Posting number: 2026--1104

Department: Emergency Services

Job classification: Part Time Field Communications Technician

Posting type: Open

Categories: Communications

Summary

The Field Communications Technician installs programs, maintains, and supports the voice and data communications systems used by Pender County Emergency Services. The position also supports partner public safety agencies within the county and provides communications continuity for county government during disasters, ensuring elected officials and county administration can communicate. Systems include land mobile radio (LMR) subscribers and infrastructure, paging, deployable communications equipment, mobile and satellite data connectivity, and situational awareness platforms such as Team Awareness Kit (TAK). The technician provides field communications support during emergency operations, planned events, and exercises; deploys with and supports the department's special operations teams, including Swiftwater, Search and Rescue, and the State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT); and delivers equipment training to end users. Work is performed under the direction of the Field Communications Division Chief in a 24/7 public safety environment and may require after-hours response and extended deployments.

Examples of duties

Due to the unpredictable nature of emergency scenarios, the following duties are representative and not exhaustive. Incumbents may perform additional or different duties as needed to address departmental requirements and evolving practices. Duties are not prioritized, as each emergency and daily operational need is unique.

Radio Systems:

Install, configure, program, test, and maintain land mobile radio (LMR) systems, including portable and mobile subscriber radios, vehicle and apparatus radio installations, base stations, repeaters, antenna systems, cabling, and paging equipment.
Program subscriber radios and infrastructure across multiple manufacturers using vendor programming and fleet management software; maintain radio templates and codeplugs in accordance with department standards.
Issue and track radio IDs for VIPER, the department's radio systems, and surrounding county systems; maintain subscriber records.
Perform scheduled preventive maintenance, testing, and alignment of subscriber radios and infrastructure using service monitors and related test equipment.
Facilitate interoperability with surrounding agencies through programming and patching of equipment in accordance with MOUs/MOAs.

Data and Network Systems:

Install, configure, and maintain mobile and fixed routers (e.g., Cradlepoint, Peplink) providing cellular and satellite connectivity for vehicles, deployable assets, and communications sites.
Configure and troubleshoot IP networking supporting communications infrastructure, including site links, deployable networks, and connectivity between radio systems, dispatch, and field assets.
Administer the department's Team Awareness Kit (TAK) server and related situational awareness platforms, including user and device onboarding, permissions, data feeds and plugins, and end-user support.
Configure and support end-user devices and applications used for field data communications and situational awareness.
Administer the department's mass notification and alerting platforms, including user onboarding and offboarding, group configuration, and alert generation as directed.
Coordinate with Pender County Information Technology Services on issues that cross between communications infrastructure and county IT systems.

Field Operations and Deployment:

Maintain readiness of deployable resources, including communications trailers, radio caches, MANET kits, satellite phones and radios, aviation radios, portable network equipment, satellite internet terminals, mobile towers and masts, and solar generators; perform routine checkoffs, battery cycling, and firmware updates.
Deploy with and provide communications support to department special operations teams, including Swiftwater, Search and Rescue, and the State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT), during training, exercises, and real-world operations.
Provide field communications support during emergency operations, planned events, and exercises, including Communications Unit (COMU) functions such as Incident Communications Technician (COMT) assigned.
Staff Communications Unit (COMU) and ESF-2 functions during Emergency Operations Center activations and Incident Management Team assignments as directed.
Serve as a deployable member of the NCEM State Emergency Response Team (SERT) ESF-2 Unit; respond to mutual aid requests and statewide deployments as assigned.

Administrative Duties:

Maintain accurate inventory of communications assets in the department's asset management system and assist with lifecycle planning and replacement.
Support compliance with FCC licensing requirements and applicable NFPA and TIA standards for communications systems and installations.
Maintain accurate documentation of communications systems, configurations, templates, and procedures to support continuity of operations.
Deliver orientation and training on communications equipment and systems to new department personnel and provide ongoing end-user training for daily operations and mission-specific equipment.
Participate in department training and exercises related to communications systems and disaster communications.
Operate the division's ticketing system for intake, tracking, and resolution of communications support requests.
Generate purchase order requests in accordance with county procurement policy.
Provide input to the Division Chief for division budget planning and resource allocation.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Overview:

Working knowledge of land mobile radio systems, including conventional and trunked operation, P25, analog, and paging, and the ability to program subscriber radios and infrastructure from vendor software.
Understanding of basic RF principles, antenna systems, and the use of service monitors and test equipment for alignment and troubleshooting.
Understanding of IP networking fundamentals as applied to communications infrastructure, cellular and satellite connectivity, and deployable networks.
Familiarity with situational awareness and mass notification platforms and the administration of users and devices within them.
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues under time-sensitive conditions and in austere field environments.
Ability to deliver equipment training to end users and new personnel.
Knowledge of NIMS/ICS and the role of the Communications Unit in incident management.
Understanding of FCC rules and applicable NFPA and TIA standards governing public safety communications.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with department personnel and partner agencies.

Required:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Possession of a valid Class C Driver's License.
Associate degree in electronics, telecommunications, information technology, or a related field and two (2) years of experience; OR four (4) years of experience in public safety communications or technology; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Completion of NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800.

Required Within One Year of Hire:

NIMS/ICS 300 & 400.
Cradlepoint Certified Network Associate (CPCNA).

Timelines for part-time staff are at the discretion of the Division Chief.

Preferred:

All-Hazards Communications Technician (COMT) or Communications Unit Leader (COML) credential, or AUXCOMM.
Manufacturer radio programming or technical training (e.g., Motorola, Kenwood).
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) or amateur radio license.
CompTIA Network+ or equivalent networking certification.
Cradlepoint Certified Network Professional (CPCNP) or Peplink certification.
One (1) year of experience in public safety or disaster communications response at a local or state ESF-2 level.
One (1) year of experience with public safety LMR technologies, including two-way radio subscribers, paging systems, and associated infrastructure.
Prior experience with Team Awareness Kit (TAK).

Supplemental information

This role involves frequent light physical effort (up to 10 lbs.) and occasional lifting and carrying of up to 75 lbs., including radio caches, batteries, antenna and mast components, and deployable equipment. Work requires regular speaking, hearing, reaching, and fine motor use for radio programming, cable termination, and equipment assembly; frequent sitting, standing, walking, and repetitive motions; and occasional climbing of ladders and vehicle-mounted equipment, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling to access radio installations in vehicles and equipment spaces. Visual demands include close and distance vision, color perception for wiring and cabling, depth perception, peripheral vision, night vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Duties include operating hand and power tools, test equipment, and county vehicles, including towing of communications trailers; performing equipment inspections; and preparing and analyzing written and computer data.

Work is performed in a mix of shop, office, vehicle, and field settings. Field work involves frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, and rain; uneven or unstable terrain; and disaster-affected areas with limited infrastructure. Deployment with special operations teams may involve work in or near waterways, marine environments, and remote wilderness areas. Personnel are required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when operating near water. The position may be exposed to mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, RF energy, fumes, vibration, and noise from generators and apparatus, and requires the use of specialized PPE as conditions dictate. Emergency operations and deployments may require extended shifts, overnight travel, and work for multiple consecutive days under austere conditions.

Part Time Field Communications Technician

Key skills

About this role

Summary

Examples of duties

Qualifications

Supplemental information