Fire Department Telecommunication Specialist

THE ALAMEDA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT

(ACFD) provides all-risk emergency services to the unincorporated areas of Alameda County (excluding Fairview), the cities of San Leandro, Dublin, Newark and Union City, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. With 28 fire stations and 33 companies serving a population of 384,000, the ACFD serves densely populated urban areas, waterways, industrialized centers, extensive urban interface, agricultural and wildland regions. Over 400 personnel and 100 Reserve Firefighters provide a wide variety of services to an ever expanding, dynamic and diverse community of roughly 506 square miles. These services include:

· Advanced Life Support Rescue

· Fire Suppression

· Hazardous Materials Response

· Urban Search & Rescue

· Water Rescue

· Community Outreach & Education

· Disaster Preparedness

· Fire Prevention and Code Compliance

· Regional Dispatch

The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) was formed on July 1, 1993 as a dependent special district with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors as its governing body. This consolidation brought together into a single jurisdiction the Castro Valley Fire Department, Eden Fire Department and County Fire Patrol (each a dependent special district under the Board of Supervisors).

Prior to 1993 Unincorporated Fire Protection

–Castro Valley FPD

–Eden Consolidated FPD

–County Fire Patrol

· July 1, 1993 Alameda County Fire Department

Subsequently, the following communities have consolidated with the ACFD:

· July 1, 1995 City of San Leandro

· July 1, 1997 City of Dublin

· August 1, 2002 Lawrence Berkeley

National Laboratory

· October 1, 2007 Lawrence Livermore

National Laboratory

· January 20, 2008 Alameda County Regional

Emergency Communications Center (ACRECC)

· May 1, 2010 City of Newark

· July 1, 2010 City of Union City

The ACFD is also responsible for the administration and operation of the Alameda County Regional Emergency Communications Center (ACRECC). The dispatch center provides dispatch and communication center services for the ACFD, the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency, Camp Parks RFTA, and the cities of Alameda and Fremont.

ALAMEDA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT'S MISSION:

We will provide the highest level of service to our communities by valuing our members, promoting positive leadership, and dedicating ourselves to excellence.

____________________________________________________________________________________

For more information about the

Alameda County Fire Department, please visit their website at:

 www.acgov.org\fire. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Alameda County Fire Department Telecommunication Specialist, under general direction, provides technical support on voice and data communications needs and assists in the planning and updating of Fire Department telecommunications systems in addition to troubleshooting system problems and implementing immediate solutions in addition to scheduleling appropriate provider services and and performing related work as requested and/or required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

The Fire Department Telecommunications Specialist is a journey level position located in the Fire Department. Incumbents in this classification work under the direction of the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Battalion Chief or Fire Dispatch Manager to provide the Fire Department with technical expertise and advice in voice and data communications systems and equipment, including maintenance, trouble shooting, purchase, and repair of mobile and portable radios, mobile data computers, modems, and various associated fire station and vehicle installations.

THE EXAMINATION: 

THIS IS A NEW CONTINUOUS EXAMINATION.  The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year but can be extended.  This examination may be reopened as necessary and the names of additional candidates merged onto the existing list according to examination score.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

1. Advises Fire Department management regarding system design, equipment specifications and costs, and maintenance and repair needs for Fire Department voice communication and data telecommunications systems.

2. Assists in the design of Fire Department facilities, apparatus and equipment relative to Land Mobile Radios, Apparatus Headset / Intercom systems and other Telecommunication needs.

3. Troubleshoots and maintains electronic equipment such as mobile and portable radios, pagers, cellular and voice phones, scanners, PCs, printers, modems and peripherals as needed.

4. Troubleshoots equipment problems (including radios, telephones, computers and electronic equipment), makes repairs or coordinates the appropriate services to make the repairs.

5. Trains Fire Department personnel regarding capabilities and use of radios, electronic and other telecommunications equipment.

6. Initiates suggestions and recommendations to improve the operability and sustainability of Fire Department communications systems.

7. Recommends among available contractors or service providers for purchase of hardware and software communication system needs.

8. Liaison with other agencies and County departments regarding voice or telecommunication services.

9. Provides technical direction and support to Fire Department management and other staff on specific assignments as needed.

10. Schedules and oversees technical tasks performed by contractors and/or other employees as it relates to voice and data communications needs.

