Career Opportunity

Senior Communications Systems Technician - Department of Technology (7368)

Recruitment: RTF0131906-01107972

Published: September 13, 2023

Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal.

About:

Why Work for the Department of Technology (DT)? DT is the centralized technology services provider in the City and County of San Francisco (CCSF). We deliver technology infrastructure and services to approximately 33,000 employees! With an annual operating budget of over $140M and approximately 260 employees, DT provides a host of services that range from Public Safety radio and wiring and Network services to Enterprise Support and the Cloud.

Benefits of Working for CCSF:  In addition to challenging and rewarding work, the City provides a generous suite of benefits to its employees.

• Job security, pension, and robust retirement options
• Competitive pay with consistent bi-yearly or yearly increases
• Hybrid Work with a minimum of 20% of time spent in our office in San Francisco, California for all IT related roles
• Generous paid time off, family leave, and more!
• Diverse work environment in a diverse city
• Union protections and representation
• Career development and growth — move between departments, learn on the job, or take subsidized/reimbursed classes!

PEOPLE-CENTERED SOLUTIONS — have a powerful, meaningful effect on the community each day with people at the heart of every solution!

CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE — bring the benefits of the internet to low-income and marginalized residents!

SHINE A LIGHT ON WHAT MATTERS — join an award-winning production team at SFGovTV to help residents watch legislators or learn more about what makes this City great!

DRIVE INNOVATION — deliver new, cutting-edge technology to residents and city partners to help San Francisco serve its residents!

Role description

Under direction, the 7368 Senior Communications Systems Technician performs a wide variety of system monitoring, system problem assessment, tier one resolution, and co-ordination with support staff when necessary to resolve the issues on priority, includes: skilled technical maintenance, testing, installation and Repair work on complex wireless and networked communications equipment to support a wide variety of emergency communications systems at 1011 Turk St; supervises the activities of subordinate personnel engaged in such work; maintains records and documentation; makes contact with representatives of other city departments, outside agencies and public in connection with 911 radio and communications equipment maintenance.

Essential Functions:

• Perform communication system control functions such as monitoring and responding to any kind of issue with Public Safety communication systems. System watch technician position actively monitors public safety systems such as the Motorola, P25 Radio System, Mach Alert Fire Station Alerting System, MPLS backhaul, and supports end users for DEM Dispatch and Public Safety agencies. Watch technicians support the DEM dispatch operation including radio console support, pulling of system report information, radio systems help desk, and subscriber radio support. For issues beyond the scope of the one person position they will coordinate notification of affected parties, coordinate with Motorola Support team, and call out on call technicians or other personnel as needed. System Watch techs may also be called upon to update system settings in the radio system or monitor/test system changes for field crew teams and or outside vendors. The system watch tech will be expected to monitor their radio at all times while on shift and respond to the needs of field technicians as needed.
• Requisitions, issues, and maintains records of materials, tools and supplies received and used in communication system maintenance and repair operations; reviews subordinates' time records, estimates, records all materials used and work performed; maintains and implements departmental processes, policies, and procedures.
• Plans, designs, engineers, scopes, estimates, and implement Off-Budget Communication projects.
• Work with all CCSF client departments including Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Police (SFPD) and Fire (SFFD) in the installation coordination, troubleshooting, and testing of the new 800 MHz Radio Replacement Project system.
• Maintains and implements various critical infrastructure security systems including alarms and video surveillance.
• Evaluates performance of subordinates; inspects maintenance and repair work in the field to assure compliance with instructions and departmental methods and procedures.
• Consults with representatives of other city departments regarding maintenance issues of communication systems; responds to public complaints of radio interference to electronic consumer products; investigates complaints of inoperative communication systems and makes necessary reports.
• Analyzes equipment for malfunctions and corrects most complex maintenance problems; when necessary, notifies appropriate authorities to make necessary repairs.
• Ensures that Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations are adhered to in the installation, maintenance and repair of radio and communication equipment.
• Enforces codes for safe practices and provides training and development for subordinates.
• Requires good technical acumen, great interpersonal skills, and a high degree of problem solving. A technician can expect to field questions or support users from public safety and public service agencies, dispatch operations, other field technicians and outside vendors (like those working on ERRCS installations) on any given day. System Watch is a dynamic assignment with ancillary duties assigned as needed to support dispatch/field operations, including equipment installations, staff coordination, and more.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

