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
