Work Location: Papago Park Military Reservation (PPMR), Phoenix, AZ

Salary: $17.6821 - $24.7085 per hour (DOE) 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: 11/28/2024

Under general direction of the Communications Supervisor, the Communications Specialist provides senior-level maintenance and management of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) interoperability communications environment and Radio systems. This includes the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the telecommunication systems and services. The specialist will participate in oversight of the daily upkeep and administration of DEMA-EM Communications network infrastructure which includes Radio systems and Mobile Communications Platforms. When activated for emergencies or disasters, helps manage and supervise all inter-operable systems and personnel necessary to provide effective internal and external communications. Personally prepares for anytime (24/7) response and no-notice recall to the State or Alternate Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and/or Joint Field Office (JFO) during disaster or exercise activations. Trains for specific SEOC positions and performs duties as assigned through internal agency policy.

Responsibilities include:
• Implement, maintain and repair voice and radio systems to meet DEMA-EM current and future requirements including setup and maintenance of DEMA-EM voice and digital systems including cellular, RF, satellite systems, telephones and wireless transmission platforms.
• Collaborate the implementation, deployment, and management of the mobile communications platforms. Also collaborates the planning and implementing communications infrastructure changes.
• Responsible for the readiness and deployment, setup and operation of the State Mobile Communications vehicles. Working with other agencies and support personnel to establish immediate activation of services as needed.
• Identify, analyze and resolve voice and radio system problems and performance issues.
• Provide technical assistance and mentoring to technical team members to increase skill sets and understanding of radio systems and communication transmission design. Provide technical consultation on voice and radio aspects of departmental functions.
• Research, identify, and evaluate new products and services within the telecommunications field. Maintains the DEMA-EM agency Notification System. Assists with the warning and emergency alert notification systems including Federal, State and local alert systems located in the State EOC. Assures that all systems are in proper working condition, compliant and are tested according to policy and procedures.
• Work with DEMA management and staff to prepare for and respond to State or Arizona disasters and exercises including other Communication staff and volunteer communication groups.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• Two years of related work experience in various communication systems and inter-operable networks.
• Strong technical knowledge of radio network and communications operating systems, including HF, VHF, UHF 800 MHz and amateur bands.
• Strong technical knowledge of communication hardware, net-control functions and standards, including controlling communication network traffic and various inter-operable systems.
• Strong technical knowledge of current radio security call-out procedures, including net-control traffic and call sign recognition.
• Excellent understanding of telecommunication systems primary and backup methodologies.
• Extensive Radio network knowledge and a working understanding of interoperability networks and communication support.
• Proven experience in communication infrastructure planning and development.
• Excellent understanding of the organization's goals and objectives.
• Familiar with DEMA and State of Arizona policies, procedures, standards and enterprise strategy.
• Excellent understanding of Emergency Management and Emergency Operation Center plans, procedures and best practices.

Skilled in:

• Understanding of project management principles.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Conduct and direct research into communications issues and products as required.
• Present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
• Perform general mathematical calculations for the purpose of creating business cases, budgets, and so on.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Proven analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.

Ability to:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to configure and operate communications equipment and power tools.
• Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as radio equipment and peripherals.
• Stand, sit, and kneel for extended periods of time.
• Work on equipment at varying heights on rooftops or vehicles.
• Work in a stressful environment and work long work shifts (12 hours) for extended periods (2 weeks or more).
• Operate a state motor vehicle, drive for extended periods/distances.

Previous experience in Emergency Management (EM) including Communications and Operations. Training in EM concepts and best practices, Electronic Soldering, Inter-Operable Concepts, Net Control Workings, Radio Networks, etc.

Special Job Requirements:

• This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)
• In and out of State travel required.
• Candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background investigation.
• Must hold and maintain a current FCC Amateur Radio License (technician or higher) at time of hire.
• Required to carry State issued cell phone.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• 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

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

Eligible DEMA employees participate in excellent retirement programs provided by the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and for fire personnel the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact hr@azdema.gov.
DEMA is a smoke-free work environment.
ADA/EEO Employer
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Employer