11. Participates in budget preparation and in purchases and receipt of equipment and supplies.

12. Advises and consults with Fire Department management regarding the Fire Department’s Telecommunication systems needs and Fire Department radio frequency coordination needs.

13. Maintains an updated electronic asset management software application for work order tracking and asset inventory control.

14. Attends required meetings and conferences; maintains current knowledge of new technology, equipment requirements and recommendations of regulatory agencies related to telecommunications systems, standards and operations.

15. Prepares reports and correspondence.

16. Drives a Fire Department vehicle to Fire Department work sites to install, service, repair communications equipment or as directed by Fire Department management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

The equivalent of three years of full-time experience installing, supporting and repairing mobile data equipment (modems, laptop docks, power).

The equivalent of three years of full-time experience implementing, supporting and overall good understanding of 700/800MHz/UHF/VHF conventional and digital trunked radio systems (to include: conventional and trunked subscriber radios, pagers, radio transmitters and receivers or voice and data hard-line and wireless transmissions systems.)

Experience in public safety communications and emergency dispatch systems highly desirable. Experience must be within the last five years.

AND

Education:

Graduation from high school in the United States or possession of an acceptable equivalency certificate, such as the General Educational Development Certificate (State of California).

License:

All candidates must possess a valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Special Requirements:

Candidates must pass a psychological evaluation, a medical examination and a thorough background evaluation before an offer of employment will be made. Any felony conviction will result in disqualification.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: 

The Alameda County Fire Department is an organization committed to excellence. This commitment is derived from each individual’s positive leadership and pride. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to the delivery of the highest level of service and a commitment to excellence. This individual, in addition to meeting the announced requirements, will be a team player who demonstrates a strong knowledge of the following areas: 

• Telecommunications principles, technology, planning and equipment used in the design installation, maintenance, and operation of a wide variety of telecommunications, radio, telephone, satellite, microwave, fire station alerting, paging and data network systems.

• Federal, State and local rules and regulations affecting radio and telecommunications systems, standards and operation, including FCC rules applicable to licensing and operation of public safety radio equipment.

• Understanding of modern telephone sets and voice mail, personal computer applications, including spreadsheets, databases and word processing.

• Understanding of current technologies in mobile data environment, Telecommunications Systems i.e. voice mail, VOIP.

• Understanding of personal computer applications, including spreadsheets, databases and word processing.

• Understanding of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and Telecommunications terminology.

• Basic arithmetic calculations.

IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL FURTHER DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO:

• Read, analyze, and prepare simple LMR and Telecommunications blueprints.

• Analyze problems and solutions; gather and interpret data and draw conclusion.

• Plan, organize and coordinate work.

• Determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the LMR and Telecommunications networks and equipment remain viable in an emergency situation.

• Design, review and evaluate LMR and Telecommunications systems or engineering proposals for telecommunications projects.

• Analyze systems and equipment malfunctions and implement effective solutions.

• Research and evaluate new LMR and Telecommunications technologies with respect to their utility in a public safety environment.

• Follow safe working practices and procedures.

• Complete written reports, forms, and other required paperwork.

• Use automated equipment including computers, software, and related test meters and equipment to troubleshoot and analyze systems.

• Perform troubleshooting, maintenance and installation of various radio and telecommunication equipment including, but not limited to, mobile radios, modems, on board mobile gateways, mobile data computers, antennas, power supplies, computer cabling, low voltage wiring, electronic relays and associated fire station ringdown system components.

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure or the department's website at www.acgov.org\fire

.

Please take the steps recommended above to insure you do not miss any notices about a recruitment for which you have applied.  The County of Alameda is not responsible for notices that are not read, received or accessed by any applicant for a County recruitment.    

NOTE: All notices are generated through an automated email notification system.  Replies to the email box alamedacountyHR@acgov.org are routed to an unmonitored mailbox.  If you have questions please go to our website at www.acgov.org/hrs.  You may also contact the Human Resources Analyst listed on the bulletin for the recruitment for which you have applied.

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

For additional information, please contact:

Monique Hill| Human Resources Analyst II

Human Resource Services Division, Alameda County

1405 Lakeside Drive | Oakland, California 94612

Office 510-208-4841| Facsimile 510-272-6424

Monique.hill@acgov.org | www.acgov.org