Radio Communications Technician III

Radio Communications Technician III

Salary

$83,221.76 - $122,947.96 Annually

Location

Perris

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

26-86131-02

Department

Fire

Division

Fire Protection - Forest

Opening Date

08/14/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The County of Riverside seeks candidates to fill positions throughout Riverside County. A list of eligible candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies.

The County of Riverside's Fire Department has an opportunity for a Radio Communications Technician III (IT Communications Technician III) who will be assigned to the Fire Protection - Forest division in Perris.

The Radio Communications Technician III (IT Communications Technician III) will be tasked with performing repairs of communication repeaters and dispatch radio systems, repairs of mobile and handheld radios, and the department's keyless security door system. Additionally, the Radio Communications Technician III (IT Communications Technician III) will repair headsets and emergency warning lights in/on apparatus and provide repairs to telephone network systems and infrastructure.

Competitive candidates will possess four years, within the last five years, of experience in vehicle outfitting, 12-volt circuitry and wiring, installing, maintaining and repairing two-way radios and lead experience with team members. Project Management experience is highly desired.

This position follows a 9/80 schedule; please note that extended hours, standby shifts and travel throughout the county are required.

Meet the Team!

The Riverside County Fire Department is one of California's largest integrated, cooperative, regional fire protection organizations. The Department, a unique partnership between State of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the County of Riverside, serves 19 partner agencies and 1 community service district. The Department has five core values: Leadership, Competence, Integrity, Safety, and Customer Service.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Install communication (e.g., VHF radio, microwave radio, mobile data computer) and other equipment in or on vehicles; install communication (e.g., VHF radio, microwave radio, computer, telephone) and other equipment (e.g., infrastructure equipment, cabling) in offices and other buildings (e.g., remote microwave/radio tower sites); perform preventative maintenance on communication network and/or components.
• Install and configure network hardware and software; update system documentation; coordinate system/component upgrades and repairs with vendors and users; monitor the work of vendors to ensure compliance of enterprise standards for products and services; provide user training regarding equipment and network utilization.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and resolve malfunction of equipment and devices (e.g., computer, radio repeaters, vhf/microwave radios, telephone systems, and cabling); diagnose, locate and repair network malfunctions.
• Be able to use test equipment to check a vhf antenna/radio systems for sensitivity and/or interference to ensure optimal safety and performance.
• Troubleshoot, repair, program and resolve malfunctions of Code 3 emergency alerting systems within County emergency response vehicles/vessels (e.g. lights, sirens, PA, low level power sources).
• Utilize and administer enterprise network applications such as domain name services, network modeling, trend analysis, IP address management and network configuration management.
• Research, evaluate and test proposed products, product versions and systems solutions.
• Coordinate all telephone and data services for County departments; coordinate the installation and operation of the County private telephone system, 911 emergency telephone system and all microwave and radio systems with County departments, cities and telephone companies.
• Confer with County staff and vendors to determine requirements and services and coordinate activities to ensure capability exists for inter-agency communication.
• Plan new and revised communications systems; estimate installation and recurring costs; coordinate the modification and installation of systems and leased data and transmission facilities; review and verify billings for completeness and accuracy prior to submission for payment; prepare recommendations and reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Graduation from high school, possession of a certificate of proficiency issued by the California State Board of Education, or attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test. IT job-related coursework from an accredited college, university or trade school in computer science, computer information systems, data processing, information management or a related field to the assignment is preferred.

Experience

Four years of successful VHF radio or microwave job-related experience, one year of which included either lead level duties or technically advanced RF job-related work. (One year as a Radio Communications Technician II [IT Communications Technician II] will satisfy the one year of lead or technically advanced experience requirement.)

Other Requirement

Valid California Driver License: Class C

Required Skills

The installation and coordination of the installation of communication systems including voice, videoconferencing, VHF radio, microwave and data in vehicles, remote sites and buildings; use of test equipment to isolate, repair and resolve problems; problem isolation techniques; coordination, planning or designing of modern and computer based business telephone systems to include planning, development and evaluation of computer telephony integration (CTI) systems involving extensive communication with telephone service user.

Knowledge Of

The principles, methods, and techniques used in the course of work for the IT Communications Technician series; principles and techniques applied to IT devices, applications and systems; principles of organization and administration; principles of documentation and recordkeeping, storage and retrieval.

