Marathon County Sheriff's Office - Public Safety (Radio) Technology Specialist Position - Internship

Under the supervision of the Communications Captain, this position installs, programs, maintains, and repairs public safety radio and electronic communication systems for police vehicles, facilities, and tower sites. The role ensures reliable communications through equipment troubleshooting, system maintenance, vendor coordination, FCC compliance, and emergency response support, requiring strong technical skills and attention to detail.

Under the general supervision of the Communications Captain, this position performs specialized technical work in the installation, repair and maintenance of radio communication. The successful candidate will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and programming communication and electronic equipment in police vehicles, the communications center, jail, and tower sites as necessary. This role requires technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and a strong commitment to safety and quality. DUTIES: Installs, repairs, tests and trouble shoot various equipment in squad cars, including lights, sirens, radios, computers, mobile data computers (MDC) in squad cars and other electronic devices. Program and configure police radios and communication systems according to department specifications and protocols. Perform routine maintenance and repairs on installed equipment to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Assist outside vendors in identifying maintenance needs, services and modifies communications equipment including but not limited to, two-way radios, laptop computers, mobile data computers (MDC) in squad cars, portable and mobile radios, pagers, data networks, monitoring and sound distribution systems. Maintain County-owned radio tower site equipment including but not limited to scheduled tower inspections and general maintenance on back-up generator and related equipment. Order and maintain an inventory of standby and replacement equipment for the County-owned communication system. Tests equipment for factors such as power output, frequency, sensitivity, noise level, and audio quality using oscilloscopes, service monitors, watt meters, ammeters, voltmeters, and other radio testing equipment. Diagnoses and isolates malfunctions in a wide variety of technical equipment; research technical service manuals and reviews schematic diagrams. Performs optimization and service to the component level. Performs technical and FCC performance checks of portables, mobiles, console equipment, and other communications equipment. Prepares license applications and assists with renewals for all County public safety communications systems. Responds to emergency service requests, incidents and problems (on call status) to maintain critical communication networks as needed. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other City and County departments, outside organizations, vendors and co-workers. Maintains accurate and detailed records of services performed including labor time, materials used, and other relevant information for billing, inventory, and costing purposes. Maintains and updates configuration documents, schematics, documentation, databases, and work logs. Maintains test and repair equipment, tools, and workspace. Maintains a consistent and reliable attendance record. Performs related duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Knowledge of the techniques, methods, tools, equipment, and materials used in the installation, repair and maintenance of land-mobile, data and microwave communication systems and electronic equipment. Knowledge of state and federal rules, codes, regulations, and standards governing radio communications operations and installation. Ability to detect defects in the operation of radio communication and electronic equipment and to skillfully perform technical repairs and installations. Ability to read and understand complex schematic diagrams, blueprints, wiring diagrams and technical service manuals and the ability to use RF related mathematics to diagnose equipment operation parameters. Ability to use computer systems and applications at an intermediate level for radio configuration, programming and repair, as well as Microsoft Office applications for correspondence, record keeping, inventory management and reports. General knowledge of generators and small HVAC units. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.