Communications Systems Technician I

Position Description

Do you find personal satisfaction from working on communications infrastructure that will bring real value to a community well into the future? Are you the type who enjoys solving complex puzzles? Do you like the idea of being a part of a team focused on your personal success and professional growth, as well as of those we serve? If any of this resonates with you, this job and the City of Tacoma might be the place for you.

The City of Tacoma is creating a new civil service list for Communications Systems Technician I. The Communications Tech I's perform first level skilled duties in the installation, repair, and maintenance of Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) and Tacoma General Government communications infrastructure including: Two-way radio communications equipment; Telecommunications Systems; Microwave Radio Systems; Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA); Telephony and Data Networks; Security Systems; Closed Circuit Television; Access Control; Tele-protection Systems; Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Multiple Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Cable Plant.

Responsibilities Include:

• Installing and maintaining a variety of Network and Communications infrastructure and end user devices to industry standards
• Properly route wire and/or cables through crawl spaces, work spaces and other City facilities/plants
• Performing communications cable terminations and testing
• Installing radios and antennas in City vehicles
• Train with and assist higher level Communication Systems Technicians
• Ensure established standards and specifications are followed for the installation of communications infrastructure in buildings, remote facilities, in the rights-of way and on private property

In this role you will be joining a team that is truly focused on your success and professional development. This is a cornerstone of our team culture. You will have an opportunity to learn and develop from some of the most capable and passionate professional in our field.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent with a 2 years of work experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic communications equipment, RF technology or computer networking.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license.
• First-aid /CPR certification by completion of probation with maintenance thereafter.
• Must be able to pass background screening for applicable security access and maintain security clearance.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Position requires lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Position requires climbing over 75 feet.
• Position requires working in confined spaces.
• Position requires pulling and pushing.
• Must be able to distinguish and identify color coded devices, wire and fiber
• cabling.
• Must be able to communicate and respond effectively.
• Work includes indoor and outdoor environment.
• Subject to driving from site to site to conduct work.
• Subject to adverse weather conditions and extended working hours.
• Travel may be necessary.
• Subject to working at heights above 75 feet.
• May be exposed to fumes, noise and electrical hazards.
• May work alone without direct supervision for extended periods.

Knowledge & Skills

• Safe operation of specialized tools, test equipment, man lift trucks, underground construction equipment and other devices commonly operated in the trade for the installation of communications cabling, related infrastructure and security equipment
• Methods, materials and terminology used in the installation, repair and maintenance of communication and security equipment
• Electronic theory and standard electrical wiring procedures
• Test communication cabling to ensure required standards are being met
• Interpret and apply related laws, rules, codes, policies and procedures
• Read and interpret schematic, wiring and digital drawings
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Safely work at heights from antenna towers, platforms or man lift trucks
• Observe adequate safety precautions against occupational hazards

Pay Details:
Hourly: $40.64 - $49.38

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt. If you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with her on LinkedIn .

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online. Please attach a detailed resume that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 8/14/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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