Radio Communications Technician Job at City of Seattle in Seattle

We are seeking qualified candidates for the position of Radio Communications Technician (IT Professional -C, BU) with Seattle Information Technology (IT) Department in the Security and Infrastructure Division. Join a team that keeps critical communications running for public safety and government operations by installing, maintaining, and repairing advanced two-way radio systems, microwave links, dispatch consoles, and power systems. If you're passionate about solving complex technical challenges and thrive in a fast-paced, high-impact environment, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

About our City and Team

The City of Seattle is creating the civic technology foundations that help our community thrive through our One Seattle vision and initiatives. As the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and the 17th largest in the nation, the City manages an extensive array of services and infrastructure. With a budget of over $8 billion and 13,500 employees, we serve 816,000 residents and over 50,000 businesses across 83 square miles. That is 860,000+ thousand reasons to excel every day. We are proud that Seattle is a hub of innovation and culture. The City aspires to reflect that spirit in our municipal services.

For our Seattle Information Technology team, we play a role in enabling smart, equitable, and responsive services for City employees, Seattle residents, and local businesses. We work to unleash our community through technology solutions, infrastructure, and well-executed projects that are secure and resilient. We invest in open access to City information, privacy and responsible technology use, digital access, collaboration, customer service, and strategic planning, and we are a leader in local government progress toward responsible AI adoption. These are Seattle’s values in action.

Our work is powered by people who share a mission of public good and care about being great in their professional fields together. We foster a culture of collaboration, continuous growth, shared high standards, and a flexible and empowering workplace for all team members.

Responsibilities

• Installation, testing, maintenance and repair of commercial FM two-way radio systems and equipment including low band VHF, VHF, UHF and Motorola 7. P25 trunked radio networks, microprocessor-controlled radio transceivers, simulcast site controllers, antenna systems, multi-site microwave links, dispatch consoles, and associated telecommunications and network equipment which impact government and public safety operations for external and internal customers.
• Utilize standardized safety procedures, technical regulations, and equipment manuals to identify and resolve system and equipment problems.
• Communicate with internal City of Seattle personnel, outside service personnel, equipment vendors and other government agencies to coordinate and provide information pertaining to service requests, work orders, equipment evaluations, technical advice and complaints regarding radio system interference.
• Maintain and install DC Power Distribution Panels and perform preventive maintenance on UPS systems and DC Power Plants. Install and maintain Analog and digital telemetry systems and other digital and analog systems.
• Analyze and resolve performance and failure issues related to OSI Layers 1-2 using network testing and management resources.
• Perform related telecommunication duties commensurate with classification level.
• Position requires participation in an on-call after-hours support role, which includes a requirement to respond remotely or in-person to radio system outages. The present rotation requires being on-call for one-week periods, once per month.
• Perform related duties commensurate with classification level.

Additional Responsibilities

Position requires a basic understanding of IP network technology including; understanding of Ethernet backhaul as it applies to Land Mobile Radio networks; and requires a basic knowledge of electronics theory, circuit operation. The position also required the ability to use hand and power tools used in electronics and the ability to operate electronic test and diagnostic equipment.

Required Qualifications

NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education, experience and/or training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work will be considered except where specifically noted.

Technical Experience

• Five (5) years’ experience in installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial LMR and related electronic equipment and systems or equivalent.
• Two (2) years’ expertise in radio system IP data networking.
• Two (2) year experience in at least two of the following technologies: trunked land mobile radio, microwave networks, LTE technology, MPLS, and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).
• General knowledge of Motorola 7.x infrastructure, other trunking technologies, P25 system technology, microwave networks, and industry-standard software.
• Working knowledge MS Office tools, including Visio, to maintain system documentation, assist with training peers, and express ideas and thoughts.

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills, and the ability to communicate at both the technical and inter-team level.
• Ability to work as a productive team member; share knowledge, and document work in a collaborative effort to resolve problems and optimize the network.
• Strong customer service skills, and a demonstrated ability to work with both internal and external customers at all levels in a professional and supportive manner.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, rapidly changing technology environment.
• Demonstrated initiative, multitasking ability, and flexibility in shifting priorities.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.

Other Requirements

• Ability to safely lift and move 50 pounds is required.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Desired Qualifications

• Education equivalent to an AA degree in Electronics, including specific coursework involving communications equipment, digital circuitry, or test equipment usage.
• Direct hands-on experience with Motorola SmartZone infrastructure or wide area P25 system technology.
• Motorola MCC7500 console, GTR8000 base station, Motorola trunked system product experience and/or training.
• Alcatel Lucent 7705/7710 product experience training, including MPLS configuration.
• Experience with Fire Station Alerting systems and PLC logic control systems.
• Experience with Distributed Antenna Systems and Bi-Directional Amplifier systems.
• Experience with LTE.
• General knowledge of Motorola 7.x infrastructure, other trunking technologies, P25 system technology, microwave networks, and industry-standard software.
• Being a self-starter is important, including the ability to find information and learn on your own.
• Ability to represent the Communications Shop/City of Seattle in meetings with internal and external customers and radio system peers (PSERN, King County, Washington State Patrol etc.), and the ability to communicate with peer technicians and installers, and guide staff and vendors who may be less technically experienced.
• A demonstrated history of reliability and availability to support emergent responses to critical technology system issues and customer needs.

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of January 12, 2026

Salary Range

The full salary range for this position is $46.03 - $69.04 per hour. The salary for this position has been identified up to $60.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Why Join the City of Seattle

The City of Seattle recognizes that every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our views and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website at

Work Location

This position is based on-site, Monday through Friday at our Radio Shop location. Regular in-person attendance is required to support operational needs.

Application Process

You are encouraged to include a cover letter and resume with your application and indicate why you want to do this work and how you meet the qualifications for the position. Your resume should summarize the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills you bring to this work.

Who may apply

This role is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. We value different view points and life experiences. Your application will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Background Check

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

In addition, the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) comprehensive background investigation, which includes fingerprinting, is required for this body of work. Failure to pass CJIS can result in dismissal of new hire.

Pre-Employment physical

This position is subject to a pre-employment physical to ensure the candidate meets the physical demands of the role.

Union

NOTE: This position is covered by a collective bargaining unit; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 77. For information explore Local 77’s website.

Questions and accommodations

If you have any questions or require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the selection process, please contact Julie Hugill at Julie.Hugill@Seattle.gov.

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