Communications Systems Technician III

Position Description

The City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities is establishing an eligible list for Communications Systems Technician III which will be used to fill vacancies for one year.
The Communications Systems Technician III's perform complex and highly technical work at the highest level of end user configuration in the installation, testing and maintenance of communication systems. In this role you will operate a variety of specialized tools and test equipment used to ensure assigned systems perform as designed. Assignments may be focused on one or two specific communication systems. In this role you may work independently or be assigned to lead a crew and provide work direction/training to Communications Systems Technicians and other personnel.

Responsibilities Include:

• Serves as a technical specialist and/or lead
• Provides mentorship, training, guidance, and work direction to assigned personnel and ensures work completion
• Works with varying equipment: Two-way radio communications equipment; Telecommunications transport systems; Microwave radio systems; Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA); Telephony and Data Networks; Security systems; Closed Circuit Television; Access Control; Tele-protection systems; and Cable Plant. (specific area of specialization varies from position to position)
• Communicate with internal and/or external technical and user personnel to coordinate such activities as analyzing equipment and device performance problems, implementing repairs as needed, scheduling system outages, performing end-to-end system tests, coordinating new installations, and ensuring documentation is updated.
• Determine or recommend appropriate methods of repair, maintenance, and installation to minimize damage to equipment, potential for personal injury, and/or revenue loss due to equipment downtime.
• Positions in this classification perform all duties in accordance with WAC 296-45.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent, AND an equivalent* combination of experience and education
• An associate's degree or vocational certificate in communication electronics, RF technology, computer networking, physical security, Telephony or automation controls, or related field and six (6) years of experience performing skilled and technical work in the installation, testing, maintenance, repair, and operation of a wide variety of communications equipment and systems.

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Depending on position:

• Valid FCC-approved General Radiotelephone Operator’s License (PG) or certification by an industry-approved and FCC-endorsed program by completion of probation with maintenance thereafter may be required
• Valid Washington State Driver's License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter
• First-aid /CPR certification by completion of probation, with maintenance thereafter
• For positions requiring work in the vicinity of energized equipment, completion and maintenance training required by WAC 296-45, following hire
• Must be able to pass background screening for applicable security access and maintain security clearance

Knowledge & Skills

• Methods, materials and terminology used in the installation, repair and maintenance of communication and security equipment.
• Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations pertaining to applicable communications systems.
• Electronic theory and standard electrical wiring procedures.
• Circuit analysis and trouble shooting.
• Current technical aspects of communications and security field.
• Operation of specialized tools, test equipment, bucket trucks and other devices commonly operated in the trade.
• Configuration and operation of computers, microprocessors and computer peripherals.
• Interpret and apply related laws, rules, codes, policies and procedures.
• Read and interpret schematic, wiring and digital diagrams.
• Identify and isolate electrical and/or electronic problems and equipment malfunctions.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Safely work at heights from communication towers, platforms or manlift trucks.
• Observe adequate safety precautions against occupational hazards.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $163,571.20

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 5/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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