JOB SUMMARY: Provides technical support applied to design, installation, maintenance, and repair of complex radio telecommunications systems owned and operated or utilized by National Park Service (NPS), Midwest Region (MWR), which encompasses a 13-state area, including over 60 NPS sites and 5 centralized radio dispatch communications centers. Provides technical and analytical work to identify, develop, and evaluate options or new technologies for telecommunications systems throughout the Midwest Region. MAJOR DUTIES: Incumbent installs, tests, maintains, and services a wide variety of highly complex radio telecommunications electronic equipment, systems, components, and devices. This includes a wide variety of technologies, with a focus on Land-Mobile-Radio (LMR) systems and Radio-over-IP (RolP) systems. Typical LMR systems include conventional narrowband analog, P25 conventional FDMA and P25 TDMA, mobile and hand-held radios, stand-alone base radios and repeaters, and complex simulcast repeater systems connected via IP based network, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, 700/800 MHz radio systems or equipment, IP based dispatch consoles or digital microwave transceiver systems. Knowledge of backup power systems, local area network (LAN) infrastructure, wide area network (WAN) infrastructure, computers, peripherals, in-band and cross-band repeaters, antenna systems, and physical infrastructure, such as equipment shelters and radio towers. The incumbent routinely uses varied and complex test equipment and testing methodologies to calibrate, align, and adjust equipment and systems to meet prescribed standards and tolerances. Includes installation and maintenance of lightning protection, surge suppression, grounding, environmental controls, alarm and remote monitoring solutions, and back-up power systems. Recommends suitable locations for radio system components and equipment. Incumbent monitors evaluates and records equipment and system performances and implement maintenance strategies and overall planning efforts as directed by the regional radio program manager. Executes a scheduled preventative maintenance program on radio systems and makes timely replacements and/or repairs needed to minimize outages. Keeps abreast of developments in radio telecommunications technologies and implements improved methods and techniques in the design, modification, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications systems. The work involves routine travel from assigned duty station upwards of 14 days a month or more. Use of tools, power equipment and climbing of radio towers or structures. Prepares technical reports, trip reports, cost estimates, fact sheets, and status reports, as necessary. Provides training and assistance to park radio coordinators. Work requires some physical exertion, mostly during field surveys and service calls to remote sites. Physical labor typically includes walking and hiking while carrying medium to light loads. More strenuous activities such as off-trail hiking, portaging, shoveling, digging, and carrying of heavy loads over a short distance may occasionally be required. Service to remote sites may occasionally require carrying heavy loads of up to 60 pounds or more across uneven terrain. Physical Demands: The work requires some physical exertion, mostly during field surveys and service calls to remote sites. Physical labor typically includes walking and hiking while carrying medium to light loads. More strenuous activities such as off-trail hiking, portaging, shoveling, digging, and carrying of heavy loads over a short distance may occasionally be required. Service to remote sites may occasionally require carrying heavy loads of up to 60 pounds across uneven terrain. Working Conditions: While most work will take place within climate-controlled facilities, the position involves field work, which is subject to a wide variety of environments, ranging from mild to dangerous. Outdoor field station environments include a wide range of weather conditions, such as violent storms with lightning, heavy rain, high winds, tornadic activity, and extreme temperatures. Temperatures can range from -20 Deg. F to above 100 Deg. F. Transport to and from remote sites may be via car, ATV, snowmobile, watercraft (ship, boat, or canoe) and aircraft (fixed wing or helicopter). Water transport can encounter high winds and heavy seas (Lake Superior). Ground transportation in winter can encounter freezing rain, hail, or heavy, sustained snowfall and blizzard conditions with sub-zero temperatures. Foot transportation may involve hiking over steep, rocky terrain, or through wet woodland swamps, or through deep-drifted snow. Trails may be paved and improved, or nonexistent. Other work will require working in unimproved attic and basement utility areas and climbing ladders to service rooftop antennas, repeaters, solar panels, and other radio equipment. IMPORTANT: Click the 'Apply for this job' button to view a complete job description.
