Communications Installer

Full job description DESCRIPTION This classification is scheduled to receive the following Base Salary Adjustments:
2.75% effective May 2, 2025
2.54% effective May 1, 2026

This Communication Installer I recruitment is an Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) internal recruitment. Only applications from current, qualified OCFA personnel will be accepted.
Your application MUST include all current, relevant OCFA work experience to be considered for this position. Failure to include your OCFA work experience along with any other related qualifying experience in the work history section of your application will result in disqualification from the selection process.

The OCFA is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) vacancy for the position of Communications Installer I in the Communications Division of the Logistics Department. This recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.

CLASS SUMMARY: Under immediate supervision, performs basic installations of communications equipment on fire apparatus including radios, mobile data terminal, wiring equipment, lighting, and sirens; receives, stores, and issues a variety of parts, materials, and equipment for fire apparatus and other vehicles; maintains inventories and documentation using computer based systems; fabricates basic brackets and mounts; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives immediate supervision from assigned supervisory and/or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Communications Installer I is the first level in the two-level Communications Installer series and is part of the broader five level Communications Technical series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties in the Logistics/Communications Division including basic installation of communications equipment, receiving, storing, and issuing a variety of parts, materials, and equipment for fire apparatus and other vehicles. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Communications Installer II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level, and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Positions in the Communications Installer class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Communications Installer II level are normally filled by advancement from the Communications Installer I level; progression to the Communications Installer II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Communications Installer II level.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These duties are intended to be representative sample of the duties performed by the class.)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions, and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Positions at the Communications Installer I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.


Installs and modifies mobile and fixed communications equipment including radios, wiring equipment, lighting, and sirens on fire apparatus and other vehicles and equipment Receives rough fabricated parts and prepares them for final finish by sanding, deburring, drilling holes, filing and other methods as needed Utilizes applicable technical manuals and schematic drawings to assist in installation, servicing, repair, and replacement services and activities Tracks and records equipment orders; sorts and places inventory in storage areas, shelves, or bins as required; inputs and retrieves inventory data using a computer workstation or mobile device; verifies information on computer-generated documents; assigns asset tags as required Operates hand and power tools and other related equipment; performs communications equipment troubleshooting Delivers and picks up communications equipment from various vendors Maintains work, time, and material records Performs related duties as assigned MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION (position requirements at entry): Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by vocational training in automotive or electronics communications
EXPERIENCE (position requirement at entry): One (1) year of automotive or electronics communications repair experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of, or successful acquisition by time of appointment, a valid Class C California driver's license, to be maintained throughout employment. This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbent's Driver License record and status

HIGHLY DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (all related experience must be detailed in your application): Experience in maintenance of warehouse and distribution standards and procedures, such as storing, managing inventory of supplies, verifying proper quality, quantity, condition, and price Inventory management, such as experience in inputting and retrieving inventory information using a computer workstation or mobile device, verifying information on computer-generated documents, assigning asset tags, maintaining computerized inventory management system Experience in assisting with programming pagers, radios, modems, and other electronic equipment for vehicles Experience in working with vendors KNOWLEDGE (position requirement at entry): Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics of electrical and electronic components used in modern vehicles and equipment Communications mounting techniques for fire apparatus and other vehicles Hand and power tools used in the course of work Methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in basic fabrication Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work Methods and procedures involved in the maintenance of accurate inventory records Inventory control methods and techniques Proper methods of receiving and storing a variety of supplies; lifting and carrying techniques Principles and procedures of record-keeping and reporting Authority and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols Orange County geography and street layout Safe driving practices and techniques; applicable California Vehicle Codes GPS for driving purposes Basic principles and procedures of record-keeping and reporting Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Authority staff The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
SKILLS (position requirements at entry): Skill in:
Maintain an accurate inventory and record-keeping system; maintain perpetual inventory records to ensure adequate stock on hand Read, interpret, and apply a wide variety of technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, and schematics Install mobile and fixed communication equipment Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed Understand and follow oral and written instructions Make accurate arithmetic calculations Safely and effectively use and operate hand and power tools Drive vehicles in a safe and effective manner Read and follow maps and/or use GPS to determine best routes Load and unload a variety of items Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Last day to apply: Monday, May 27, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Oral Interviews: Week of June 10, 2024
Selection Interviews: TBD
Expected Hire date: TBD

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Depending on assignment, must possess mobility to work in a warehouse environment and in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb and descend from ladders to reach shelving, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; vision including color vision to inspect supplies, detect wiring, and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas and driving to various County sites. Finger dexterity is needed to operate equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights with the appropriate equipment on a frequent/occasional basis, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Employees primarily work in a maintenance shop and in the field and are exposed to loud and excessive noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, grease, oils, solvents, vermin, insects, and parasites, biologic and infectious agents, hazardous physical substances and odors, fumes, dust and air contaminants, machinery with extremely hot surfaces and moving parts, moving objects or other vehicles, and work at heights using stationary and mobile ladders. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS: May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

NOTE: The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

PRE-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: Before an employee is hired, he/she must successfully complete pre-employment requirements including, but not limited to: fingerprinting and background check, reference check, DMV check, licensure/certification check, Oath of allegiance to the United States of America and the State of California, and proof of eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986. All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam including a drug screen through the OCFA's designated physician.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: When the recruitment opens for this position, an applicant must submit, during the application filing period, an online application and attach any supplemental information as required in the job announcement which may include submitting responses to a supplemental questionnaire. Online resumes and other unsolicited materials may be attached, but will not be considered in lieu of the required online application, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement. The OCFA reserves the right to limit the number of online applications when necessary. Applicants are responsible for maintaining/updating their contact information through the online application system.

SELECTION PROCEDURES: INITIAL SELECTION REVIEW: The Human Resources Department reviews all initial application materials to identify qualified applicants. Applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be invited to the first phase of the recruitment process. The OCFA reserves the right to refer only the better qualified applicants if the number of applicants is high. If the number of applicants is high, the review process may include a secondary screening (by a panel of job knowledge experts) of the applications and/or supplemental questionnaires in which the better qualified applicants are referred to the next phase of the recruitment process. Because recruitment processes vary, applicants are advised to thoroughly review the job announcement before submitting their online application materials.

TESTING: Testing for this position or any other position may include, but is not limited to the following: written exam, practical exam, panel interview, physical ability test, assessment center, oral presentation, project assignment, etc. If a revision is made to a testing component during a recruitment process, the assigned recruiter will notify by email all affected applicants.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs an ADA accommodation for the purposes of employment testing should contact Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst I, at or at least 72 hours prior to any portion of the examination process.
RECRUITMENT/SELECTION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS: All recruitment/selection process and requirements will be held in accordance with the OCFA's Selection Rules, which are available for inspection upon request.
ELIGIBLE: The duration of an Eligible List is one (1) year, unless otherwise specified in the job announcement.
WITHDRAWING FROM RECRUITMENT PROCESS: If an applicant chooses to withdraw from a recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst I, at requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.
QUESTIONS: All questions regarding this position should be directed Julie Kwak, Human Resources Analyst I, at or .
NOTE: The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Orange County Fire Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.