Salary : $72,061.57 Annually
Location : La Plata, MD
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2023-00786
Department: Emergency Services
Division: ES – Communications
Opening Date: 10/02/2023
Closing Date: 10/30/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Summary
Ensures reliable communications for users of the CCG radio communications systems. Provides services and customer support to various CCG departments (DES, PW, PGM, CS), state – local – municipal police departments, local fire/EMS departments, and sundry local – regional – state – federal emergency response partners. Responsible for oversight of system interfaces to radio networks in a number of adjacent jurisdictions – thus ensuring first responder interoperability. Requires a high level of customer service and responsiveness to user needs, involving frequent contact with multiple system user agencies and outside communications technical/service vendors, oversight and monitoring of a multi-location – distributed server architecture technology platform with a “99.999 reliability” performance requirement; monitors/reports system performance indicator; maintains operational efficiency of systems and makes recommendations for improvement as needed; maintains efficiency of operation; provides maintenance/accuracy of user database information / records with the ability to identify correct software version (code plug) for various user radios and program successfully, awareness of current software versions in use and coordination of software and hardware upgrades when needed; and responds to and coordinates resolution of system degradation or disruption.
Essential Job Functions
- Performs a variety of tasks necessary to insure 24/7/365 operation of the emergency radio communications systems to ensure the continual operation of the CCG’s radio systems and communications equipment, and the immediate readiness of the associated backup/redundant systems.
- Coordinates the installation, replacement, modification, upgrade, and maintenance of the CCG’s radio systems and communications equipment.
- Assists with the development of procedures for radio communications system operation; emergency operations plans; and severe weather and earthquake contingency programs.
- Provides technical consulting support on radio communications device functionality, improvements and modifications for various customer agencies.
- Oversees maintenance support for customer agencies, and reviews and implements agency requests for changes to system features, dispatch consoles, portable and mobile radios.
- Develops schedule, coordinates, and implements fleet-wide software upgrades and refreshes for all customer voice radio devices.
- Maintains awareness of various radio systems life cycles and makes recommendations regarding upgrade/replacement of components to assure operational reliability / sustainability.
- Develops and maintains a cooperative working relationship with local, regional, state and federal emergency response partners to create, maintain and expand interoperability.
- Utilizes call loading, the radio system manager, and the call reporting systems to evaluate radio system performance and develop improvements where appropriate.
- Works within a budget to complete projects, assist with budget development, review and approve invoices for payment, and meet funding targets.
- Purchases equipment and supplies as provided for in the budget and directed by the Chief.
- Serves on the FCC’s Regional Technical Committee and represent the County on other state-wide and regional committees and groups providing technical support and assistance.
- Uses radio vendor software to write and modify detailed programming information (codeplugs) for all radios owned by CCG, CCSO, Fire/EMS as well as numerous radios owned and operated by interoperable partners.
- Evaluates the addition and/or modification of antennas, towers, and related equipment for all commercial wireless carriers within the County and maintain a database of this.
- Provides coverage for the 9-1-1 / Public Safety Communications Center as needed.
- Diagnoses breakdowns and problems with generators, HVAC systems, and UPS systems at remote radio system sites.
- Supervises numerous contractors responsible for maintenance of radio system, generators, HVAC systems, and UPS systems.
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Education and Experience:
Associate degree in Public Safety, Electronics or related field. Technical training relative to public safety communications equipment with an emphasis on trunked systems. Five (5) years of public safety, radio communications systems management and operations experience.
Licenses or Certifications:
Emergency Medical Technician Certification (EMT- (Maryland), Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD – Maryland ), International Association of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch and Emergency Police Dispatch, IAED Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC), Confined Space Awareness, Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Awareness, Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP) and Weapons of Mass Destruction – Preferred not required. Health Care Provider CPR Certification, National Incident Management System (NIMS) Communications Unit Technician (COMT), NIMS Communications Unit Leader (COML), ICS 100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400, ICS 700, ICS-800, Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) or Certified Emergency Vehicle Operations (CEVO), , CCG Leadership Academy, National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Emergency Number Professional (ENP) and .
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Qualifications:
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION, AND EMPLOYEES IN THIS POSITION ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING.
Must successfully pass a background investigation.
Must deal with distress calls of an emergency nature.
Must work rotating shift assignments, including weekends and holidays.
Assigned to work one of the shifts in a 24-hours period.
Must wear a uniform and safety equipment when needed.
Must be willing to work rotating shifts, including nights, holidays and weekends when necessary.
Must be able to analyze complex problems.
Must be able to work independently at remote sites and be available to respond to disruptions 24/7/365.
Must be able to work on an on-call basis and work irregular duty assignments.
Must attend educational sessions, as required.
Must be able to travel out of town for one day or more.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the design, operation, and maintenance of digital and analog conventional and trunked radio systems.
- Knowledge of the design, operation, template design, programming, and maintenance of digital and analog subscriber radios.
- Knowledge of key managerial competencies-including critical thinking, systems thinking, team building, and decision making
- Knowledge of the policies, practices and procedures involved in radio communications systems management.
- Knowledge of customer service activities in a radio communications services environment.
- Knowledge of and considerable skill in assessing radio communications systems needs and in recommending effective action.
- Skill in developing and maintaining public safety radio interoperability templates and fleet mapping.
- Skill in monitoring and troubleshooting RF communications systems.
