DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Manage and reduce fire risk to protect Arizonas people communities and wildland areas to champion the health of Arizonas natural resources. The Department of Forestry and Fire Management provides services through strategic implementation of cooperative natural resources and fire assistance programs development and support of statewide fire policies and coordination of resources across alllands and jurisdictions.

Address:

2901 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd.
Phoenix AZ 85027

Salary: $29.6019 $32.0000 Hourly

Grade: 21

Closing Date: April 18 2025

Performs technical duties of a wildand NWCG Communications Unit Leader (COML) of existing DFFM radio systems and other available systems. aids in developing the system components needed to update maintain and improve the infrastructure. The Communications Unit Leader installs and maintains various types of electronic communications equipment such as VHF mobile portable and other twoway communications fixed radio systems. This position often travels statewide working irregular and long hours under extreme environmental conditions in performing their duties. This position also provides emergency communications support on wildland fire and other emergency incidents and is part of an emergency responder system specifically to provide emergency communications for incidents.

***This is a seasonal position with no benefits***

This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based upon the departments business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility autonomy and trust. Across our many agencies boards and commissions many State employees participate in the States Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes in offices and in hoteling spaces. All work including remote work shall be performed within Arizona.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Performs technical duties of a NWCG qualified COML Communications Unit Leader with existing DFFM radio systems; aids in developing the system components needed to update maintain and improve the infrastructure. Determine the necessary tools and programming aids to facilitate the installation modification repair and maintenance of communications needed to update maintain and improve the infrastructure. Determine the necessary tools and programming aids to facilitate the installation modification repair and maintenance of communications and other electronic equipment.
Determines installations modifications and design on various forms of communications equipment (e.g. analog and/or digital; VHF UHF base station/repeaters 2way radios antennas and wiring in vehicles and buildings throughout the state. Schedules and/or coordinates services (e.g. repairs installations removal of equipment preventative maintenance etc..
Responds to 24hour/day 7 day/week emergency callouts to perform and/or facilitate emergency equipment repairs anywhere in the statewide communications system and on emergency incidents.
Generates or acquires hand and/or computer generated drawings creating site documentation (e.g. layout of equipment within a room electrical distribution at a site site access maps and special site considerations and needs). Documents jobrelated activity showing work performed location of equipment time and parts used forrepairs and/or modifications weekly time sheets travel claims etc.
Drive on State business
Other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

The principles applications and physics of analog and digital electronics microprocessors amplifiers antennas transmission lines and land mobile RF systems.
FCC regulations pertaining to land mobile radio systems licensing transmission power radiated power modulation limits and spurious radiation.
The duties of an NWCG COMT and COML Communications Technician and Communicators Unit Leader.

Skills in:

Soldering techniques.
Using electronic test equipment and documentation.
The use care and selection of appropriate hand tools.
Research and analytical
Gathering technical information for trouble calls from nontechnical personnel.
Installing or removing communications and associated support equipment at fixed locations statewide.
The repair of communications and associated support equipment.
Reading and comprehending technical communications manuals manufacturers specifications and troubleshooting guides used in the installation and repair of communications equipment.
The use of computers.

Ability to:

Acquire additional skills to maintain technical and professional skills.
Safely move objects weighing 50 pounds.
Prioritize workloads and be flexible in changing priorities.
Evaluate situations and resolve communications issues as they arise.
Communicate orally and in writing with Department other agency personnel and vendors.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Work independently with minimal supervision when required.
Follow detailed oral and written instructions
To drive on State business

At least 25 years as a wildland fire communication unit leader (COML) within a wildland fire environment. Experience troubleshooting DFFM radio systems and the AZDPS Wireless Systems Bureau infrastructures procedures and system layout.

NWCG Communications Unit Leader (COML) incident qualifications card.

Must maintain a current valid drivers license.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current valid classappropriate drivers license complete all required training and successfully pass all necessary drivers license record checks. The license must be current unexpired and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to drivers license record checks must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C. R210207.11.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business then the following requirements apply:Drivers License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (EVerify).

No Benefits

By providing the option of a fulltime or parttime remote work schedule employees enjoy improved work/life balance report higher job satisfaction and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot programhere. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona please visit our benefits page

No Retirement

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Lisa Ross at for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.