Police Emergency Communications Network Technician

Posting number: 9242

Department: St. Louis County Police Department

Job classification: Police Emergency Communications Network Technician

Posting type: Open

Categories: IT and Computers, Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, Communications

SummaryUnder the general supervision of the Network Manager, an employee in this job classification is responsible for performing technical work of considerable difficulty administering the data communications networks and IT systems of the Emergency Communications Commission (ECC). These systems serve the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), County and municipal police departments, all municipal and district fire departments, and local government organizations throughout St Louis County. The work involves frequent contact with multiple public safety agencies, outside IT, and communications service vendors. Responsibilities include monitoring and performing field corrective maintenance of multi-location network architecture technology platforms, with a near zero downtime performance requirement, and implementing network modifications to meet the needs of the ECC. The individual exercises independent judgment in executing service modifications and corrections to rectify service degradation or disruption to ECC’s IT systems. Work is reviewed for efficiency of system operation, responsiveness to user needs, effectiveness of work program, accuracy of maintained information, and results obtained.

Duty Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and subject to recall for emergencies or for after-hours events.

Per the Department's Collective Bargaining Agreement, newly hired employees who do not possess corresponding experience will start at the base starting pay listed in this posting.

Position will remain open until filled. Examples of duties

• Performs administrative tasks to the ECC’s Nokia MPLS Digital Microwave Network or alternate, such as inventory management, network audits, and configuration file backups.
• Monitors the overall general health and performance of ECC’s IT systems such as the Nokia MPLS Digital Microwave Network, the NextGen9-1-1 Emergency Services IP Network (ESINET), and others using vendor provided tools and applications.
• Serves on-call 24/7 rotation in coordination with the Network Manager to respond to disruptions of ECC’s IT systems upon notification from vendor NOCs or other ECC staff.
• Responds to service outages due to equipment degradation or failure with corrective actions; including contacting vendor support, swapping field replaceable units (FRU), and performing network configuration changes.
• Installs vendor provided hardware upgrades, software patches, and firmware updates to keep ECC’s IT systems current with vendor’s maintenance and support requirements.
• Ensures all network links are in compliance with manufacturer system specifications and commercial provider SLAs through RFC-2544 testing.
• Implements, monitors, and enforces network security and intrusion detection measures on ECC’s IT systems, data communication networks, and associated equipment.
• Ensures the installation, replacement, modification, upgrade, and maintenance of the ECC’s IT systems performed by vendors adheres to the ECC’s requirements set forth.
• Responsible for maintaining and tracking inventory of the Nokia spares cache, including shipping/receiving failed components being replaced by the vendor.
• Performs installation and repairs to ECC’s CCTV security system.
• Implements disaster recovery procedures and emergency response plans in response to man-made or natural catastrophic events affecting ECC IT systems.
• Assists the Network Manager in the development of future network strategies that improve the operational efficiency and security of ECC IT Systems.
• Supports the other ECC Sections with the installation or relocation of PCs, data cabling, and various network related equipment
• Performs related work as required. 

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge in the installation, configuration and testing of Nokia routers (7705 SAR) is preferred.
• Considerable knowledge in the installation, configuration, maintenance and testing of Nokia microwave radios (MDR9500) is preferred.
• Working knowledge and experience with Ethernet switching, LAN/WAN, IP routing, OSPF, BGP, MPLS, and VPN protocols.
• Considerable knowledge of the policies, practices and procedures involved in data communications systems management.
• Considerable skill in problem solving techniques resulting in the ability to troubleshoot complex IP networks and recommend and implement effective action.
• Working knowledge of data cabling, fiber optic, and electrical requirements as it relates to network equipment and installation best practices and techniques.
• Working knowledge of common operating systems and software such as Windows, MS Office, Linux, Unix.
• Experience in Cloud & Virtualization: Configure and manage virtualization tools (VMware, Hyper-V) and cloud-based environments (AWS, Azure).
• Experience in server configuration, administration and management.Proficient in operating electronic communications and networking test equipment such as digital multi-meter, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, network analyzers, etc.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customer agencies and equipment/service vendors.
• Possess a “Team-player” mentality.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Capable to physically climb a ladder, crouch under desks, and lift at least 50lbs.
• Must be a self-starter and have excellent time management skills.

Training and Experience:

Undergraduate degree in information technology, electronic engineering, or related field is preferred. A minimum of three years in telecommunications, networks, or data communications is preferred.  To have possessed, currently possess, or able to attain within one year of employment applicable IT Networking Certification (i.e. Nokia-SRC, Cisco-CCNA, Juniper-JNCP, CompTIA, or equivalent).      

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid state driver’s license.
• Ability to pass a background assessment.

Supplemental information

The St. Louis County Police Department offers tuition reimbursement and education incentives for professional staff employees who possess a degree of higher education from an accredited institution. The education pay incentive only applies if the degree is not a position requirement. They shall receive the following addition to their base rate of pay: 

Associate's degree: $1,200/year 

Bachelor's degree: $2,400/year 

Master's degree: $4,800/year 

Doctorate degree: $7,200/year

CITIZENSHIP:  Citizen of the United States or valid work permit, and apply for citizenship when eligible.
AGE LIMITS:  Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.
EDUCATION:  Educational requirements and skills will be determined by the position classification.
ARREST: Must be free from conviction of a felony or a Class "A" misdemeanor.
MILITARY:  Must not have a "Dishonorable" discharge or "Bad Conduct" discharge if having served in the military. All "Other Than Honorable" discharges will be reviewed on an individual basis.
 

COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS
Under the regulations of the Police Department, all appointments to the St. Louis County Police Department are made on the basis of a continuously open, competitive hiring process conducted under the supervision of the Personnel Services Unit.  Each applicant must successfully complete each stage of the selection process before becoming eligible to proceed to the next step.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:  The Board of Police Commissioners resolved that subject to all applicable State and Federal statutory or judicial exemptions, all qualified applicants for employment and/or advancement, whether commissioned or civilian, shall be given equal opportunity for consideration, selection, appointment and retention, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or political affiliation.