Senior Telecommunications Specialist – In Training

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About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world’s widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Senior Telecommunications Specialist in Union Gap, WA. This position is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, make major and minor repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of the SCR Region wireless telecommunications equipment and supporting networks for Kittitas, Yakima, Franklin, Benton, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin Counties. This position will perform emergency repairs outside the shop, assist other technicians in repairs, as well as assist wireless telecommunications engineers in the overall operation of the wireless telecommunications systems to ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment used in highway maintenance.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Senior Telecommunications Specialist will:

• Work independently or as a team in the operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of enhanced wireless communications systems and support equipment which includes P25 Land Mobile Radio repeaters, Mobile data repeaters, antenna systems, DC power systems, digital microwave, multiplex equipment, networking, and controllers located on remote radio sites.
• Maintain enhanced communications systems.
• Install, maintain, modify, repair, and programs for:
  • P25 700MHz/800Mhz digital trucking repeaters, base and control stations including the RNM, VNIC, usage accounting and remote management, as well as control and interconnect systems (e.g., fiber optic, multichannel, digital microwave) for use by the WSDOT (highway and marine) communications systems users.
  • L3Harris XL P25 portables and mobiles as well as Tait 9400 series P25 portable and mobile radio systems for the use by WSDOT communications systems users.
• Maintain and repair digital microwave systems.
• Interface with other regions staff to ensure the seamless statewide operations of the wireless P25 Land Mobile Radio system.
• Perform emergency repairs outside the shop and assist other technicians in repairs.
• Assist in the management of radio sites with regards to interference, compatibility, maintenance, and coordination with other site users.
• Climb and maneuver towers and perform work at elevated heights at or above 300 feet over land or water.
• Maintain certification to conduct rescue on communications towers.
• Transport and operate various types of test gear.

Qualifications
This is a Senior Telecommunications Specialist position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions at the lower level, Electronic Communications Systems Technician-Field, depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

At a minimum, this opportunity requires:

• One (1) year of formal education in electronics.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in the maintenance and repair two-way radio frequency communication systems, microwave carrier systems and/or data transmissions systems OR equivalent electronic experience such as military, marine, networking, radio propagation, cellular, IT, or automotive electronics.
• Ability to obtain General Radiotelephone Operator License issued by the FCC within 18 months of employment.

To be considered at the Senior Telecommunications Specialist, you must have:

• Two (2) years of experience an Electronic Communications Systems Technician – Field OR
• Two (2) years of formal education in electronics and five (5) years of paid experience in maintenance and repair of at least two of the following: (Education will substitute year for year for experience).
  • Two-way radio frequency communications systems.
  • Digital microwave carrier systems.
  • Data systems.
• Current General Radiotelephone Operator License issued by the FCC.

To be considered for both levels you must:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Pass and maintain a Washington State Patrol Criminal Justice background check.
• Pass and maintain a current General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) issued by the FCC within eighteen (18) months of hire during the in training period.
• Obtain and maintain a tower climbing safety and rescue certificate.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Read and comprehend technical manuals and drawings.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of electrical and wireless engineering principles, state and federal laws and regulations, and agency policies/ procedures and guidelines.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Formal education, training, or experience in the principles of Ethernet, networking, and radio propagation.
• Formal training or experience in the operation and maintenance of Harris VIDA communications systems.

Important Notes

• This recruitment will be used to fill positions per business needs.
• Pass and maintain a Washington State Patrol Criminal Justice Applicant with Waiver background check. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• By issuance of proclamation, the Governor of Washington State mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 11 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the “APPLY” button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

Contact us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, S. Fields at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 22DOT-SCR-50273r in the subject line.