Public Safety Communications Systems Analyst

Introduction

Do you have experience in systems administration, networking, wireless communications, or public safety information technology? Love new and emerging technology? Desire to be challenged in a dynamic work environment while learning and being supported in your growth? The Prince William County Department of Public Safety Communications is seeking motivated candidates to fulfill the role of Systems Analyst/Administrator for the County’s P25 multi-site radio system.

The Department of Public Safety Communications is Prince William County’s 9-1-1 center. With an authorized staff of 123 full-time employees, the center serves as the County’s designated Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and provides dispatch services for the Prince William County Police Department, the Prince William County Fire Rescue System, and Fire Rescue services for the independent Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. In FY2022, the center processed more than 400,000 inbound calls, and dispatched more than 150,000 police, fire, and EMS incidents.

The individual in this role works closely with other IT professionals, public safety specialists, and vendors to accomplish the mission of providing high-availability communication that supports efficient and effective emergency response, as well as communications support for other County agencies and the Prince William County School system. They will also assist in development and maintenance of other 9-1-1 technology.

About This Role:
Working as a member of the team that develops and maintains technology used in the 9-1-1 center and throughout public safety, the Systems Analyst/Administrator is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operation, care, and troubleshooting of the Motorola ASTRO P25 radio system and the radios located in the Department of Public Safety Communications. The Analyst will serve in major roles for projects and initiatives associated with communications. The successful candidate is expected to analyze data and emerging technologies to provide planning recommendations and status updates to leadership. They will also assist agencies in communications training, as well as participate in the development and maintenance of other 9-1-1 technology, as directed.

The Systems Analyst/Administrator acts as the County’s primary representative for interoperable radio communications in the greater Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. The position is highly visible, and will have regular interaction with radio, public safety, information technology, and leadership teams from surrounding jurisdictions and will represent the County’s interests in regional radio meetings and working groups. The role ensures interoperability for PWC personnel operating outside of the County and other jurisdictions operating inside the County.

The successful candidate will have a background in systems administration, networking, wireless communications, or public safety information technology, strong critical thinking and planning skills, and a calm demeanor. Experience with P25 trunked radio systems, subscriber programming, recording systems is strongly desired.

Benefits include day-one health, vision, and dental insurance; generous PTO; participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); and optional employer-matched 401(a) and 457 plans. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety Communications is willing to make a significant monetary and time investment in training the right person.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. and 4 years of experience in systems administration, networking, wireless communications, radio programming, or public safety information technology.

Preferences:

• Experience in developing codeplugs and programming of P25 subscriber units.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in support of information technology projects and systems.
• Degree in information technology, computer science, wireless communications, electrical engineering, or similar.
• History of successful communication with executive-level leadership.
• 3+ years of experience in public safety operations or technical support.
• Administration, management, or technical experience with P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2 radio systems.

Work schedule:
This is a 40 hour per week position with some options for telework and flexible scheduling. Schedule is dependent on conditions such as, but not limited to, system degradation, operational need, inclement weather, and large scale incidents. The incumbent may be required to work outside of their normal schedule, to include nights, weekends, and holidays. The position is eligible for additional straight-time compensation in cases of operational need.

Special Requirements

• Must pass a post-conditional offer comprehensive background investigation, including psychological and polygraph assessments.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Starting Salary Range:
$68,598.40 - $92,794.20