Communications Equipment Specialist I (Trainee)

Communications Equipment Specialist I (Trainee)

Salary

$81,643.50 - $90,011.95 Annually

Location

Contra Costa County, CA

Job Type

Permanent Full-Time

Job Number

PEKA-2026A

Department

Fire District - Contra Costa

Opening Date

08/14/2026

Closing Date

8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

TB

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 856

Why join the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District?

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is a large, well-respected, and busy fire district serving nearly 1 million residents of Contra Costa County. The fire district and the communities it serves are diverse, offering staff a wide range of opportunities. The fire district comprises 750 employees, including both civilian support staff and sworn Firefighters. This position serves in the Communications Division, which includes a 911 emergency communications center, information technology and telecommunications. This position works with three Telecommunications Specialists on fire district radios, VoIP phone systems, and other telecommunications equipment.

The Fire Protection District is seeking to fill one vacancy for the position of Communications Equipment Specialist I. This role presents a valuable opportunity to provide essential technical support to Firefighters and other personnel, ensuring reliable communications capabilities during emergencies. The successful candidate will contribute directly to the District's mission of safeguarding the community.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Willing to learn and follow directions to complete a task
• Able to work well with others and project a positive attitude toward our customers
• Willing to ask questions to solve complex tasks
• Able to take the initiative to solve a problem
• Willing to work long hours at all times of the night and day to solve issues

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Assisting other technicians in repairing and servicing communication systems
• Completing tasks in a timely manner
• Installing systems to industry standards to insure reliability and safety
• Following all safety practices to safely complete a task
• Being proactive in acquiring knowledge and expertise whenever the opportunity arises

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will be given the opportunity to learn about new technology and services
• You will have a sense of accomplishment when you solve a problem
• You will be given the opportunity to work with the latest technologies

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will need to learn and work with many types of different technologies
• You will need to learn to be proficient at maintaining and repairing these technologies

Competencies Required:

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Involving Others (Engaging Teams): Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

To read the complete job description, please visit the website here

The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California motor vehicle operators license. Out of state valid motor vehicle operators license will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Twelve (12) semester or eighteen (18) quarter college units emphasizing telecommunications, electronic technology, computer technology or closely related field.

Experience: One (1) year of full-time experience that would demonstrate the possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.

Substitution: One (1) year of additional journey level experience, including military; or completion of one (1) year of Communication Technicians Apprenticeship program may be substituted for the required education.

Promotional Status: Applicants must have probationary or regular permanent status in the County service on the final filing date in order to participate in this examination.

Selection Process

• Application Filing: All applicants must apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date.
• Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
• Training and Experience Evaluation: Consists of an evaluation of each candidates relevant education, training and/or experience as presented on the application and supplemental questionnaire. (Weighted 100%)

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment specific questions, please contact Christine Bissada at christine.bissada@hrd.cccounty.us. For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

01

The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for the position and to assist Human Resources staff in assessing each applicants qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process. Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application" or "see resume."

• I understand

02

Do you possess a valid drivers license? Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operators License will be accepted during the application process.

• Yes
• No

03

How many college units in telecommunications, electronic technology, computer technology, or a closely related field have you completed?

• I have not taken any college courses
• Less than 12 Semester Units (18 Quarter Units)
• More than 12 Semester Units (18 Quarter Units)

04

Please explain how your work experience demonstrates that you possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the classification. Review the KSA section of the classification using the link below before responding. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta/classspecs/newprint/1212735 In your response, include the employer name, dates of employment, and describe the specific duties and responsibilities that demonstrate you meet the experience minimum qualifications. (Type "N/A" if this does not apply to you) (Note: See Resume will not be considered)

05

How many years of experience do you have in the repair and installation of radio frequency fixed and mobile radio and electronic communications equipment?

• None or less than one (1) year.
• More than one (1) year but less than two (2) years of full-time experience.
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years of full-time experience.
• I have more than three (3) years of full-time experience.

06

How many years of experience do you have working on two-way radio, radio consoles, base station, and microwave radio transmission equipment?

• None or less than one (1) year.
• More than one (1) year but less than two (2) years of full-time experience.
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years of full-time experience.
• I have more than three (3) years of full-time experience.

07

How many years of experience do you have working with internet protocol (IP) routers and switches?

• None or less than one (1) year.
• More than one (1) year but less than two (2) years of full-time experience.
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years of full-time experience.
• I have more than three (3) years of full-time experience.

08

How many years of experience do you have working RF propagation?

• None or less than one (1) year.
• More than one (1) year but less than two (2) years of full-time experience.
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years of full-time experience.
• I have more than three (3) years of full-time experience.

09

How many years of experience do you have working with P25 trunking simulcast radio network?

• None or less than one (1) year.
• More than one (1) year but less than two (2) years of full-time experience.
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years of full-time experience.
• I have more than three (3) years of full-time experience.

10

How many years of experience do you have working with TDMA and FDMA modulation types?

• None or less than one (1) year.
• More than one (1) year but less than two (2) years of full-time experience.
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years of full-time experience.
• I have more than three (3) years of full-time experience.

11

How many years of experience do you have working on modern computer operating systems?

• None or less than one (1) year.
• More than one (1) year but less than two (2) years of full-time experience.
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years of full-time experience.
• I have more than three (3) years of full-time experience.

12

How many years of experience do you have working with communications test equipment to troubleshoot issues in the network?

• None or less than one (1) year.
• More than one (1) year but less than two (2) years of full-time experience.
• Two (2) years but less than three (3) years of full-time experience.
• I have more than three (3) years of full-time experience.

13

What Department(s) would you like to work for? If you do not select "All Departments" then you will ONLY be referred to the Department(s) you select you would be willing to work for Please note: this eligible list may be used to fill vacancies in any of the following departments throughout the period that the list remains active; however, this does not guarantee that there is or will be a vacancy in any specific department.

• Department of Information Technology
• Fire District
• All Departments

14

By checking this box, I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.

• I understand

Required Question

Employer County of Contra Costa