Ability To

Gather and analyze data, reason logically, draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; resolve technical problems and innovate more efficient use of IT resources; perform systems analysis work and problem solving; interpret and follow written and oral instructions; prepare concise reports and documents; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, customers, other employees, and the public; communicate effectively with people at all organizational levels.

Preferred Skills

Assessing customer repair needs based on description of problems; installation and configuration of network hardware and software; use of systems level maintenance and management tools; troubleshooting and repairing/resolution of equipment malfunction in a multi-user, single platform environment; interpreting of customer technology needs.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Application Status

How to confirm your application was received or check on the status of your application, log-in to www.GovernmentJobs.com, click on your name in the upper right corner and click on "Applications & Status".

Sign Up for Job Alerts

Go to www.RC-HR.com, click on "Careers," click on "County Job Openings" and click on the "Subscribe to Job Alerts" icon.

For questions regarding this recruitment:

Contact Richard Griego at (951) 955-5162 or rgriego@rivco.org. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.

____

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veterans Preference

The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouses) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouses death certificate, a letter of spouses disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veterans Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies

Reasonable Accommodations

The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability

Proof of Education

If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.

If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).

Work Authorization Requirement

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Pre-Employment

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.

Probationary Period

As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.

General Information

Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.

Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.

Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the Apply link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veterans preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com.

If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.

BENEFIT PROGRAM: UPE

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable LIUNA Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here.

MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
• Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
• Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

• A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
• A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
• A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,

Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If theres any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)

4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)

10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance)

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY:

Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for those unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave benefits. The wage replacement rate, as defined by current law, is between 60-70% of wages earned during the SDI eligibility period. Benefits can be coordinated with other available leave balances to provide up to 100% of regular pay.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.

01

Select the answer that best describes your current drivers license status:

• I have a valid California Driver License.
• I am able to obtain a valid California Driver License.
• I currently have a valid out-of-state drivers license, and I am able to obtain a valid California Driver License.
• I do not have and/or I am not able to obtain a California Driver License.

02

Have you completed IT job-related coursework, from an accredited college, in computer science, computer information systems, data processing or information management?

• I have not completed IT job-related coursework.
• I have completed IT job-related coursework and attached my unofficial transcript.

03

How many years of journey level job-related VHF radio experience do you possess?

• No Experience
• Less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, but less than five years
• Five years, but less than six years
• Six years, but less than seven years
• Seven years, but less than eight years
• Eight years or more

04

How many years of journey level job-related microwave experience do you possess?

• No Experience
• Less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, but less than five years
• Five years, but less than six years
• Six years, but less than seven years
• Seven years, but less than eight years
• Eight years or more

05

How many years of job-related experience do you possess in a lead level position?

• No Experience
• Less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, but less than five years
• Five years, but less than six years
• Six years, but less than seven years
• Seven years, but less than eight years
• Eight years or more

06

How many years of job-related experience do you possess with vehicle outfitting?

• No Experience
• Six months, to less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, but less than five years
• Five years, but less than six years
• Six years, but less than seven years
• Seven years, but less than eight years
• Eight years or more

07

How many years of job-related experience do you possess in 12-volt circuitry and wiring?

• No Experience
• Less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, but less than five years
• Five years, but less than six years
• Six years, but less than seven years
• Seven years, but less than eight years
• Eight years or more

08

How many years of job-related experience do you possess installing, maintaining and repairing two-way radios?

• No Experience
• Less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, but less than five years
• Five years, but less than six years
• Six years, but less than seven years
• Seven years, but less than eight years
• Eight or more years

09

How many years of job-related experience do you possess performing technically advanced RF: Radio Frequency work?

• No Experience
• Less than one year
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four years, but less than five years
• Five years, but less than six years
• Six years, but less than seven years
• Seven years, but less than eight years
• Eight years or more

10

Do you possess an FCC: Technician license?

• No
• Yes

11

Do you have job-related experience leading projects?

• No
• Yes

Required Question

Employer County of Riverside

Address County Admin. Center P.O. Box 1569

4080 Lemon St., 7th floor

Riverside, California, 92502-1569

Phone Contact Recruiter for Job Information

Website http://www.rc-hr.com