Employer: Washington State Department of Transportation
Job Description:
About WSDOT
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking two Senior Telecommunications Specialists to serve as Wireless Systems Technicians in Lacey and Spokane, WA. These positions will provide wireless system networking connectivity for the Olympic and Eastern Region Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Intelligent Transportation Systems devices and offices regionwide. Our top candidates will be responsible for working independently or as a team in the operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of the enhanced wireless communications Internet Protocol (IP) based systems and support equipment used by the Region users, including Maintenance, Engineering, and Traffic. In these roles, you will provide wireless networking for WSDOT area offices and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices. The Olympic Region (Lacey) Wireless Systems Technician will be responsible for the inspection and preventative maintenance of the wireless telecommunications equipment and support networks for Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, and Thurston counties; while the Eastern Region (Spokane) Wireless Systems Technician be responsible for the inspection and preventative maintenance of the wireless telecommunications equipment and support networks for Whitman, Adams, Spokane, Lincoln, Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties. These positions will also perform emergency repairs outside the shop, assist other technicians in repairs, as well as assist wireless telecommunications engineers in the overall operation of the wireless telecommunications systems to ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment used in highway maintenance.
What to Expect
These positions perform hands on work while exposed to hazardous conditions or materials, (includes field, site, roadway, construction or right of way activity, warehouse, or manufacturing). They perform manual labor and operate machinery/equipment.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Wireless Systems Technicians will:
Install, configure, manage, maintain, and repair digital IP Based microwave systems and support equipment.
Create and maintain virtual local area networks (VLAN) within the wireless ITS system.
Perform emergency repairs outside the shop and assist other technicians in repairs.
Provide service for conventional radio control stations, base stations for other government entities,
Schedule daily workload considering emergencies, priorities provided by the Communications System Manger, and travel distance.
Maintain inventory records, maintain, install, repair and program IP Based P25 700MHz/800Mhz Digital Trunking repeaters, base, and control stations.
Develop, manage, and maintain a live inventory of coordinated IP lists and network programming parameters.
Install, configure, maintain, and assist in the development of interoperability solutions and equipment.
Qualifications
These are Senior Telecommunications Specialist (STS) positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at the lower level, Electronic Communications System Technician (ECST), depending on qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.
To be considered for these opportunities at the ECST level, the following are required:
One (1) year of formal education in electronics.
One (1) year of experience in maintenance and repair of at least one (1) of the following:
Two-way radio frequency communications systems
Microwave carrier systems
IP Networking.
OR
Five (5) years of equivalent electronic experience such as military, marine, networking, radio propagation, cellular, IT, or automotive electronics.
To be considered for these opportunities at the STS level, the following are required:
Two (2) years of formal education in electronics.
Five (5) years of experience in maintenance and repair of at least two (2) of the following:
Two-way radio frequency communications systems
Digital microwave carrier systems
IP Networking and data systems
At both levels, the following are required:
High School diploma, GED or equivalent.
The ability to pass and maintain a current General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) issued by the FCC within 18 months of training program.
Color perception to be able to identify polarity, resister size, wire types, etc.
Ability to pass and maintain a Washington State Patrol Criminal Justice background check.
Ability to safely install, maintain and operate antennas, transmission lines and wave guide associated with communications and microwave equipment on towers up to 300 feet in height.
Ability to respond to emergency call outs at all hours.
Ability to obtain and maintain a tower climbing safety and rescue certificate.
Ability to manipulate and transport objects weighing up to 50 pounds in a safe manner.
A valid driver's license.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
Formal education, training, or experience in the principles of ethernet, networking, and radio propagation.
Important Notes
This recruitment will be used to fill two (2) permanent positions; one (1) in Lacey, WA and one (1) in Spokane, WA. This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
These positions are not eligible for remote work.
In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
These positions may have to travel to remote sites, occasional off-site meetings or to attend training.
Prior to a new hire, a Washington State Patrol Criminal Justice Information Services (WSP CJIS) background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
These positions have been approved for in-training. The hiring manager is looking to hire at the Senior Telecommunications Specialist level, however the in-training plan will allow candidates to be considered as Electronic Communications Systems Technician level, if not qualified at the highest level. The salaries for each level are:
Electronic Communications Systems Technician: $72,552 – $88,416 Annually
Senior Telecommunications Specialist: $78,120 – $95,184 Annually
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter via email.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-05267m in the subject line.
Contact Person: Robin Lovely
Email: [email protected]
Location:
• Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Application Method: Apply Online
Base Pay: $72,552.00 - $95,184.00 Annually
