Summary
This job involves managing and maintaining South Carolina's emergency communications systems, including radios, satellite phones, and mobile setups, while training staff and volunteers on their use during crises.
The role requires coordinating with local governments and ensuring equipment is ready for rapid deployment in emergencies.
It's a good fit for someone with hands-on experience in electronics repair who thrives in high-pressure situations and enjoys working with teams to support public safety.
Key Requirements
- High school diploma and advanced experience in operating, maintaining, and repairing electronic communications equipment
- Working knowledge of electronic communication theory
- Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate work of technicians, including contractors
- Knowledge of maintenance and repair for 800 MHz, satellite, VHF, and UHF communications equipment
- Familiarity with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations
- Ability to prepare technical specifications, budgets, and related documents
- South Carolina Certified Emergency Manager certification (preferred, or obtain within three years)
Full Job Description
Employee performs duties under general supervision of the Logistics Manager and daily contact with South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s (SCEMD) leadership. Employee is free to use initiative and judgment to accomplish assigned tasks while adhering to the policies and guidelines of SCEMD. Coordinates the operation of the state emergency communications system at SCEMD. Designs and recommends modifications to the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) communications system to include Local Government Radio, repeater towers, 800 MHz radios and satellite telephones. Conducts and/or assists with communication training curriculum to ensure SCEMD staff is trained on the operation of available systems and provides technical support to counties as required. Provides quarterly training to Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and Auxiliary Communication (AUXCOMM) volunteers. Leads AUXCOMM initiatives for SCEMD and provides quarterly training for ARES, HAM and other volunteer communication groups. Serves in the SEOC or deploys forward during response operations as required. Prepares equipment specifications and budgets for recurring costs and new equipment purchases. Participates in regional and statewide communication user groups, leadership committees, and organizations. Ensures SCEMD's communications goals and vision are aligned with state, regional, and local needs or requirements. Manages SCEMD's VOIP telephone system. Maintains the SCEMD mobile communications and solar trailers for rapid deployment as required. Serves as SCEMD’s alternate System Administrator for WebEx and provides new employee and refresher training to the SCEMD staff, and trouble-shooting of technical problems in a backup role as required. Maintains SCEMD's Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) and Wireless Priority Service (WPS) data bases. Employee may incur overnight travel to attend training and exercises, or during response operations. Employee will be on call to respond to communication failures impacting the State Warning Point or the SEOC. Employee conducts monthly cyclic and annual inventories to ensure accountability of communication equipment at SCEMD and for equipment issued to local officials. Implements infectious disease prevention protocols into key job activities to ensure a safe workplace. Every SCEMD employee is an emergency manager and will adhere to SCEMD’s deployment policy.
Requirements
A high school diploma and work experience at an advanced skill level in the operation, maintenance, and repair of electronic communications equipment.
Qualifications
South Carolina Certified Emergency Manager certification preferred or will seek to complete within three years.
Additional Information
Must possess a working knowledge of electronic communication theory. Must have the ability to plan, direct and evaluate the work of skilled technicians to include contracted support. Must have knowledge of maintenance and repair procedures for communications equipment to include 800 MHz, satellite, VHF, and UHF. Must have knowledge of Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations. Must have the ability to prepare technical equipment specifications, budget proposals, and documents. A working knowledge of telecommunications equipment to include wireless equipment is desired. Must have the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with local and state organizations involved in emergency management communications. Outside work required at times: The worker is subject to environmental conditions that occur both inside and outside. Physical ability to work around others while driving, sitting, standing, stooping, twisting, squatting, and lifting or otherwise moving up to 50 pounds regularly. Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain occasionally. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of an online South Carolina State Employment Application. Only those applicants chosen for interview will be notified of job filled status. Note: Applicants indicating college credit, degree(s) or specialized training on the application shall provide an official copy of transcripts upon notification of selection for hire. This serves as verification of credentials listed on the application.
