COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS SPECIALIST

Job no: 535788
Position type: Full-time
Location: PHOENIX
Division/Equivalent: STATE OF AZ
School/Unit: DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION
Department/Office: DT-4131-TOC OPERATIONS
Categories: Communication/Community Relations

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DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION

Driving the future of transportation with a diverse and innovative team
To learn more about the ADOT team CLICK HERE

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS SPECIALIST
Open to Internal Arizona State Government employees only

Job Location:

TOC OPERATIONS
2302 W. Durango
Phoenix AZ, 85009

Posting Details:

Salary: $56,129.00 - $66,129.00 
Anticipated Salary: $61,129.00

Grade: 21

Closing Date: September 19, 2025

Job Summary:

The Traffic Operations Dispatcher & Communications Logistics Coordinator is a hybrid role responsible for monitoring, assessing, and dispatching resources during traffic incidents while supporting inventory and logistical needs for the agency’s communications systems.

This position serves as a critical point of contact for real-time traffic management, coordinating with field personnel, partner agencies, and the public, to ensure a timely and effective response. In parallel, the role assists with managing handheld and vehicle-mounted radios, inventory tracking, equipment issuance, and supporting communications infrastructure within digital and analog systems.

The position ensures continuity of operations by liaising with vendors, technicians, and internal stakeholders to maintain radio readiness and situational awareness. May drive a state vehicle in the course and scope of state business statewide.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Job Duties:

Monitor statewide transportation infrastructure using Information Technology Systems (e.g., CCTV, DMS, RWIS). Identify, document, and report traffic incidents, road closures, and hazardous conditions. Maintain constant radio and digital communication with Incident Response Units (IRU), maintenance crews, and public safety partners. Dispatch and track field units responding to roadway incidents or service requests. Maintain a complete and current inventory of communication equipment including handheld radios, vehicle-mounted units, repeaters, and spare components. Track equipment lifecycle, initiate replacement planning, and coordinate warranty or repair claims with vendors and procurement staff. Coordinate the distribution, deployment, and retrieval of communications equipment to field personnel. Collaborate firmware patches, or unit calibration in accordance with agency policy and vendor guidelines. Maintenance Scheduling and Documentation. Schedule preventive maintenance and support repairs of communication equipment. Maintain historical data and generate reports related to service, downtime, and replacements. Ensure all communication systems and equipment are used in accordance with ADOT policies, interagency agreements.

Liaison with internal departments and external partners (e.g., Department of Public Services (DPS), local municipalities) to coordinate mutual-aid frequencies, shared resources, and emergency communication planning. Assist in drafting specifications for radio equipment purchases or service agreements. Monitor communication supply needs and recommend purchases aligned with budget allocations and operational needs. Available after-hours emergency deployments. Create and post messages on Dynamic Message Signs, including information on crashes, closures, AMBER alerts, high pollution advisories, fire warnings, construction, and various traveler information signs statewide. Receives incoming calls and provides assistance to the public, state agencies, including DPS and local police and other agencies to assist with traffic control or other inquiries. Collaborate with other Traffic Operation Center staff and supervisors to manage high-volume or critical incidents.

Dispatch mobile response units to emergency and non-emergency incidents utilizing two-way radios,a Computer Aided Dispatch system, and a Wrong Way Driver Detection System. Participate in coordinated responses to large-scale incidents, weather events, and planned closures. Maintain situational awareness tools and communication readiness during special deployments or disaster declarations. Input and update real-time traffic data into traveler information systems such as AZ511. Activate and modify Dynamic Message Signs to provide accurate public messaging in response to roadway conditions. Log incidents in accordance with standard operating procedures. Generate and disseminate incident alerts, advisories, and after-action reports as directed. Entering ERS for traffic events, for accuracy statewide. Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:
● Two-way radio systems (digital and analog);
● Traffic management and incident response protocols;
● Computer-Aided Dispatch and CCTV systems;
● Inventory control and equipment tracking;
● Emergency communication procedures and terminology.

Skill in:
● Operating radio, telephone, and dispatch equipment;
● Using Geographic Information Systems, mapping tools, and traffic software;
● Preparing inventory reports and coordinating equipment repairs;
● Communicating effectively with internal/external stakeholders.

Ability to:
● Remain calm and make quick decisions during emergencies;
● Learn and apply technical specifications of communication equipment;
● Track and coordinate radio inventory across multiple work units;
● Work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays;
● Maintain confidentiality and act with discretion in sensitive situations.
● Multitasking under pressure in a real-time environment

Selective Preference(s):

Radio dispatching, Computer experience with Google, Window, Excel and similar applications.

Emergency response and traffic monitoring.

Familiarity with Arizona roadways. Dispatch and law enforcement background helpful.

High school diploma/GED.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job and the following requirements apply. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

Valid AZ Driver’s License.
Completed and maintain DPS/Arizona Criminal Justice Information System Terminal Operator Certification.

Benefits:

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:

Mandatory participation in the Arizona Retirement System (ASRS) is required.

Contact Us:

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact ADOT Human Resources Recruitment via email at srecruitment@azdot.gov or phone call at (602) 712-8188 option 2.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 712-8188 option 3. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. ADOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Advertised: US Mountain Standard Time
Application close: US Mountain Standard Time

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