Communications Systems Technician I

Communications Systems Technician I

Salary

$48.99 - $59.55 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

4122-26

Department

City of Tacoma - CITY WIDE LIST

Opening Date

09/15/2026

Closing Date

9/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Do you find personal satisfaction from working on communications infrastructure that will bring real value to a community well into the future? Are you the type who enjoys solving complex puzzles? Do you like the idea of being a part of a team focused on your personal success and professional growth, as well as of those we serve? If any of this resonates with you, this job and the City of Tacoma might be the place for you.

The City of Tacoma is creating a new civil service list for Communications Systems Technician I. The Communications Tech Is perform first level skilled duties in the installation, repair, and maintenance of Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) and Tacoma General Government communications infrastructure including: Two-way radio communications equipment; Telecommunications 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; Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Multiple Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Cable Plant.

Responsibilities Include:

• Installing and maintaining a variety of Network and Communications infrastructure and end user devices to industry standards
• Properly route wire and/or cables through crawl spaces, work spaces and other City facilities/plants
• Performing communications cable terminations and testing
• Installing radios and antennas in City vehicles
• Train with and assist higher level Communication Systems Technicians
• Ensure established standards and specifications are followed for the installation of communications infrastructure in buildings, remote facilities, in the rights-of way and on private property

In this role you will be joining a team that is truly focused on your success and professional development. This is a cornerstone of our team culture. You will have an opportunity to learn and develop from some of the most capable and passionate professional in our field.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent AND
• Two (2) years of work experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic communications equipment and infrastructure, RF technology or computer networking, physical security, Telephony or automation controls

OR

• Graduation from high school or equivalent AND
• Two years of related Trade School education

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Depending on position:

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

Knowledge & Skills

• Safe operation of specialized tools, test equipment, man lift trucks, underground construction equipment and other devices commonly operated in the trade for the installation of communications cabling, related infrastructure and security equipment
• Methods, materials and terminology used in the installation, repair and maintenance of communication and security equipment
• Electronic theory and standard electrical wiring procedures
• Test communication cabling to ensure required standards are being met
• Interpret and apply related laws, rules, codes, policies and procedures
• Read and interpret schematic, wiring and digital drawings
• 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 antenna towers, platforms or man lift trucks
• Observe adequate safety precautions against occupational hazards

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $101,899.20- $123,864.00

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. Were committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and 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.

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, youll 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/

Apply

Interested individuals should apply online. Please attach a detailed resume that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must 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.

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

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 age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 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.

01

Have you graduated from high school or earned an equivalent credential and completed one of the following?

• Two (2) years of work experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electronic communications equipment and infrastructure, RF technology, computer networking, physical security, telephony, or automation controls;
• Two (2) years of related trade school education.
• High School/ High School Equivalent Only
• None of the Above

02

Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.

• Yes
• No

03

Please describe your work experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of infrastructure related electronic communications equipment, RF technology or computer networking.

04

What interests you in this position?

05

What technical skills or competencies make you a good candidate for this position?

06

Describe a time when you had to communicate something important to a customer who did not understand your industry or functions/technical language well.

07

Describe a specific time when you built strong relationships where none previously existed.

08

One of the Citys Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov