Systems Engineer III - Radio Coordinator | W2/1099 Role | Applicant Must Be Current WI Resident

NOTE: APPLICANT MUST BE ON OUR W2 OR 1099 AND CURRENT WI RESIDENT. NOT ACCEPTING SUB-VENDORS.

Role: Systems Engineer III - Radio Coordinator

Location: Madison, WI - Hybrid

Duration: 8+ Months w/Extensions

Interview:  MS Teams

Job Description:

The State of Wisconsin is looking for a Systems Engineer III - Radio Coordinator

Must be a WI resident. Hybrid position with travel as required

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Technical Services Supervisor & Agency Radio Coordinator, this position provides specialized technical and comprehensive support, consultation, and training services for Department staff on P25 digital trunking radio systems.  The primary responsibility and expertise are to support, configure, maintain, and install radio systems and encompassing technologies.  This position will assist in developing, recommending, and implementing standards for radio systems within all Agency institutions (adult institutions, correctional centers and juvenile institutions) included but not limited to hardware, software and network standards for these systems. The position will assist in managing Agency radio systems including fleet mapping, maintenance and audit of Code Plug data for programmable radios, maintaining inventory of radio equipment, coordinating purchase of equipment to ensure compatibility and cost effectiveness, coordinate with outside agencies interoperability of radio equipment and frequencies, assist purchasing agent in development of requests for purchase for radio systems and equipment, and assist in administration of FCC frequencies licensed to Agency. This position will assist in connecting these systems to existing state networks and stay up to date with networking & I.T. principles in line with Wisconsin BTM.  Extensive field work and travel are incorporated in this position with "hands on" work in installing and maintaining these systems.  This position will work closely with Agency and other facilities, DOA facilities management, and vendors in lifecycle management of radio-based systems.  The person assigned to this position will be required to assist in directing vendors in installation and maintenance of these systems.

This position shall comply with the Department’s administrative rules and the agency’s policies and procedures including those related to the Department's overall Reentry philosophy of using evidence-based strategies, practices and programs which target an offender’s individual criminogenic needs and risk level.

Goals and Work Activities:

Analysis and review to ensure compliance for new and existing radio systems:

·       Analyze performance data related to radio systems with the development of techniques to optimize the use of radio resources.  Assist and advise institutions and centers on providing the necessary data to account for their radio communications needs for the upcoming biennium and provide recommendations on improvements to their plans and implementation strategies.

·       Assist with the development of department radio communications planning for the better use of existing services and consideration of new services and technologies.

·       Assist with standardization of operating procedures for all Agency institutions and centers to follow.  This would include a Agency Communications Plan, Security Internal Management Procedures (SIMPs), policies and procedures as required by Security and Internal management and establishing disaster recovery plans and services.

·       Assist with securing and administering FCC radio frequency licenses including filing applications with the FCC on a timely basis, with necessary input from the installation vendors, to ensure that the systems can be operational when needed.

·       Assist with maintaining Tower Licenses and FAA approval for towers located near airports.  

·       Coordinate with outside agencies the analysis of frequency use for Mutual Aide and Emergency response.  Assist with developing Memorandums of Understanding for authorized use of such frequencies or written authorization to apply for licenses for said use when appropriate.  Attend Emergency Response meetings and apply findings to Agency radio systems.

·       Partner with vendors to build relationships, analyze processes and technology to ensure system aligns with industry standards in all areas of radio technology, including but not limited to, network, PC & cabling standards.

Assist with development and installation of radio communications systems for the department on a state-wide basis:

·       Assist the installation and implementation of all new services and systems with the involved vendors, contractors, architects, engineers, departmental users and other agencies, ensuring that installations meet all Agency and state standards.

·       Assist in implementation of radio installs with DET & Agency BTM with regards to network connectivity and ensuring all systems are consistent with BTM standards.

·       Provide consultation at the appropriate office, unit, institution, division or department level on the acquisition of new radio communication systems, both under current consideration and for budgetary purposes.

·       Assist in planning and conducting reviews of service levels and equipment performance to make recommendations for the improvement of efficiency and cost controls, responding to program changes and user needs. 

·       Assist in implementing and ensuring quality control of Agency Fleet Map – identification of all radios, talk groups available and identification of which radios have access to specific talk groups. 

·       Assist in maintaining inventory & databases reflecting the Agency Fleet Map and inventory of all radio

·       equipment.  Maintain drawings of connectivity & key hardware items with regards to the Agency radio systems. 

·       Maintain inventory of all Code Plugs (electronic file that contains features and programming for a specific radio) for programmable radio in the fleet.  Conduct periodic onsite analysis of radio programming of fleet radios and compare code plug date on file to assure standardization and reliability. 

·       Assist configuring networking equipment to include switches and other network apparatus used in radio systems and connectivity to existing state networks. 

