Communications Technician

Full Job Description

Are you passionate about keeping people connected?

Join our team as a Communications Technician 3 and play a key role in supporting the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT) critical communication systems across the state.

From radio networks to cutting-edge wireless technology, you’ll ensure our infrastructure runs smoothly and reliably.

Iowa DOT’s Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation.

To accomplish our Mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Location: District 5 Office – Fairfield, Iowa
Schedule: Full-time, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; On-call 24/7 for emergencies and travel across Iowa, including overnight stays.

As a Communications Technician 3, you’ll take on a variety of technical and hands-on responsibilities, including:

• Install, program, and maintain radio and wireless systems in DOT facilities and vehicles, ensuring reliable communication statewide.
• Troubleshoot and repair network systems, partnering with engineers to resolve issues with circuits, routers, switches, and wireless access points.
• Configure and maintain IP security cameras and video systems at driver’s license stations and enforcement sites.
• Install and service communication equipment in specialty vehicles, including radios, cameras, radar systems, and emergency lighting.
• Maintain telephone and cellular systems, including VoIP and related cabling infrastructure.
• Inspect and coordinate maintenance for antenna sites, towers, and related infrastructure, ensuring compliance with FCC and FAA standards.
• Provide training and documentation to end users on communication equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with vendors and contractors to oversee installations and repairs, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and able to lift heavy equipment (up to 75 lbs with assistance).
• Strong understanding of telecommunications principles and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with team members, vendors, and end users.

Special Requirements:

• Must successfully pass a background check and maintain certification for the Iowa System and National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class C driver's license.
• On call 24 hours a day when necessary and be able to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments
• Within five (5) months, employees are required to reside within 45 minutes driving time, during normal conditions, from the District 5 Office located in Fairfield
• A pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described. Click the video link for a demonstration: OPC Webinar Chapter 4 PCP Demo Test (youtube.com)

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa – Apply now!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer.

If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: aa-eeo@iowadot.us

Reasonable accommodation such as interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Qualifications

Additional Information

Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain a chauffer's license.

Positions in this class may require the ability to pass a background investigation. Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class.

Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.All of the following apply to Department of Transportation positions only: Possession of a valid driver's license is required.

Designated positions in this class require possession of a valid Commercial Learner's Permit upon hire.

Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, a valid Commercial Driver's License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained to continue employment.

In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 40 and 382), designated positions in this job class require a pre-employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employer's random drug and alcohol testing program and will be subject to the regulations regarding the Federal drug and alcohol testing program.

Prior to starting employment, all persons are required to have a post offer, pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described.

Some positions in this class may require the ability to maintain certification for the Iowa System and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).