic and assembling the proper vehicle installation kits Experience ordering, receiving and inspecting parts and supplies against invoices to ensure correct pricing, quantity, and quality Experience storing, monitoring, tracking, and updating equipment inventory Experience interfacing with vendors and industry specialists Possession of a valid California Commercial Class B Driver License, with air brake, manual transmission, and tanker endorsements, is desirable. When the incumbent possess a valid, unrestricted California Commercial Class B Driver License, the incumbent is subject to the provisions of the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, which includes DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing while employed in this classification. General Radio Operator's License (GROL) is desirable. KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry): Knowledge of:
Basic electronics theory, operations, and wiring DC theory and automotive electrical Basic radio frequency theory Communications equipment design and mounting techniques Applicable hand and power tools of the trade Data entry techniques Alarm systems Basic telephone systems Applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, rules, protocols, and policies
SKILLS (position requirements at entry): Skill in:
Using a computer and applicable software applications Using applicable hand and power tools Maintaining records Entering information into a database Designing and fabricating communication equipment mounts Installing mobile and fixed communication equipment Preparing work orders Interpreting manufacturer user guides Troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing radio and communications equipment Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction Read, write and interpret instructions in technical manuals SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Last day to apply: Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 11:59PM
Oral Interviews: Week of June 24, 2024
Selection Interviews: TBD
Expected Hire date: TBD

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, driving, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and travel.

NOTE: The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

PRE-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: Before an employee is hired, he/she must successfully complete pre-employment requirements including, but not limited to: fingerprinting and background check, reference check, DMV check, licensure/certification check, Oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California, and proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFA's designated physician.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: When the recruitment opens for this position, an applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire. Online resumes and other unsolicited materials may be attached, but will not be considered in lieu of the required online application, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement. The OCFA reserves the right to limit the number of online applications when necessary. Applicants are responsible for maintaining/updating their contact information through the online application system.

SELECTION PROCEDURES: INITIAL SELECTION REVIEW: The Human Resources Department reviews all initial application materials to identify qualified applicants. Applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be invited to the first phase of the recruitment process. The OCFA reserves the right to refer only the better qualified applicants if the number of applicants is high. If the number of applicants is high, the review process may include a secondary screening (by a panel of job knowledge experts) of the applications and/or supplemental questionnaires in which the better qualified applicants are referred to the next phase of the recruitment process. Because recruitment processes vary, applicants are advised to thoroughly review the job announcement before submitting their online application materials.

TESTING: Testing for this position or any other position may include, but is not limited to the following: written exam, practical exam, panel interview, physical ability test, assessment center, oral presentation, project assignment, etc. If a revision is made to a testing component during a recruitment process, the assigned recruiter will notify by email all affected applicants.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst I, at or at least 72 hours prior to any portion of the examination process.

RECRUITMENT/SELECTION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS: All recruitment/selection process and requirements will be held in accordance with the OCFA's Selection Rules, which are available for inspection upon request.

ELIGIBLE LIST: The duration of an Eligible List is one (1) year, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement.

WITHDRAWING FROM RECRUITMENT PROCESS: If an applicant chooses to withdraw from a recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst I, at requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.

QUESTIONS: All questions regarding this position should be directed Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst I, at or .

NOTE: The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.