ERRCS Engineer/ERRCS Specialist

ERRCS Engineer/ERRCS Specialist

Position Description

About RapidFire Safety & Security

RapidFire Safety & Security is a leading provider of fire life safety and security solutions, earning customer trust by delivering exceptional value through strategic acquisitions, allowing us to drive organic growth in every market through the excellence of our teammates.

Job Summary

We are seeking an EERCS Compliance Engineer or Specialist to join the RapidFire Team. This role will be responsible for the inspection, regulation, and code compliance of Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems (ERRCS) also referred to as Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES). As used in this series, the terms ERRCS and ERCES may be used interchangeably.

Responsibilities

• Inspects, evaluates, and analyzes Emergency Responder Radio Communications Systems, including Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES). These systems are installed within buildings to improve first responder communications by enhancing radio frequency (RF) signal quality through equipment such as signal boosters, voting receivers, base stations, radiating cable systems, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and other FCC-certified technologies.
• Responds to calls regarding harmful interference to a public safety radio infrastructure caused by an identified Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA), 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including weekends and holidays.
• Reads and interprets architectural and technical plans for buildings, alarms, electrical systems, wireless systems, and related infrastructure, with emphasis on ERRCS and their interaction with other electrical and wireless systems.
• Applies radio frequency (RF) theory to two-way radio and ERRCS applications, including path loss, link budgets, gain, and power calculations.
• Interprets and applies applicable federal, state, and local codes, rules, and regulations governing the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of ERRCS.
• Evaluates ERRCS and other wireless systems for adjustment, calibration, connections, and physical installation by reviewing plans and schematics and using specialized electronic test equipment with RF systems, equipment, and components.
• Performs tests on backup power supplies and generators.
• Prepares reports and detailed documentation of findings.
• Assumes personal responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill & Other Requirements

• Ability to read, write, communicate effectively and comprehend directions in English.
• Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of the test equipment and methods used in the maintenance of RF communications and related electrical, and electronic, equipment.
• Knowledge of the various wire and cabling used in RF and electronic work.
• Knowledge of electronic and RF theory.
• Knowledge of conventional, trunking, analog, APCO Project 25, and simulcast two-way radio systems.
• Knowledge of applicable safety rules, practices and procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, designs, sketches, and schematic diagrams.
• Ability to climb and work on rooftops.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and operation.
• Ability to listen attentively to retain and follow detailed verbal instructions.
• Knowledge of, and skill in, good customer service practices.
• Ability to establish smooth working relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
• Ability to develop necessary skills from on-the-job training and meet the standards of performance for the classification by the end of the probationary period.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Willingness to work overtime as requested.
• Willingness to assume personal responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends and holidays.

EXPERIENCE

• Varies with classification (please see below)

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Graduation from high school or attainment of GED or CHSPE certificate.
• Baccalaureate or higher degree in Electrical Engineering desirable.

LICENSES

• Valid Class C California driver's license.
• Possession of a valid Federal Communications Commission General Radiotelephone Operator’s License within three months after appointment.

ERRCS COMPLIANCE SERIES

Series Distinguishing Characteristics: Positions in this series perform progressively responsible ERRCS compliance work within the Comsec Associates Division of RapidFire Safety & Security. Duties increase by classification level based on technical complexity, independence of judgment, plan review responsibility, inspection responsibility, certification level, and supervisory or lead responsibility.

SENIOR ERRCS COMPLIANCE ENGINEER

Distinguishing Characteristics: Under general supervision, positions in this classification perform the most technical and complex ERRCS compliance work in the series. The Senior ERRCS Compliance Engineer supervises ERRCS Compliance Engineers and ERRCS Compliance Specialists; evaluates submitted plans; plans, supervises, and coordinates inspection and code compliance activities; reviews proposals and sales orders; prioritizes work; schedules personnel; assigns equipment; and communicates highly technical information clearly to employees and customers.

Additional Requirements: Ability to lead, coach, instruct, and motivate employees; foster a teamwork environment; provide clear work direction; organize, assign, and schedule employee workloads. Requires four responsible years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing RF, electrical, alarm, or other electronic communications systems, with emphasis on ERRCS installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and repair. Two of those years must include increasingly responsible lead worker experience. Requires possession of a valid NICET IB-PSC Level 3 certificate and at least five certifications issued by ERRCS equipment manufacturers. Satisfactory completion of college-level coursework in electronic and radio theory is highly desirable.

ERRCS COMPLIANCE ENGINEER

Distinguishing Characteristics: Under supervision of the Senior ERRCS Compliance Engineer, positions in this classification perform journey-level inspection, evaluation, testing, and documentation of ERRCS. The ERRCS Compliance Engineer performs work requiring greater technical independence than the Specialist classification, including review and evaluation of plan sets and coordination of corrective information for stakeholders.

Additional Essential Duties: Evaluates and inspects ERRCS installation, repair, and maintenance activities; reviews sales orders and determines the work to be performed; inspects and tests ERRCS and donor radio communications systems; maintains inspection records, work files, and assigned equipment records; verifies that tools and equipment are properly used, maintained, and safe; and prepares information and reports needed to implement required corrections for the system integrator, Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and FCC Licensee(s).

Additional Requirements: Ability to review and evaluate plan sets. Possession of a valid NICET IB-PSC Level 2 certificate. Possession of at least three certifications issued by ERRCS equipment manufacturers. Coursework in electronic and radio theory and engineering may be substituted for up to one year of experience on a year-for-year basis.

ERRCS COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

Distinguishing Characteristics: Under supervision of the Senior ERRCS Compliance Engineer, positions in this classification perform entry-level to developing-level ERRCS inspection, evaluation, testing, and documentation duties. The ERRCS Compliance Specialist performs assigned work under closer direction while developing the technical knowledge, certification level, and experience required for more independent ERRCS compliance work.

Additional Essential Duties: Assists with evaluating and inspecting ERRCS installation, repair, and maintenance activities; reviews assigned work and related documentation; assists with inspection and testing of ERRCS and donor radio communications systems; maintains inspection records, work files, and assigned equipment records; verifies that tools and equipment are properly used, maintained, and safe; and prepares or assists in preparing information and reports needed to implement required corrections for the system integrator, Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and FCC Licensee(s).

Additional Requirements: Ability to review and evaluate assigned plan sets under direction. Possession of a valid NICET IB-PSC Level 1 certificate within six months after appointment. Possession of at least two certifications issued by ERRCS equipment manufacturers within six months after appointment.