APPOINTMENT TYPE: One (1) temporary exempt, as-needed position for up to a maximum of 1040 hours per physical year is excluded by the Charter from the competitive civil service examination process. The successful candidate shall serve at the discretion of the appointing officer. 

WORK LOCATION: Incumbent will mainly conduct the work at the Department of Technology, System watch at 1011 Turk St. However, there will be situations where the incumbent may be required to work frequently at other sites throughout the City of San Francisco as required.

NATURE OF WORK: Requires physical effort required to lift equipment in addition to dexterity in use of the fingers in the installation and maintenance of radio and communication equipment, and working at jobs with continual standing, kneeling, and bending.  As needed incumbent should expect to be called to cover shifts when other technicians are unable to cover the needs of system watch for various reasons. Also, incumbent will require to work different shifts or any combination of 7 by 24 shifts in a work week.  Training will be provided to help bring new team members up to speed with all systems and expectations for this position.

How to qualify

Experience: Six years of journey level electronics technician experience, which must have included the installation, repair, and maintenance of a broad range of electronic communications systems and equipment.

Substitution: Coursework in electronic communications technology from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to a total of two years of the experience requirement, prorated as follows: one year = 30 semester/45 quarter units.

License:  Possession of a valid driver's license

Certificate:  Possession of a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General-Class Radio-Telephone Operator's License OR an APCO Certificate of Competency (Associated Public Safety Communications Officers) OR a NABER Certificate (National Association of Business and Educational Radio); position at Airport requires FCC license.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: exposure to disagreeable weather conditions, working in confined spaces, lifting of heavy objects and carrying them or moving them for moderate distances; ability to safely lift 40 pounds.

Note:

1. Medical Testing: Prior to appointment, eligible candidates must successfully pass the TB testing process.

2. Security Clearances and Background Investigations: Positions in this classification may require that successful candidates who become eligible for appointment may be required to go through a background investigation to determine the candidate’s suitability for employment in this classification. Factors considered in the investigation may include employment history, use of illegal/controlled substances. Reasons for rejection based on this investigation may include, but not limited to: applicable convictions, repeated or serious violations of the law, inability to accept supervision, inability to follow rules and regulations, falsification of application materials and/or other relevant factors. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination.  

Verification: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point in the application and/or departmental selection process. Written verification (proof) of qualifying experience must verify that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications stated on the announcement. Written verification must be submitted on employer’s official letterhead, specifying name of employee, dates of employment, types of employment (part-time/full-time), job title(s), description of duties performed, and the verification must be signed by the employer. City employees will receive credit for the duties of the class to which they are appointed. Credit for experience obtained outside of the employee’s class will be allowed only if recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Service Commission Rules. Experience claimed in self-employment must be supported by documents verifying income, earnings, business license and experience comparable to the minimum qualifications of the position. Copies of income tax papers or other documents listing occupations and total earnings must be submitted. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at http://sfdhr.org/index.aspx?page=456.

Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco. 

What else should I know?

Compensation:  $68.0250 - $82.6750 hourly / $141,492 - $171,964 annually

How to Apply:

• Your application MUST include a resume.  To upload, please attach using the "additional attachments" function.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time, but not before February 28, 2023.

You may contact Carol Wong via email at carol.x.wong@sfgov.org with questions regarding this opportunity.

Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Mailed, hand delivered or faxed documents/applications will not be accepted.

Helpful Information

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.