Information Technology (IT) Project Liaison - Wireless Communications

The Information Technology (IT) Project Liaison is involved in the following: researching, designing, purchasing, modifying, and installing specialized communications systems for various City departments; providing overall communications systems operations support; coordinating activities with other agencies, departments, and organizations; preparing reports and recommendations for review; and participating in special research project activities. This class is also responsible for performing related duties as required. This class receives general supervision from an IT Manager who reviews work through meetings, conferences, and reports regarding system design, installation, modification, and maintenance activities, problems encountered, and overall results achieved. Participates on the management team of the Communications Unit in decision-making and the development and implementation of operational policies. This class is FLSA exempt-administrative. Position Assignment: The City of Mesa is seeking an experienced IT Project Liaison to support the Wireless Communications Team within the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT). This position leads the planning, coordination, implementation, and oversight of the City’s wireless communications infrastructure and subscriber systems for both the City and the Members of the TOPAZ Regional Wireless Cooperative (TRWC). The IT Project Liaison works collaboratively across DoIT, City departments, and TRWC Member agencies to ensure reliable, resilient, and high-performing wireless systems that support Public Safety and other critical operations. Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and oversee wireless communications projects, including engineering, installation, maintenance, and optimization activities, in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC), EIA/TIA, and Public Safety industry standards.
• Apply established IT Project Management Office (PMO) methodologies, including development of project documentation covering scope, schedule, cost, quality assurance, and transition to operations.
• Coordinate and provide functional oversight to engineers, project managers, technicians, and Communications Project Liaisons to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Support all phases of infrastructure and subscriber projects, including research, feasibility analysis, requirements development, specifications, permitting, construction oversight, vendor management, and system acceptance testing (including radio coverage testing).
• Align wireless initiatives with City and TRWC priorities through coordination with internal departments (Engineering, Public Safety, Utilities, DoIT, etc.) and external Member agencies.
• Participate in preparation and evaluation of RFPs/RFQs, vendor contract administration, budget monitoring, and compliance with safety and permitting requirements.
• Monitor wireless industry trends and assess potential impacts to City and TRWC systems.
• Engage with Public Safety agencies, school districts, and other public entities to coordinate network initiatives.
• Assist with troubleshooting and resolution of communications system issues. Technical Requirements
• Extensive knowledge of Public Safety Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems and architectures, including P25, conventional and trunked systems, simplex and repeated operations, VHF and 700/800 MHz systems, microwave and fiber backhaul, ERCES, and radio site hardening standards, with a focus on availability, reliability, and resiliency.
• Knowledge of FCC Public Safety LMR rules and experience with regulatory licensing compliance.
• Ability to distinguish color-coded wiring and components using standard industry color codes. This position plays a critical role in sustaining and advancing mission-critical communications systems that serve the City and TRWC Members. About the Ideal Candidate: We are seeking a technically strong, collaborative professional with expertise in Public Safety Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems and solid project management experience. Technical Expertise The ideal candidate has experience with:
• Public Safety LMR technologies, architectures, and supporting systems
• Backhaul networks (microwave, fiber) and cybersecurity considerations
• Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) including in-building radio coverage enhancement and system oversight
• Radio site hardening standards and best practices
• Radio propagation modeling and coverage measurement analysis
• Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES) regulations and standards
• Engineering, specification, procurement, and implementation of specialized communications systems Responsibilities include supporting RFP development, defining scope and requirements, overseeing quality control for projects and maintenance, and translating technical requirements into implementation and budget plans. Experience expanding or upgrading Public Safety LMR networks is preferred. An FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License is required within six months of hire. NICET, CompTIA, ETA International, and PMP certifications are preferred. Project and Network Leadership The candidate demonstrates strong project management skills, including scope, schedule, cost, and quality control. They use data and performance metrics to inform decisions and prioritize system availability, redundancy, and resiliency. Experience working within a Public Safety communications cooperative environment is desirable. Contract, Budget, and Collaboration The ideal candidate understands contracts and intergovernmental agreements and supports capital and operations budgeting. They communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders, pursue ongoing professional development, stay current with industry trends, and support consensus-based decision-making in the best interest of all members. Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. Examples of Duties Employee Values : All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s degree in Electronics, Communications, Information, or related Technology field. Five years of full-time employment in the installation, maintenance, design, and/or modification of radio or related communications systems and equipment. Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Must possess a Federal Communications Commission General Radiotelephone Operator License within one year after hire or promotion date. For this position, an individual receiving a conditional offer of employment from the City of Mesa must pass a background investigation through the City of Mesa Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to commencing employment with the City of Mesa (by assignment) . Preferred/Desirable Qualifications . Supplemental coursework or training in management and graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in Electronics or Electronics Technology is highly desirable. Experience and/or education in Project Management is highly desirable. Experience and/or education in Internet Protocol networks is highly desirable. Qualifications http://apps.mesaaz.gov/JobDescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs5067.pdf