Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3 (In-Training)

WSDOT is seeking a skilled Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3 to provide technical expertise in wireless systems infrastructure, networking, and connectivity supporting the Northwest Region's Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) equipment and field offices King, Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom, Pierce counties. This role will resolve complex issues in IP-based LMR, microwave, and network systems; perform inspection, maintenance, repair, and preventative care of wireless telecommunications equipment; and support reliable communications for highway operations through field-based troubleshooting, emergency response, and collaboration with engineers and fellow technicians. A strong candidate will possess hands-on experience with wireless and IP networking technologies, diagnostic and problem-solving skills, knowledge of telecommunications and safety practices, the ability to work independently in field environments, and clear communication and teamwork skills.

What to Expect

This position will be required to perform hands-on work while exposed to hazardous conditions or materials including field sites, roadways, construction sites or right of way activity. This position will also perform manual labor and operate machinery or equipment.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3 will:

• Serve as a technical expert, applying expert-level knowledge in wireless networking for WSDOT area offices and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices impacting statewide operations.
• Travel regularly between different locations throughout the Northwest Region; perform emergency repairs.
• Maintain enhanced IP communications systems.
• Install, configure, manage, maintain, and repair digital IP-based microwave systems; manage and maintain Ethernet switches and routers.
• Create and maintain secure (IPsec) VLAN networks; install, configure, manage, maintain, and repair IP networking systems.
• Maintain inventory records, install, repair, and program IP-based P25 700 MHz/800 MHz digital trunked repeaters, base stations, and control systems.
• Interface and coordinate with other regional staff to ensure the seamless statewide operations of the wireless P25 Land Mobile Radio system.
• Provide service for conventional radio control stations, base stations for other government entities.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with other agencies and partners.
• Develop, manage, and maintain a live inventory of coordinated IP lists and network programming parameters.
• Install, configure, and maintain legacy systems; install, configure, maintain, and assist in the development of interoperability solutions and equipment.
• Climb, maneuver, install, repair and maintain equipment on communications towers; maintain agency certification to conduct rescues on communications towers; operate a technician repair vehicle and snowcat for the purpose of repairing the radio system and infrastructure on location, possibly during inclement weather., 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.

This is a Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate 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 this opportunity at the highest level, the following are required:

• P25 Communications Systems: Extensive experience designing, staging, and commissioning conventional and trunked Project 25 (P25) wireless communication systems, ensuring interoperability, reliability, and compliance with applicable standards.
• IP Networking & MPLS: Working knowledge of IP-based networking systems, including Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), with the ability to design, configure, and integrate network infrastructure supporting wireless communications systems.
• Technical Troubleshooting & Support: Experience and skill in diagnosing and resolving system issues across wireless communication, microwave, and networking environments, including hardware, software, and connectivity components.
• Wireless Communications Operations: Working knowledge of wireless communications system operations and maintenance practices, including experience supporting and enhancing system performance in operational environments.
• Technical Document Interpretation: Ability to interpret and apply information from technical documents, engineering drawings, manuals, and schematics to support system design, installation, and maintenance activities.
• Technical Analysis: Skill in analyzing technical manuals, schematics, and diagrams to diagnose issues, inform decision-making, and ensure accurate execution of work tasks.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:

• Ability to pass and maintain a Washington State Patrol background check.
• Ability to pass and maintain a General Radiotelephone Operator Licensed issued by the FCC within the first six (6) months of hire or within the in-training plan.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a tower climbing safety and rescue certificate.
• Access remote equipment sites in extreme weather conditions, operating such equipment as a 4-wheel drive vehicle and snowcat, clear slide areas, and remove downed trees by winch or chainsaw.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work at heights up to 300 feet.
• Ability to perform work effectively in extreme or adverse weather conditions while maintaining safety, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness.
• Ability to perform physical duties necessary to service equipment in confined, or awkward positions, including bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, climbing, and working above shoulder level, below waist level, or while lying on the back.
• Ability to perform work safely using appropriate personal protective equipment for assigned tasks and environments.
• Ability to respond to emergency callouts, including after-hours situations, to restore or maintain critical communications infrastructure.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Advanced Networking & Radio Systems Knowledge: Demonstrates additional technical knowledge obtained through formal education and/or professional experience in Ethernet networking, radio propagation, L3Harris Land Mobile Radio systems or Nokia Microwave systems.

Pulled from the full job description

• Loan forgiveness
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays, * This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Candidate must be able to pass a WSP background check for unescorted access to shared WSP/WSDOT facilities and pass Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) to be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• This is a Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. The base salaries for each level are:

• Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3: $88,788 - $108,228
• Wireless Communications Systems Technician 2: $80,496 - $98,064

• This position is eligible for an additional 10% assignment pay, in addition to the base salary, while performing assigned job responsibilities requiring work at heights above four (4) feet at communication tower sites or are at the same remote location directly supervising an employee performing these duties.
• 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.
• 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, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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?

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!