Communication Systems (Radio) Technologist

Role Responsibilities

As a Communication Systems Technologist with the Alberta Sheriffs Branch, you will provide expert support for the radio and communications technologies that enable safe, reliable, and compliant operations across Alberta. Your responsibilities will include the installation, programming, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of communications and related technology systems, including:

•    Land-Mobile Radio (LMR) systems (portable, mobile, and base station radios).
•    Radio codeplug and fleet programming, including updates and provisioning changes.
•    Repeaters and distributed antenna systems (DAS).
•    Radio consoles and voice logging systems.
•    Radio fleet and equipment asset management (inventory accuracy, rotations, calibration scheduling).
•    Wired and wireless IP networking components that support communications and specialized end-user devices.
•    Mobile and body-worn audio/video devices and supporting peripherals (where applicable).

Your duties will also include:
•    Provide frontline troubleshooting support to end users, including recalling equipment when required.
•    Perform bench repairs and diagnostics using communications test equipment (e.g., communications analyzers, spectrum analyzers, multimeters), calibration, and post-repair testing prior to redeployment.
•    Investigate and resolve radio performance issues, including coverage gaps and interference (RF spectrum analysis), and recommend corrective actions.
•    Support compliant spectrum and licensing practices, including liaison activities with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (as needed for licensing and spectrum matters).
•    Coordinate with vendors and manufacturers (e.g., Motorola Solutions and Harris Corporation or equivalent) for escalations, warranty, and advanced technical support.
•    Develop and deliver end-user training (radio operations, console operations), and create training materials/syllabi as required.
•    Contribute to continuous improvement by researching new technologies, testing new features/accessories, and helping develop standard operating procedures and best practices.

Working in confined or elevated spaces, securing and routing cables, performing hardware testing, and handling the safe disposal of electronic or hazardous materials. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and using tools in a variety of physical and technical environments.

This is a dynamic and impactful role requiring strong problem-solving skills, sound technical judgment, and a deep understanding of radio and communications systems. Your work will directly support officer safety and reliable, compliant communications for the Sheriffs Branch, helping deliver safer public safety services for Albertans.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Creative Problem Solving: You generate practical options for technical issues (temporary workarounds and/or permanent solutions), weigh risk and operational impact, and implement the safest, most effective path. You document what you learned so the problem is less likely to recur.
• Agility: You adapt quickly when priorities shift due to outages, urgent operational needs, or emerging technical issues. You stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and re-sequence work without dropping critical details.
• Systems Thinking: You consistently consider downstream impacts (frontline operations, coverage, interoperability, training, asset lifecycle, and compliance) before making changes. You plan and execute work in a way that protects service reliability and reduces unintended consequences.
• Develop Networks: You build trust with frontline users, supervisors, internal partners, and vendors by being responsive, dependable, and transparent.
• Build Collaborative Environments: You contribute to a team culture where information is shared, help is offered, and problems are solved together. You coordinate smoothly during incidents by clarifying roles, sharing troubleshooting steps, and supporting others without blame.

Qualifications

A two-year diploma in electronics, computer systems, information technology, telecommunications, Wireless Systems Engineering Technology, or a closely related field from a recognized post-secondary institution is required.

Plus, a minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting of radio communications systems and related technologies. 

Equivalencies may be considered on a one-to-one basis, for one year of education for one year of related experience or one-year related experience for one year education.

Education or hands-on experience in the following is considered an asset: 
•    Portable, mobile, and base station radios (programming, provisioning, and installation).
•    Radio fleet management practices (inventory, rotations, firmware updates, calibration scheduling).
•    Repeaters, DAS, consoles, and/or voice logging systems.
•    Radio frequency (RF) troubleshooting, including interference identification and spectrum analysis.
•    Working with manufacturer tools and processes (e.g., codeplug management and device configuration).
•    Networking and troubleshooting concepts relevant to communications environments (e.g., IP networking fundamentals, wired/wireless connectivity).

Candidates must be able to perform occasional physical tasks such as lifting equipment (up to 50 lbs.) and be willing to travel within the province as required.

A valid Class 5 driver’s licence or its equivalent is required.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards for more information.

Notes

This is a full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (8:15am – 4:30pm).

Location: Foothills West Building II, Calgary

This position will require final candidates to undergo an enhanced security clearance, including fingerprinting, with a satisfactory result.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service -  https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.