·       Install, configure and backup workstations used in any IT-integrated facility-based radio systems.

Assist with on-site radio asset management:

·       Assist with the scheduling, planning and implementation of site surveys to review existing radio communication systems and services aimed at identifying problems and needs for recommending changes either in current operations, for budgetary purposes or to effectively communicate in emergency situations.

·       Assist as point of contact for emergency back-up resources in event of a systems failure.   

·       Assist with analyzing and evaluating all Agency institution and center’s Communication Trunking System,

·       a computerized frequency management system that handles multiple frequencies. Assist in maintaining consistent talk groups within the department. 

Provision of consultation and technical assistance for all radio communications systems and equipment department-wide:

·       Maintain a working knowledge of radio communications systems, services, and equipment to provide consulting services and recommendations to all department users and facilities. 

·       Establish and maintain a professional working relationship with other industry professionals, vendors, equipment manufacturers and service providers to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies. 

·       Assist with studies (feasibility studies, cost benefit analysis etc.) on radio systems, equipment and services for divisional and departmental budget planning. 

·       Respond to requests for information and advice by providing technical expertise on radio communication operations, services and equipment. 

·       Assist with preparation of formal project reports, respond to questionnaires and surveys as assigned or requested and present progress to management, key stakeholders.

·       Act as liaison between department users and vendor/service providers in all areas of radio communications.

·       Assist in providing standards and other guidance material to assist institutions and offices of the department in establishing disaster recovery plans and services.

·       Communicate and assist Purchasing agents in the development of Request for Purchase for radio equipment and systems. 

Interchange of information beneficial to the department:

·       Maintain liaison with other agencies to share information on common problems and to take advantage of available expertise.

·       Train Institution staff on Radio Systems.

·       Direct and in some cases develop the training plans and supervise the delivery of training to departmental employees on the use of radio communications equipment and services to assure consistency to all Agency institutions and centers.

Professional development and other duties:

·       Attend appropriate training, conferences, seminars and read technical publications to maintain a high level of expertise concerning radio communication technologies.

·       Follow industry publications and other sources to stay abreast of industry changes and new directions within this industry.

·       Attend product demonstrations to become familiar with new hardware and software developments.

·       Share technical skills and knowledge with other staff.

·       Provide backup support to the FIIT group.

·       Provide and coordinate for the providing of training assistance for Agency maintenance technicians.           

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·       Knowledge of radio equipment and digital radio trunking systems.

·       Knowledge of all operation procedures in radio equipment.

·       Knowledge of SIMPs.

·       Knowledge of FCC Licensing procedures and license maintenance requirements.

·       Knowledge of Radio Programming related to software and interface equipment.

·       Knowledge of how to properly maintain fleet of portable batteries.

·       Working knowledge of PCs, standard Windows OS’s and Microsoft Office (Access, Outlook, Word, Excel).  Experience with workstation backup principles.

·       Experience with networking concepts and principles.  Experience working with network hardware including switches, routers & firewalls.

·       Experience cabling network-attached equipment, to include copper and fiber optic technologies.

·       Strong verbal and written communication skills.

·       Skill in resolution of conflicts of both technical issues and interpersonal relationships.

·       Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Division personnel, institution personnel, professional consultants, vendors / trades people, and representatives of other agencies. 

·       Ability to create clear and comprehensive technical documentation and detailed system diagrams.

·       Ability to work well alone or in a team environment.

·       17. Ability to manage time and juggle multiple simultaneous projects and operational responsibilities.

Top Skills & Years of Experience: 1-2+ years of experience in the following:

·       Support, configure, maintain, and install radio systems and the encompassing technologies - EF Johnson Radio Coordinator.

·       Assist in developing, recommending, and implementing standards for radio systems included but not limited to hardware, software and network standards.

·       Conducting fleet mapping, maintenance and audits of Code Plug data for programmable radios.

·       Maintaining inventory of radio equipment and coordinating purchase of equipment to ensure compatibility and cost effectiveness.

Nice to have skills:

·       Network topology and troubleshooting skills

·       Advanced PC skills

·       Microsoft Visio or other documentation software experience

Interview Process:

·       Virtual Microsoft Teams Interview. AI Assistance is PROHIBITED.

Contract Duration:

·       Through 06/30/2027 with possible extension

On-site or remote?

·       Must be a WI resident. Hybrid position with travel as required.

Additional Details:

·       "For our radio program we are looking for a more seasoned engineer to bring the Agency to the forefront of radio technology." - Hiring Manager

Will this position have access to FTI (Federal Tax Information)?

·       No

Travel Required?

·       Yes-Travel on the team is mostly in-state, day trips. The state provides vehicles out of fleet pool for qualified drivers local to Madison. Candidates not located near Madison will need to use their personal vehicle, and they will be re-imbursed for mileage at the State standard. There have been some occurrences of overnight travel, but it is very infrequent and planned out well in advance.