Comms Specialist (Operations Specialist DPS) DEM
State of UtahComms Specialist (Operations Specialist DPS) DEM FT / PT Status – Full-Time Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package. Salary – $30.24 - $47.66 Hourly Wage Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site Recruiter – Dora Collier | dcollier@utah.gov | Application Deadline – 10/25/2026* This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Key Responsibilities Operations Specialist, DPS JOB SUMMARY Under general supervision from the DEM Communications & Operations Manager, the Operations Specialist provides hands-on technical, operational, and logistics support for the internal Division of Emergency Management (DEM) communications infrastructure and state and local stakeholders. This position is directly responsible for maintaining DEM’s tactical equipment assets (radio cache, fleet radios, satellite arrays, command truck), ensuring operational readiness of facility radio rooms (SEOC, ECC, Camp Williams), conducting routine testing on critical state warning circuits (NAWAS, FNARS, SHARES), and deploying to support field communications during state emergency activations. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES (The following duties are representative and may vary depending on operational priorities and activation levels) Tactical Asset & Fleet Management: Programs, installs, and troubleshoots mobile and portable Land Mobile Radio (LMR) equipment assigned to DEM division vehicles and operational staff using state Customer Programming Software (CPS) and channel templates. Performs routine hardware checks, firmware updates, and operational testing on DEM satellite phones and mobile satellite arrays (e.g., Starlink). Maintains operational readiness of the State Communications Command Truck, including onboard generator power systems, audio gateways, mast hardware, and satellite backhaul. Emergency equipment maintenance, research, procurement, inventory, and distribution. Also includes the inspection and evaluation of used equipment for reuse. Emergency two-way radio installation, repair, programming, and coordination. May also include more in-depth management of complex communications equipment with coordination between state and local agencies. Troubleshoots and diagnoses problems, makes adjustments, repairs and/or performs preventative maintenance on computers, vehicles, equipment, or machinery, etc. Provides technical/hands-on assistance with agency radio communication systems, vehicle emergency equipment, etc. Facility Radio Rooms & Critical Warning Circuits: Performs routine operational checks, preventative maintenance, and console verification across state facility radio rooms, including the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC at the State Capitol), Emergency Coordination Center (ECC at Taylorsville), and Camp Williams. -Monitors and conducts scheduled testing on National Attack Warning System (NAWAS) landline circuits and FEMA -National Radio System (FNARS/SHARES) HF/ALE radio systems. -Coordinates, executes, and logs monthly statewide HF/LMR radio checks with county emergency managers, Public Safety -Answering Points (PSAPs), and dispatch centers across Utah. Division Communications & Field Operations Support: Assists DEM division staff with processing Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) cards, provisioning Wireless Priority Service (WPS) on state cellular devices, and conducting user familiarization. Deploys to serve as technical communications support inside the SEOC during emergency activations or dispatches to the field to support mobile command posts and tactical communications during major disasters, wildland fires, or state exercises. Assists the Operational Readiness Manager and or SEOC Manager in tracking equipment repair logs, shipping/receiving, asset surplus processing, and ven…