As a first in a series of civil service job reviews, I figured I’d start with the best technical job in the city – Radio Repair Mechanic. If you are into deep component-level electronic radio communications maintenance then this is THE job.
This was my start in the city and where I had the most fun. The title is a little aged; some people envision some geek type holding a wrench working on some big ol’ contraption, hot with old school electron tubes.
One guy I knew referred to it as a “good paying dead-end job”. But I found it anything but a dead end – however, like anything in life – it’s up to you to make it what you want.
The job description could use some modernizing:
WHAT THE JOB INVOLVES: Radio Repair Mechanics, under supervision, install, repair, align, maintain, service and/or tune the following: radio, radar, microwave, multiplex, television and electronic apparatus and appurtenances of the City’s communication systems; land, mobile and marine radio receivers and transmitters, including analog and digital UHF and VHF equipment; radio power systems; radio antenna systems; miniature radio receivers and transmitters; audio amplifiers and public address systems including related telephone
intercom, program timer and/or clock systems; television cameras, closed circuit cameras, receivers and antennas; radar systems; electronic test equipment; multiplex equipment; digital sound recorders; magnetic tape recorders; and other electronic devices. Radio Repair Mechanics locate and isolate defects in, and adjust, align, or tune electronic equipment; repair, replace, and troubleshoot defective parts; install electronic units and associated electrical elements, including the mounting of radios; keep records and make reports; and
operate a motor vehicle. All Radio Repair Mechanics perform related work.
I don’t know about “electronic apparatus and appurtenances” or “magnetic tape recorders” but at least there are no references to tubes or other “legacy” types of electronics. When I was asked to update it years ago, my changes and updates somehow wouldn’t make it. But I can tell you here what is really going on and what is needed.
The modern day Radio Repair Mechanic is an IT person but with that extra detailed knowledge of Radio Frequency (RF). That is what makes a NYC Radio Mechanic something special.
For example, there was a situation where my former agency’s networking team installed a network access point in a particular facility but couldn’t get it to work. They spent hours trying to figure it out. Finally, it was recommended that they contact the Radio Shop for some ideas. We responded with some real RF test equipment – not some app running on a laptop – and found an office device generating strong interference that overpowered the access point’s signal. The interfering device was replaced and the AP began working.
So, back to the job. In most cases, the Radio Repair Mechanic (RRM) is working on Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems inclusive of dispatch radio consoles, base stations, repeaters, as well as mobile and portable radios. This includes all the connectivity between the systems, whether provided by landline, microwave, or an IP backbone – private or leased. It’s a mix of analog and digital environments; circuit switched and IP networks, and understanding the uniqueness of RF at different frequencies in an urban, RF congested environment.
In some cases, Radio Repair Mechanics (RRM’s) work on electronics other than radio. RRM’s working for the Department of Education maintain clock systems and public address systems.
If you are interested in becoming a RRM, you will need five years working as an electronics technician within the last 10 years, or three years if you have tech school or more education. The Notice of Examination has the details.
If you want to work for either NYPD or FDNY you WILL need a Federal Communications Commission General Radiotelephone Operator’s License (GROL) WITH a Ships Radar endorsement. And, when you file for the test, you have to specify that you qualify for Selective Certification because you have this license.
To get this license, you have to take a test. The FCC GROL and Ships Radar endorsement exams are given by Commercial Operator License Examination Managers (COLEMs) and can be found at the FCC website. Typically they will refer to you a locally administered test location but you will have to check with one or a few of the COLEMs to see what is offered.
To study for both the FCC GROL and the Radio Repair Mechanic test, there are a few resources that may be of help. My friend Susan found a great electronics training resource on the web. The Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series (NEETS) were developed for use by US Navy personnel to train personnel in the fundamentals in electrical and electronic concepts. She also provided this link to material that can be used to study for the FCC GROL with Radar.
In recent years, the city has added more safety related questions too. The OSHA 10 Hour course would help with understanding industry standard basic safety tips and getting an OSHA 10 Hour card would add to your resume to boot. I personally took the totally online Red Vector course and found it to be pretty informative. The “OSHA 10 Card” is NOT needed to become a RRM.
As the systems become network based, it would be good to be skilled in computer networking. I would suggest training material related to CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA. Right now the certifications are not needed, and the recent RRM exams were more radio-based, but the systems being installed have a strong IP Network component and having knowledge in networking concepts might give you an edge when you sit down for an interview.
Radio Repair Mechanics work everywhere within the city and the job has many aspects. You may work on the bench, getting deep into repairing and configuring equipment. You might go to locations like firehouses, EMS stations, police stations, public schools, and other city locations where this equipment is installed or operates. For transmitters and base station repairs, you may work in equipment rooms on top of buildings or underground. I assure you – some of the sights and locations you might access give you great views of the city and provide insight to interesting operations and technologies that make the city tick.
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Comments and questions are welcomed below.
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Hazy City Image courtesy of Timo Worries at Unsplash.com
Thank you Chris for your dedication and open opinions. You helped me and guided through the interview and test of RRM.
Hi Kaleekal,
I’m glad I could be of some help – but also remember, you did the hard work to get there!
Thanks! – Chris
Hello Chris
I’m just wondering (what else to do in self-isolation) when a person is hired as a radio repair mechanic, let’s say for NYPD, what kind of training and for how long does that person receive? And how does new employee begin to do his duties? Is he assigned to someone as a partner? How do his first days or weeks look like?
Thanks
Hi Alexey,
I don’t know if there are any “official” training methods for the job itself. In most cases it’s a bit of “trial by fire”. As far as Radio Repair Mechanic (RRM), a typical hire would have to have the 5 years’ experience so it would be assumed that all the basics are covered – how to use wattmeters, voltmeters, oscilloscopes, etc. and, of course, basics of radio. The reason I mention something “obvious” is that we would get a lot of people from the airline industry – so they would know radio in general, but may not know Land Mobile Radio (LMR) specifics. So, depending on the level of industry knowledge, we would start them with someone to work through the basics – how to install a vehicle radio, complete testing of it including use of a service monitor, typical installation techniques. If a new RRM came in with LMR experience we might have them jump right into, maybe, programming radios, or maybe they could perform installations immediately. It all depends on the skill level.
Usually you would be working with someone initially – at least to learn how to work with the stockroom, retrieval of parts, logging and tracking of equipment repairs, etc. For field work, you might go with someone initially to locate the equipment, learn how to gain access, etc.
In my shop I would have all RRMs work in all areas at the beginning – installation, vehicle repairs, infrastructure (base station) repairs, dispatch console support, etc. – usually with another senior RRM. As time moves along the shop supervisors and managers would get an idea of where this RRM excels – and where he would like to work – and try to match it up. Although it’s expected that a RRM would know many aspects of the job, usually one would be assigned a regular task. This way you can gain expertise. It’s not good to be a “jack of all trades but a master of none”.
It might be different with other shops and managers. Maybe you would be assigned to a discipline and you might stay there for a while without a choice, like being assigned to a dispatch center and not see a vehicle.
Sorry for the long explanation, but as you can see, there are many variables between both the skill of the new RRM and the management philosophy. So it makes it difficult to be specific.
Hope this helps – Chris
Thank you Chris. Your information helps a lot. And longer your message more informative and interesting it is in my opinion.
I have another question. A couple of months ago there was RRM job posting for NYPD. The closing date was 2 weeks ago. Last week I was contacted by a staff analyst asking me if I’d taken exam last year. After confirming he said he would send my resume to the interview unit. In the light of coronavirus pandemic and its circumstances, the mayor announced deeper hiring freeze for all departments a week ago. What do you Chris think will happen in this case with this job posting? Will they still conduct interviews and hire people? I know there was hiring freeze last spring but people were hired anyway for different positions. Maybe you got some information about it.
Thank you
Hi Alexey,
Unfortunately I don’t know what will happen. With the talk of layoffs looming around, and with cops, firefighters, and EMT’s being mentioned, it would be expected that those who support them could take a hit too.
However, if they are in desperate need they may be able to get a waiver on the hiring freeze. So you would be hired as a probationary permanent which will bring you higher up on the food chain. DC37 has it spelled out pretty well on their website “Layoffs of competitive class employees in the same title must take place in the following order: provisionals, probationers, permanents”. So it would put you in the middle group. Not the best and not the worst.
I mention this because of the recent report by Mayor DiBlasio of possible layoffs due to the financial situation due to the COVID-19 shutdowns. I would be cautious and suggest you get as much clarification on the stability of the position if they do make you an offer.
So, they may do interviews to line up candidates for future hires or to fill an imminent need, but it’s a bit unclear on how this will play out yet. Be careful.
Thanks and good luck! – Chris
Hello Chris,
I just wanted to say, Thank You! You have provided much needed information and links on how to pass the RRM exam. I missed the application to take the exam this past August 19′, which I am still pissed about but I guess this gives me time to acquire the FCC licenses and prepare myself for the next exam. Which leads to my question, how often is this exam given? Every year, every 2 years or every 4-5 years?
Hello Chris,
I just wanted to say, Thank You! You have provided much needed information and links on how to pass the RRM exam. I missed the application to take the exam this past August 19′, which I am still pissed about but I guess this gives me time to acquire the FCC licenses and prepare myself for the next exam. Which leads to my question, how often is this exam given? Every year, every 2 years or every 4-5 years?
Hi James,
The test is given as needed to backfill positions and keep the provisional numbers low.
DCAS has stepped up their testing – especially due to NYC’s need to reduce provisionals – so it may not be more than a year or two. But it’s dependent on the number of provisionals citywide and the number of open slots that need to be filled.
It seems to come in waves though… there was a period where no test was given and several RRM’s were provisional for 5+ years. I do think those days are over because of the city’s need to reduce provisionals and to not keep a person in provisional status for an extended period.
I used to formally (in writing) request my HR to request a test from DCAS – but I’d always get the same response – that it was up to DCAS to decide and not for an agency to request a test. I never really “bought” that answer but then again, I never had that kind of insight to the process so maybe…
Sorry for the so-so answer, but I could never get a straight answer on their method of deciding what test and when…
Good luck and glad my stuff was able to help you along the way! – Chris
Hi Chris,
The exam was 2 days ago on November 1st. It seemed to me that it wasn’t as difficult as it was in 2016 when I took it the last time. Maybe I’m wrong because I prepared myself pretty well this time. But when I went through your other posts I found you saying this
“But in recent years the Radio Mechanic test has been “modified” to have less radio/technical questions and incorporate general safety and soft-skill (i.e. working with others or understanding rules) questions. ”
What did you mean by saying “in recent years”? Did you notice changes in the last 2-3 years or is it something like in the last 10 years?
I wonder because I just would like to estimate my and people’s scores using statistics from the last 3 exams assuming that they all were at the same level of difficulty.
Thanks
Hi Alexey,
I would say my reference is within the last 5 years – I did not take or write these exams but the reports I received from trusted colleagues reported the OSHA-style questions as well as assessing ability to work with others and following rules.
From the reports I received, it seems that DCAS did the same as usual this time too – asked agencies to participate in writing questions for the exams as well as assessing “soft-skill” and safety questions. But I don’t know exactly who participated so I cannot confirm how it went down this time. And perhaps DCAS changed the ratio of technical to non-technical questions – just speculation. Also, the quality of the questions are based on the “philosophy” of the question writer. What I mean by that is if the question writer is a theory person, you’ll end up with formulas and questions on performance characteristics and such. If the writer is a “hands-on” person, you’ll end up with questions on using meters, installing connectors, etc. DCAS doesn’t have skilled radio people on staff so they rely on agencies to supply questions and show exactly how the answer is derived and preferably referenced to a industry respected book or manual.
So it sounds like you may have done well – good for you! I hope you have a great score and are high on the list!
Best of luck!
Hey Chris
The list for the last exam was established 10 days ago. 54 people got into it. So I guess I was right the exam wasn’t difficult because other times it was always around 30 people in the list.
I got a question. Somewhere in 2019 the list 7010 was exhausted and since then NYC hired 5 radio repair mechanics provisionally. We all know that they had to take an exam and pass it. All of them did. However, 4 of them got the list numbers between 15 and 53. According to the rules you’ve covered before provisional workers must obtain permanent status. Could you explain what will happen in this case with the current provisional employees and those on the top of the list? I’m asking it because current situation is unusual. There’s a hiring freeze. RRMs haven’t been hired for more than a year. On top of that only 4 people retired since the beginning of 2020 so there are no vacancies for new employees. If there were no hiring freeze those people in charge could just wait until they reach those employees and call them from the list and make them permanent. Since nobody is hired and the list may not be used for hiring process for a while I’m wondering what you think about it.
Thank you
Hi Alexey,
There’s a few things that might be going on as well as other things that might play out.
With List 0119 now active, the city could still hire to backfill the provisional slots. It wouldn’t necessarily be considered a hiring freeze to fill slots that are already existing. They could bump the provisional out and put in the probable permanent from the list and it doesn’t change the headcount. One for one.
All agencies that have provisionals can do the same. So if an agency can reach their person, they could still take them from the list and make them permanent. This will reduce the list.
The other tactics would still remain too. Are the candidates qualified? If there’s selective certification (e.g., FCC with radar) does the candidate have one? Many candidates won’t wait and will take another job if the call doesn’t come in a “reasonable” time (I’ve had this a few times where we called a candidate who took another private sector job and was no longer interested in coming to work for the city). If this early retirement incentive moves along there might be some old timers taking it and that would free up some positions to backfill (unless the agency closes the positions to save money – I’ve had that happen a few times, too).
So, it’s still risky if an agency doesn’t wait and starts calling from the list. But, knowing a few candidates will (usually) still not make it through the interview, it could be possible to get to the provisionals.
I know this didn’t help much, but it’s better to know than to not know…
Good luck to you and all of the candidates! – Chris
Hi Chris,
I would like to thank your generosity in sharing your experience and for the dedication of your time and the effort in Putting together a very comprehensive and informative guild for everyone. I have also signed up for the up coming test and am looking forward to one day having the apportunity of joining the RRM team. Your input is invaluable and appreciated!
Best regards,
Hector
Hi Hector,
Thanks for your kind words!
And good luck with the upcoming test – I’m glad I can help a little.
Chris
Hey Chris,
I took radio repair mechanic exam 6018 in 2016. I passed it and in several months after that I received a letter stating that I was placed in the list of eligible candidates. That list can be seen online. My number in the list is 27. However, I never received a phone call nor email. Since I had no idea what the process of employment was like I did nothing. I thought that I just had to wait. Do you have any ideas why they never contacted me? In 2 years after I was placed in the list I called DCAS. The guy on the phone wondered why I had never called them after the list was created. He pointed out that I should’ve called them periodically. He was like I was supposed to push them to do something for me. It sounded weird. I just would like to know your thoughts about it.
Hi Alexey,
Good question… there really isn’t supposed to be a need for you to “check in once in a while”…
One thing to consider is do you have an FCC License with Radar Endorsement and did you check the box for “Selective Certification”? NYPD and FDNY require it and maybe they only asked to interview candidates that had this selective certification.
Also – did you have the right amount of experience? – five years as a Radio Mechanic or Electronics Technician? DCAS usually checks qualifications before calling candidates in for interviews with agencies…
There are other agencies that hire Radio Mechanics, but the bulk of them get picked up by NYPD and FDNY…
Other than that you might want to follow up IN WRITING to DCAS – don’t just do it over the phone… DCAS contact information can be found here.
Good luck!
Thank you Chris.
Your guess regarding FCC license is correct. I didn’t have it at the time I took exam simply because I didn’t know that it was requirement for NYPD and FDNY. I started looking into this “RRM business” deeply and decided to get the license only after I called DCAS in Nov 2018. Anyway I thought an agency would request this license at the time of appointment or by informing me in advance. Maybe you’re right that they don’t even bother themselves without selective certification in profile.
Hey! Thanks for this great article!
Question: what would you recommend as far as getting hands on experience in the field as a radio repair mechanic? I’ve done electronics technician work for almost ten years, all in the fire alarm field. What you’ve laid out definitely has we wanting to work as a radio repair mechanic!
Hi David,
Good decision – Radio Repair Mechanics (RRM) are in demand and the pay starts in the six figures annually.
So, by the Notice of Examination , you’ll need “Five years of full-time satisfactory experience as a radio repair mechanic or as an electronic technician repairing electronic equipment…” and your electronics technician work history sounds like it will meet that requirement.
Also the test will be coming up in November and filing is NOW! So, file for it and let’s talk about the radio part.
You won’t be able to talk your way out of that but if you have the fundamentals down you should be able to have a good shot at it. Your Fire Alarm skills will be valuable as some of the work entails running cables – network, antenna, control wiring, etc. – and terminating, testing, etc.
If you’re interested in changing jobs then you’ll want to go with the companies that support Land Mobile Radio (LMR) – the primary radio systems used by public safety. These would include Motorola, or their authorized resellers like Altech Electronics. Harris radio is a competitor to Motorola and they have a shop in Long Island City – Eastern Communications.
To work with NYPD or FDNY you’ll need an FCC General Radiotelephone License with a Radar Endorsement (GROL w/Radar). The FCC license information is here. You don’t need it to take the test but you will need it to get hired by FDNY or NYPD. There are other agencies where they won’t ask for the FCC GROL, but then you’ll reduce your options as FDNY and NYPD hire the lion’s share of RRMs.
Many of the agencies are looking for IT experience as much of the connectivity is now being done by IP. So, if you have network training on switches and routers you may have an edge.
So, self-study options for learning the radio business include an online course with CIE that includes study material for the FCC GROL. There are several good books on LMR and GROL, including Land Mobile Radio Systems and GROL+Radar.
You can also get some info on the basics of these systems by checking out my YouTube video.
So, hope this helps – make sure you file as the application period will end by the end of August for this round…
Good Luck – Chris
Hello,
I’m signed for the radio repair mechanic exam coming up next. I have my FCC grol and the required experience on electronics. I have no idea about radios.
Whats the best way to study for the exam? What study material should I use?
Thank You!
Hi Kevin,
Land Mobile Radio Systems book would help with the radio basics. Your GROL study material would help too. As I mention too, there was some OSHA style safety questions so maybe something on OSHA 10.
I also have a YouTube video on the basics, but it is really meant for end users. But it does give a high level overview on trunking, simulcast, etc. and might be helpful.
Good luck! – Chris
Hey Kevin,
if you’re interested in studying together for this exam, reach out to me- dtieu475@gmail.com. I find that studying together with others helps reinforce individual study. You’re forced to explain things, and your partners pick up stuff that you miss.