Wireless Communications Analyst, Communications Systems Analyst 3 (Salem)

Initial Posting Date:
09/30/2026

Application Deadline:
10/11/2026

Agency:
Department of Corrections

Salary Range:
$6,590 - $9,581

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Wireless Communications Analyst, Communications Systems Analyst 3 (Salem)

Job Description:

Wireless Communications Analyst, Communications Systems Analyst 3 (Salem)

Central Distribution Center – Salem, Oregon

Oregon Department of Corrections

Are you an experienced wireless communications professional looking for a role with purpose and impact? Join the Oregon Department of Corrections’ (ODOC) Wireless Communications Unit – a team responsible for designing, maintaining, and advancing one of the largest and most complex statewide radio networks in Oregon.

Our Wireless Communications Unit oversees more than 3,500 pieces of communications equipment deployed across DOC facilities and transport operations statewide. This includes radio towers, EDACS and P‑25 trunking systems, microwave radio systems, networked infrastructure, and a wide range of portable, mobile, and fixed radio equipment. The Unit plays a critical role in public safety through expert engineering, system reliability, FCC compliance, and long‑range strategic planning.

We are seeking a Communications Systems Analyst 3, a highly skilled technical expert who operates independently, manages regional wireless systems, and provides statewide support when needed.

About the Job – Your Role

As a Communications Systems Analyst 3, you will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for planning, designing, engineering, maintaining, and troubleshooting DOC’s complex wireless systems. This role offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to work on diverse and challenging technologies.

Systems Planning & Design

- Plan and design wireless systems, including trunked, conventional, microwave, SCADA, and remote‑control infrastructure.
- Specify network, VOIP, telemetry, and power system components for fully integrated communications solutions.
- Assess facilities, develop cost‑effective designs, and verify system performance.
- Determine tower and building requirements, including structure, cabling, HVAC, and equipment layout.

Wireless Systems Testing, Troubleshooting & Maintenance

- Diagnose EDACS, P‑25, microwave, conventional radio, network, and console issues.
- Maintain IP networks, routing, backups, and high‑availability systems.
- Perform standardized testing and equipment‑level or circuit‑board‑level troubleshooting.

Equipment Repair

- Repair trunked/conventional radios, microwave systems, dispatch consoles, and network hardware/software.
- Complete software updates, programming, and preventive maintenance onsite and at remote locations.

Installation & Project Oversight

- Install communications systems, power systems, wireless LAN, SCADA, multiplexing, fiber/telephone cabling, and grounding.
- Supervise contractors on construction, building upgrades, and tower projects.

This position is represented by American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). This position may be eligible for Police & Fire (P&F) benefits through Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), as defined by statute.

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of technical and engineering experience as a communications system technician, including testing and design; AND A Bachelor's degree with major coursework (30 quarter or 20 semester hours) in electrical engineering or applied physics;

OR

Three years of technical and engineering experience as a communications system technician, including testing and design; AND Three more years of qualifying experience AND possession of a FCC General Radio Telephone License, a Technician Certificate issued by the International Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers, a Radiotelephone Technician Certificate issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, or a Technician Certificate issued by the National Association of Business and Education Radio/Personal Communications Industry Association or equivalent industrial certification.

Special Qualifications

- Valid Oregon driver’s license

Requested Skills

- Demonstrated ability to design and document wireless system architectures, including trunked and conventional systems, with accurate engineering specifications.
- Proven experience diagnosing and resolving EDACS, P‑25, microwave, IP network, and console system failures using industry‑standard test equipment.
- Proficiency in configuring and maintaining routers, switches, wireless LAN links, and high‑availability network components.
- Ability to perform engineering calculations and path analysis for microwave, SCADA, and remote‑control systems.
- Skilled in repairing radio, microwave, network, and circuit‑board‑level equipment to meet manufacturer or agency performance standards.
- Experience installing communications systems, power systems, cabling, and grounding that meet industry and safety requirements.
- