COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN III - TECHNICIAN-IN-CHARGE

Position Overview

As a Communications Equipment Technician III – Technician-In-Charge in the 911 Radio Network Services Bureau for the Division of Statewide 9-1-1, directs and coordinates the work activities of lower-level technicians in the installation and repair of troop mobile equipment, including digital voice protection equipment, vehicular repeaters, radar, video surveillance systems, and other electronic equipment utilized by the Illinois State Police (ISP). Oversees the responsibilities of subordinate technicians and equipment vendors. Moves heavy equipment weighing up to 75 pounds. Schedules and prioritizes technical services to be performed for ISP troops and other served agencies. Responds to emergency call-outs on a 24-hour basis and travels to assigned work locations or communications equipment sites. Assigns and reviews work. Performs other duties as assigned or as outlined in the responsibilities listed above.

About the Agency

The Illinois State Police strives for excellence seeking to be one of the premiere policing agencies in the country. Our core values are Integrity, Service, and Pride. We are seeking individuals with similar values to join us on our mission to promote public safety.

Essential Functions

• Functions as a troop technician-in-charge for an Illinois State Police troop.  
• Installs, removes, maintains, tests, and repairs all electronic equipment utilized by the ISP troop and other agencies served.  
• Consults with troop command, other agencies served, and operational personnel to discuss and resolve technical problems.
• Serves as designated lead worker.
• Develops and prepares technical reports, service records, and other information required by the bureau using a Windows based computer.
• Instructs police officers, telecommunicators, and personnel from other agencies in the technical operation of electronic equipment.
• Tests, repairs, and certifies electronic speed-measuring instruments, including radar and LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
• Participates in radio system coverage testing as needed and ensures databases are kept accurate with radio user information.
• Occasionally performs general servicing work described at lower working levels    
• Performs other duties as assigned or required as enumerated in the duties above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of high school supplemented by two (2) years of technical school with coursework in electricity, electronics, and communications systems.
• Requires three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in land/mobile two-way radio communications servicing work involving the diagnosis and repair of faulty electronic circuitry and calibration and adjustment of transmitters and other electronic equipment.
• Requires valid F.C.C. licensure or certification by an approved organization (Active Radiotelephone First or Second Class Operator’s Licenses, while no longer issued by the F.C.C., remain applicable; Certification by the National Association of Business and Educational Radio or the Associated Public Safety Communications Officers or an equivalent approved organization is also substitutable).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience with major radio and/or microwave communications systems, equipment, operation, dispatching procedures, maintenance and/or service needs.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience using electronic test equipment for complex diagnostic and calibration procedures.
• Prefers at least two (2) years of experience in reading schematic diagrams of electronic circuitry and associated equipment manuals and servicing literature in order to gain an understanding of circuit operation, normal performance characteristics, and diagnostic and adjustment procedures.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience in diagnosing and correcting highly complex microwave communications system malfunctions.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience in the use of Windows computer operating systems.
• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience providing technical leadership and training to others.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires possession of an appropriate valid driver’s license and the ability to travel.
• Requires the ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Requires ability to respond to emergency call-out after normal work hours.
• Requires the ability to pass an Illinois State Police background check and drug screening.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job descriptions.

Benefits Package

The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including:

• Flexible work schedules in many program areas
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
• 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs.
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually.
• Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service.
• Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
• Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually.