County of Santa Barbara Hiring for Communications Equipment Technician I/II at Santa Barbara, CA  Full Time

NOTICE OF CHANGE: This recruitment has transitioned to continuous and we will be accepting applications on a rolling-basis.

We are accepting applications to fill one full-time vacancy in the General Services Department. The current vacancy may be filled in either Santa Barbara or Santa Maria.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the newly formed Information Technology (IT) Department at the County of Santa Barbara. Come and be a part of a team of talented individuals who are passionate about fostering a culture of teamwork, learning, and respect!

In the IT Department our success is powered by people and technology. Our culture is what makes IT a fun and rewarding place to work! We establish, develop and nurture partnerships and open communication within our communities. We embrace a willingness to learn and accept new ideas, to actively listen and to be receptive to change. We strive to grow our talents and do our best in the service of others while taking pride in our work. We explore and deliver new and creative ways to pair technology with business needs. We ensure the resource necessary to succeed and encourage thoughtful participation leading to inclusion and ownership.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW!

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
• Holidays: 13 days per year.
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and voluntary participation in a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.18% of base salary into a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee’s premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age 5.

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For more information click . In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Communications Technician I/II is a flexibly staffed series. Communications Technician I is the entry level class in which incumbents receive training and are expected to progress to the journey-level Communications Technician II level within a reasonable length of time. Communications Technician II performs more complex installation, repair, and service duties and may assist in the training of the Communications Technician I.

NOTE: Candidates may be appointed at the I or II level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and the needs of the department

POSITION: Under immediate supervision, the selected candidate assembles, installs, repairs, services, and operates radio and electronic communication equipment; performs related duties as required.

Santa Barbara County Operational Area: The Communications Equipment Technician may need to travel between North and South County work sites to install and/or test equipment. The Santa Barbara Operational Area includes: Carpinteria, Goleta, Lompoc, Los Olivos, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Santa Ynez.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Desire for career development and growth within the field
• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines
• Ability to successfully work with managers, operations staff and vendors, and have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple situations occurring simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities
• Excellent customer service skills and experience working with the public
• Calm demeanor under all circumstances and the ability to handle high stress situations, thrive under pressure and adapt to change
• Ability to process, interpret and communicate technical information
• Familiar with Microsoft Office products
• Some formal or informal training in IT/Networking
• Some knowledge of electronic and communications equipment theory
• Experience working at high elevation remote radio transmission sites
• Tower climbing experience (valid certification from licensed agency preferred)
• Experience in vehicle radio installation

The work schedule for this position will depend upon the needs of the Department, which may include working on weekends, holidays, or off hours and on-call.

For work related issues, the incumbent may need to travel throughout the County regardless of the assigned location.

NOTE: Employees for the current vacancy may be working in a jail facility and will be required to successfully complete an in-depth background investigation that includes a Live Scan.

1. Installs, programs, repairs and tests mobile and portable radios and other electronic equipment.
2. Tests circuits and other electronic components using various testing equipment (spectrum analyzer, frequency counters, digital multimeter, power meter, service monitor, etc.) and devices. Troubleshoot, isolate and repair.
3. Under direct supervision, aligns Microwave Back Haul radio equipment per manufacturer specifications.
4. Performs RF Field Tests to determine cause of interruptions or interference in operations.
5. Performs specialized tasks, and prepares reports of work done

1. One year of experience in the installation, maintenance, repair and operation of electronic communication equipment; OR,
2. Completion of a minimum of 16 semester units or equivalent quarter units in core courses in electronics; OR,
3. A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualification: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required.

Knowledge of: basic electronic theory; hand tools, power tools, equipment, practices and methods of installing electronic communication units; construction, assembly, repair and operation of radio transmitters and receivers.

Ability to: read blueprints and diagrams; diagnose defects in 2-way radio and other communications equipment; perform skilled shop work in the repair of radio and electronic communication equipment; operate hand tools such as drills, chop saws, grinders, drill presses, soldering irons, and cutters; keep records; and prepare reports.

Performing the essential functions of this job requires the incumbent to:

• Lift objects weighing up to 75 pounds;
• Work on towers at heights in excess of 100 feet;
• Work in confined spaces;
• Perform full range of body motions involving reaching, bending, grasping, and climbing; and
• Possess color vision.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Applicants who meet the employment standard will have their responses to the supplemental questionnaires evaluated and scored. Candidates’ final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the scored supplemental questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list. Human Resources will notify you by mail if your name is removed.

Recruiters will correspond with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Placement on Employment List & Selection Interview by Hiring Departments: Upon placement of employment list, you will be notified by the Human Resources Department. The hiring department will receive at least the candidates that are ranked in the top 10. The hiring departments may decide which of those 10 candidates they will reach out to advance in the hiring process. Prior to an interview, top candidates may be required to successfully complete an assessment to evaluate the ability to perform the job. Instructions will be sent to qualifying candidates via email.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Current or excessive use of drugs, sale of drugs, serious criminal history, or deception relating to employment history may bar employment.

The following process will be used as part of the background investigation process after the candidate is extended a conditional offer of employment:

• Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): The selected individual will receive a notice regarding completion of a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline will result in disqualification from the hiring process for the General Services Department.
• Background Investigation: The selected individual will be required to complete a Personal History Statement (PHS) and undergo an extensive background investigation that includes an evaluation of references, prior employment, drug history, residence history, and neighborhood check. This process may take 4-6 weeks.
• Live Scan: Electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice.

Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

COVID-19 Vaccination Verification and Testing: This position may be subject to State Health Officer Orders (SHOOs) or County policy regarding vaccine verification and/or testing. Please contact the hiring department for more information.

Statement of Commitment
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at .

Raquel Martinez, Senior Employment Analyst – [email protected]