Fire Data Communications Specialist

$106,360 - $128,342/Yr

Ventura County - Ventura, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Ventura, CA

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

The Fire Data Communications Specialist position is a critical role within the Ventura County Fire Protection District, responsible for ensuring the reliability and functionality of emergency communication systems. Under general direction, the specialist will provide professional, timely, and reliable service to maintain the voice and data communications for all VCFD emergency communication systems. This includes acting as a liaison between the customer and vendors to ensure that VCFD receives adequate equipment and services from manufacturers and service providers. The role involves directing and managing extensive upgrades and replacements to VCFD's current systems while also providing design recommendations for future systems. The successful candidate will possess expert-level knowledge and skills in telecommunications systems and will serve as the technical engineering resource for the team. This position may also involve leading the work of other professionals or technical maintenance staff. A substantial amount of experience with telecommunications equipment and related networks is required. The Data Communications Specialist is represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) and is eligible for overtime compensation. The position supports the countywide Public Safety Radio Network (PSRN) and conducts traffic analysis and capacity planning for the county-wide microwave back-haul infrastructure. The specialist will service and support the county-wide simulcast radio system, radio dispatch consoles at the Fire Communication Center (FCC), and base station radios and receivers at multiple sites. Additionally, the role may involve acting as a consultant on IT projects and in systems design as a Telecommunications Subject Matter Expert (SME). The specialist will also conduct research and development in support of IT projects, identifying enhancements for radio, emergency telephone, and microwave communications systems, and developing technical solutions to rectify ongoing system issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional, timely, and reliable service for VCFD emergency communication systems.
• Act as a liaison between customers and vendors to ensure proper equipment and services are received.
• Direct and manage upgrades and replacements to VCFD's current systems.
• Provide design recommendations for future communication systems.
• Support countywide Public Safety Radio Network (PSRN) and conduct traffic analysis and capacity planning.
• Service and support county-wide simulcast radio system and radio dispatch consoles at Fire Communication Center (FCC).
• Act as a consultant on IT projects and systems design as a Telecommunications Subject Matter Expert (SME).
• Conduct research and development for IT projects, identifying enhancements for communication systems.
• Support E9-1-1 and NG9-1-1 telecommunications systems, including analog and digital circuits.
• Prepare and present status reports and informational briefings on assigned projects.

Requirements

• Extensive professional-level local and wide area network communications experience, including design, engineering, installation practices, and maintenance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver's license.
• Experience with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, geographic information systems (GIS), and other emergency management software.
• Must obtain a General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) and a radio tower climbing certificate within six months of employment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with a public safety or emergency services environment, such as dispatch, law enforcement, fire services, or EMS.

Benefits

• General salary increase (GSI) of 3.5% effective January 19, 2025.
• Educational incentive for completion of degrees (2.5% for associate, 3.5% for bachelor's, 5% for graduate).
• Flexible workweek options (e.g., 9/80 workweek).
• Vacation accrual of approximately 14 days per year, increasing with service.
• Sick leave accrual of 3.08 hours per pay period with an advance at hire.
• Health plans with an annual flexible credit allowance for medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical, dental, and vision care expenses.
• Participation in County's defined benefit pension plan.
• 12 paid holidays per year, including a floating holiday.
• Additional benefits including tuition reimbursement, disability plans, employee assistance program, life insurance, and wellness program.