Radio System Administrator

Job Summary

Performs the overall operation and configuration of Scott County's 800MHz interoperable radio system, including selection, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of base stations, consoles, computers, portable and mobile radios, and related electronic equipment for radio communications. Develops and maintains the infrastructure configuration and subscriber database for Scott County's radio subsystem. The 800MHz system is the primary communications system for all police, fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), public works, and public health users in Scott County. This position is critical to maintain the proper technical configuration and function of the radio system and to maintain operational procedures.

Job Description

Develops and maintains all radio code plugs and encryption keys.  Programs all subscriber radios and maintains the subscriber database.

Configures, troubleshoots, and maintains all of the Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER) network equipment including switches, routers, fiber optic multiplexors, as well as all subsite equipment, including base stations, Trac units, and DC Power Plants.

Administers public safety networks that are not maintained by Scott County IT. This includes switches, routers, firewalls, and devices for the camera, SCADA, and mesonet networks.

Develops operational policies and delivers system-use training to police, fire, EMS, and public works users.

Develops budget requests for operational expenses and capital equipment.

Serves as the lead point of contact for operational and technical concerns with the 800MHz radio system.

Provides system alarm monitoring and response 24 hours a day.

Maintains a valid class D license and drives to remote sites to perform independent site maintenance.

Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.

Performs other duties as required or assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications
Requires HS graduation/GED and 10 years of experience related to the upkeep, operation, maintenance and/or support of radio, microwave, emergency communications and/or 800 MHz radio systems. One year of related post-secondary schooling or technical training may take the place of 2 years of the experience. Motorola factory training for radio system administration, experience in networking and/or infrastructure maintenance; use of programming software for portable radios; and knowledge of IP networking and P25 radio system architecture is desirable. One must have a reliable means of transportation and a valid driver's license for the performance of work responsibilities.

Supervisory Controls
The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Sheriff's Captain. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed departmental policies and procedures. The employee works on his/her own initiative and has broad latitude for independent judgment. Work is reviewed through observation of results and evaluation of reports submitted.

Core Competencies and Abilities
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of application development and data modeling methodologies and tools used by the Sheriff's Office and Public safety partners.

Knowledge in public safety business application and industry solutions including office automation, data processing techniques and practices, project management methodology and records management.

Knowledge of statistical, analytical and research concepts and methods.

Knowledge of mission critical public safety processes and information delivery.

Knowledge of relationships between internal and external agencies and governing entities.

Knowledge of content management systems, MS Project, Microsoft Office, Crystal Reports.

Ability – Ability to work in a team environment and effectively work with both technical and operational staff.

Ability to remain flexible without losing focus on priorities, deadlines, and customer service perspective.

Ability to work under the pressure of time constraints and frequent interruptions.

Ability to evaluate and recommend new technologies to support the radio system functions in the short and long term.

Ability to apply systems thinking to public sector programs to try to streamline and improve processes.

Ability to gather, analyze document and communicate information appropriate based on project goals and audience.

Ability to develop and present information for routine business and project analysis

Ability to express complex technical concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work well with people from different disciplines with varying degrees of technical experience.

Ability to initiate and implement problem resolution, escalating issues appropriately.

Ability to work independently without close supervision.

Ability to work outside of normal business hours and office setting.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors and technical service providers and manage issues related to this work.

Ability to understand and effectively apply Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations as well as state and local laws governing the operation of the radio system.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting.  Evening and weekend hours may be required based on project and services demands. The position is multi-task oriented and includes period of stress when balancing the needs/demands of service.

Physical activities include light to medium work: bending, turning/twisting, kneeling, climbing, reaching out, grasping, fingering and lifting up to 50 pounds. Exposure may include, but are not limited to heat and cold, dangerous electrical/electronic equipment, radio frequency (RF) energy, traffic and noise. Equipment used but not limited to includes:  motor vehicle, various hand and power tools, electrical and electronic installation and testing tools, personal computer, printers, telephone, and personal safety equipment. Motor vehicle operation both on and off the roadway.  Routine travel between radio sites and within the State of Minnesota.