Botetourt County is currently accepting applications for Emergency Communication Systems Manager.

In the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, this position functions as the organization’s subject matter and technical expert on wireless and two-way radio communications and associated subcomponents. This position involves a wide array of administrative, technical, and field-related work. This position serves as the primary liaison between Botetourt County and associated partners and vendors as it relates to the implementation, maintenance, and continued support of a P25 trunked radio system.

This position is responsible for ensuring the 24/7 functionality and operations of critical two-way radio communications and associated components. Collaborating with the 911 Communications Supervisor, Fire & EMS, Sheriff’s Office, and county administration, this position will develop and administer plans to ensure availability of effective RF communications throughout Botetourt County.

Additionally, this position shall ensure for the regular upkeep and maintenance of subscriber radios, both portable and mobile, responder paging equipment, as well as ensure for the coordinated maintenance and upkeep of core radio system and fire station alerting components.

This position is essential. Personnel occupying this position may be scheduled to work regardless of weather conditions and/or when general county offices are closed. Based on assignment, individuals in this position may be assigned to an administrative schedule. Persons in this position will encounter sensitive information in the performance of their duties and are expected to maintain that information confidentially.

Priority will be given to applications received by midnight, December 13, 2022

If this sounds like you,

Botetourt County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Always do the right thing.
• Promotes the vision, mission and values of the County.
• Manages and oversees the installation, operation, and maintenance of County subscriber communications equipment.
• Assists with reccomendations for the purchase of radio system components and the maintenance and repair of equipment, and for other professional services as required to ensure for reliable emergency communications.
• Develops and manages an infrastructure preventive maintenance program for all voice, data, and microwave networks, including towers, backup generators, and site management.
• Effectively communicates both planned and unplanned emergency communications system downtime or outages that directly impact responders.
• Ensure performance of quarterly system fail soft training and drills.
• Provides for monitoring of 911 dispatch consoles and subscriber devices (portables and mobiles) to ensure for quality preventative maintenance, and software upgrades as appropriate.
• Establishes goals, objectives, and priorities for the overall emergency communications system in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Plans and develops training programs related to the operations of subscriber devices and other critical components of the day-to-day emergency communications system.
• Ensures the oversight and maintenance of FCC licensing as it relates to all public safety frequencies used by the County of Botetourt for public safety communications.
• Provides technical assistance to Community Development staff on requests for placement of commercially owned communication towers and equipment.
• Effectively communicates highly technical information in a manner that non-technical personnel can comprehend.
• Ability to read and understand plans, blueprints and schematic diagrams involving all phases of modern communications systems and other electronic equipment.
• Promotes an environment of cooperation and collaboration during all interactions.
• Represents the department in interactions with citizens, members of the press or other local, state or federal agencies, as directed.
• Makes effective use of email and other County/Department resources to communicate with other members of the department.
• Manages significant project work at a functional level.
• Utilizes computerized records management system for record keeping and reporting.
• Actively participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and priorities for the overall organization.
• Participates in all required training and maintains all professional certifications.
• Attends and makes presentations at various meetings, including that of volunteer fire and EMS agencies and the public, when necessary, as directed.
• Ensures for a clean, safe, and prepared working environment and assigned vehicle.
• Works collaboratively with various stakeholder groups.
• Attends staff and committee meetings as directed and applicable.
• Maintains knowledge and awareness of applicable laws, regulations, policies, training certifications, procedures, and advances in the profession.
• Inspects the work location and all equipment for compliance with county, state, and federal safety regulations, and takes initial action to alleviate discrepancies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Associates degree with coursework in electronics, communications science or related subjects required; or combination of training, education, and four or more years of experience with demonstrated abilities to perform the work described. Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Must possess a minimum of three (3) years of verifiable field experience in 700/800 MHz trunked simulcast radio and digital microwave systems
• Possession and maintenance of a vaild, non-restrictive Virginia driver’s license is required.
• Must live within one hour of Botetourt County during tenure of employment.
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive physical examination, including: drug, sight, and hearing tests.
• Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills
• Must possess thorough knowledge of the safety practices, methods, materials and tools used in testing, installing, maintaining, servicing and repairing a variety of communications equipment and other eletronic equipment such as electronic testing equipment, recording equipment and audio equipment.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and electronic theory as it pertains to communications systems
• Must have a working knowledge of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) codes, rules and regulations pertaining to radio communications equipment; and of associated administrative practices and procedures.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and execute projects pertaining to RF communications systems.
• Must have exceptional organizational, managerial skills.
• Must have effective working knowledge of personal computer skills and proven ability using Microsoft Office Suite of programs.

Physical Demands/Special Work Environment:

• The employee must be able to lift 50 pounds minimum with regular lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Must be able to use hand(s)/feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling, and operating controls.
• Position requires frequent bending, twisting, and squatting, as well as occasional climbing.
• The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.
• The noise level in the working environment is usually moderate, but there may be certain activities in environments where noise levels may be loud for brief periods of time.
• Constantly positions themselves at, below, or above ground level to perform emergency rescue operations.
• The person in this position frequently communicates and exchanges information with colleagues, administrators, elected officials, and the general public, to give and receive detailed instructions and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

Reports to: County Administration

Supervisory Responsibility: None at time of hire but may change in the future.

Botetourt County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.