- Skill in developing and implementing operation of temporary emergency communications systems.
- Ability to prepare system and equipment specifications and analyzing bid proposals.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customer agencies and equipment/service vendors.
- Ability to prepare and conduct training classes and public presentations.
- Ability to use and operate RF testing and measurement equipment.
- Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
- Ability to effectively supervise work being performed by CCG, CCSO and vendor technical staff.
- Ability to use independent judgment in communications system modification and correction of service degradation or disruption.
- Ability to meet or exceed the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) American National Standard (ANS) 3.107.1.2015: Core Competencies and Minimum Training Requirements for Public Safety Communications Technician.
- Ability to demonstrate familiarity with and able to use the language/codes/jargon of various public safety agencies.
Additional Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work requires ability to lift 30 to 50 pounds on a regular basis. Work may require moderate physical exertion and/or physical strain.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a dispatch center and requires sitting for long periods of time; however, at times some work is outside in inclement weather and under undesirable and hazardous conditions. Work environment involves infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and travel and work under all types of weather conditions, and various types of terrain during daylight hours as well as night hours.
Department/Division: Emergency Services/Communications
Pay Grade: 116
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Telework Eligible: Yes
Reports to: Chief of 9-1-1/Public Safety Communications
Supervises: None
BENEFITS AT A GLANCE
Benefits eligibility is for employees who work 30+ hours/week unless noted below
For more information about benefits visit:
13 PAID HOLIDAYS
EMS EMPLOYEES RECEIVE 6 CORE HOLIDAYS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
ANNUAL LEAVE
- Begin employment by accruing 8 hours a month (sliding scale based on hours worked)
SICK LEAVE
- Accrue 7.5 hours a month (sliding scale based on hours worked)
TRANSFER OF SICK LEAVE
- May receive credit for up to 400 hours of accrued, but unpaid, sick leave from previous employer when they begin employment
PAID TIME OFF (PTO)
- Employees working 1950 hours per year recieve 30 hours of PTO
- Employees working 2080 hours per year recieve 36 hours of PTO
- Employees working 2184 hours per year recieve 36 hours of PTO
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE
- Up to 6 weeks of paid leave after birth/adoption of child
HEALTH INSURANCE – County PAYS 70% of cost (sliding scale based on hours worked)
- Blue Choice Advantage, Prescription & Vision
- Blue Choice HMO Open Access, Prescription & Vision
- CareFirst Dental
- Delta Dental
RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE – Health Reimbursement Arrangement. New hires who elect health insurance coverage with Charles County Government (CCG) will be enrolled in a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Account (VEBA). Upon retirement or separation from employment, you will be able to use the funds in the VEBA account to pay for your health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses. You are required to contribute $30.80 per pay period (via payroll deduction). CCG will also make a contribution of $90.40 per pay period .The contribution may be adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
PENSION PLAN (Defined Benefit Retirement Plan)
*In order to be eligible for the pension plan, you must work at least 37.5 hours a week.
- County Pension Plan – Non-Public Safety, Mandatory Participation 4% employee contribution
- County Pension Plan – Public Safety, Mandatory Participation 8% employee contribution
- Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan – Communications, Mandatory Participation 7% employee contribution
- Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan – Sworn, Mandatory Participation 8% employee contribution
- Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan – Corrections, Mandatory Participation 7% employee contribution
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN (457(b) Governmental Plan)
*Available to all employees, regardless of hours worked.
- Mass Mutual
- MetLife
- Nationwide Retirement Solutions
LIFE INSURANCE
- No charge to employee (Valued at 1.5x the employee’s annual salary, not to exceed $250,000)
- Supplemental insurance available for additional cost
- Dependent life insurance available for additional cost
LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE – No charge to employee
- Benefit pays 60% of salary at date of disability up to $5,000/month
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
- Medical and Dependent Care
THE STANDARD SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME PRODUCTS
- Accident Policy and Critical Illness Policy
LEGAL RESOURCES
- A prepaid Legal Resource benefit
ONSITE CHILDCARE AT A DISCOUNTED RATE
- Located at the Community Services building (8190 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, MD 20677)
HOUSE KEYS 4 EMPLOYEE PROGRAM – Up to a $7,500, 0% interest loan, to be used for a down payment or closing cost toward a new home in Charles County. For eligible full-time employees who are first time home buyers.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
01
Do you have five years of experience in public safety field, radio communications systems management and operations experience?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have an Associate’s degree in Public Safety, Electronics or related field?
- Yes
- No
03
Are you able to be on call periodically?
- Yes
- No
04
Applicants MUST attach copies of their certifications to the application to be eligible to continue in the process. Have you attached all of your certifications?
- Yes
- No
05
The position you are applying for requires an acceptable driving record. The Charles County Government employee driving policy states that employees will be considered to have an acceptable driving record if ALL of the following statements are true: – I do not exceed a maximum of four (4) points on my driving record. – I do not have a suspended or revoked license. – I do not have a single motor vehicle violation, conviction, or plea of Nolo Contendere, or the acceptance of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) involving the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, refusal to take an alcohol or drug test, or the misuse of legal over-the-counter medication for any of these violations. – I have not demonstrated a pattern of unsafe vehicle operation as evidenced by moving violations or single infraction of such severity (e.g., eluding a police officer; evading responsibility; failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, reckless driving, etc.).According to these guidelines, do you have an acceptable driving record?
- Yes
- No
Required Question