DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Manage and reduce fire risk to protect Arizona's people, communities, and wildland areas to champion the health of Arizona's natural resources. The Department of Forestry and Fire Management provides services through strategic implementation of cooperative natural resources and fire assistance programs, development and support of statewide fire policies, and coordination of resources across all-lands and jurisdictions.

SEASONAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS SPECIALIST

Job Location:

Address:  

2901 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85027

Posting Details:

Salary: $29.6019 - $32.0000 Hourly 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: April 18, 2025

Job Summary:

Performs technical duties of a wildand NWCG Communications Unit Leader (COML) of existing DFFM radio systems, and other available systems. aids in developing the system components needed to update, maintain, and improve the infrastructure. The Communications Unit Leader installs and maintains various types of electronic communications equipment such as VHF, mobile, portable and other two-way communications fixed radio systems. This position often travels statewide, working irregular and long hours under extreme environmental conditions in performing their duties. This position also provides emergency communications support on wildland fire and other emergency incidents and is part of an emergency responder system specifically to provide emergency communications for incidents.

***This is a seasonal position with no benefits***

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

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, shall be performed within Arizona.

Job Duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Performs technical duties of a NWCG qualified COML- Communications Unit Leader with existing DFFM radio systems; aids in developing the system components needed to update, maintain, and improve the infrastructure. Determine the necessary tools and programming aids to facilitate the installation, modification, repair and maintenance of communications needed to update, maintain, and improve the infrastructure. Determine the necessary tools and programming aids to facilitate the installation, modification, repair and maintenance of communications and other electronic equipment.
- Determines installations, modifications, and design on various forms of communications equipment (e.g., analog and/or digital; VHF, UHF, base station/repeaters, 2-way radios, antennas and wiring in vehicles and buildings throughout the state. Schedules and/or coordinates services (e.g., repairs, installations, removal of equipment, preventative maintenance, etc.).
-Responds to 24-hour/day 7 day/week emergency call-outs to perform and/or facilitate emergency equipment repairs anywhere in the statewide communications system and on emergency incidents.
-Generates or acquires hand and/or computer generated drawings, creating site documentation (e.g., layout of equipment within a room, electrical distribution at a site, site access maps, and special site considerations and needs). Documents job-related activity showing work performed, location of equipment, time and parts used for repairs and/or modifications, weekly time sheets, travel claims, etc.
-Drive on State business
-Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

-The principles, applications, and physics of analog and digital electronics, microprocessors, amplifiers, antennas, transmission lines, and land mobile RF systems.
-FCC regulations pertaining to land mobile radio systems, licensing, transmission power, radiated power, modulation limits and spurious radiation.
-The duties of an NWCG COMT and COML- Communications Technician and Communicators Unit Leader.

Skills in:

-Soldering techniques.
-Using electronic test equipment and documentation.
-The use, care and selection of appropriate hand tools.
-Research and analytical
-Gathering technical information for trouble calls from non-technical per