Job Description

Description
Under general direction, to plan, organize, manage, and direct the Communications Engineering and Technical Services Division within the County Communications Department and to ensure availability, reliability, and effectiveness of the County's public safety communications systems and supporting infrastructure.
Typical Tasks
The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Manages and directs the engineering and technical service functions of the division;

• Develops and implements policies and procedures for the division;

• Manages hiring, training, and evaluating assigned staff;

• Oversees procurement of communications equipment, including identifying type of equipment required, writing specifications, identifying vendors, evaluating bids, recommending awards and coordinating equipment delivery;

• Coordinates training activities for engineering and technical services staff;

• Participates in administrative review and coordination of professional supervisory staff, making specific work assignments to subordinates within their division;

• Reviews and approves requisitions for the purchase of major items and contracts for services;

• Assists in coordinating communications activities with other county departments and contracting agencies;

• Represents the department in discussions with other offices and agencies concerning administrative, business, and program specific services;

• Reviews and prepares responses to correspondence;

• Conducts public presentations related to department services and use of technology;

• Prepares, negotiates, implements, and administers contracts and/or MOU for services;

• Responsible for the Communications Engineering and Technical Services Division budgetary and fiscal control programs and for the preparation and administration of the Division's operating budget;

• Prepares comprehensive reports;

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;

• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:
Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree. Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis;
and
Five (5) years of full-time experience in communications systems, which must include at least two (2) years of full-time supervisory experience in communications systems.
Special Requirements:

• Attain one of the following certifications within one year of appointment and once obtained, maintain for the duration of employment in the classification:

• General Radio Telephone Operator License (GROL) issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (preferred);
• Electronics Technician Association, International (ETA);
• International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians (ISCET);
• National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, Inc. (NARTE);
• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET);
• National Association of Business and Educational Radio (NABER);
• Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (SBE);
• Associated Public Safety Communications Officer, Inc. (APCO).

• Must pass a background check.

• Possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment, and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, terminology and trends in communications engineering and administration in the communications field;

• Principles, practices and techniques of a modern public and business administration, including organization, personnel management, and budgetary preparation and control;

• Practices and methods of the planning, installation and maintenance of electronic equipment and facilities; technical needs and operation of a communications center or similar organization;

• Principles of management including training, directing, evaluation and supervising subordinates;

• Principles of management analysis and organizational design necessary to formulate and implement administrative policies;

• General principles and applications of modern voice and data information systems;

• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;

• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations and provisions of the Federal Communications Commission, federal, state, and local legislation, pertinent to the administration of department policies and programs;

• Supervise and work with staff, applying principles of personnel management and supervision;

• Prepare clear, concise correspondence, technical reports and instructions;

• Effectively represent the department on a variety of matters with other departments and agencies;

• Act as a liaison to advise and/or resolve differences with other departments, agencies, private agencies, and the public;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, representatives of other agencies, government officials, the media and the community;

• Investigate and analyze administrative problems and implement effective solutions;

• Speak effectively before groups;

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Use computer systems and applications.

Physical Requirements

• Work irregular hours, work within a secured facility and be subject to call 24 hours a day;

• May require prolonged standing and/or walking;

• Push, pull, and grasp;

• Climb, lift, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and/or reach.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more .
The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.
In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.
Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the . In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.
Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.
Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, . These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.
Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.
Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.
NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Skills Required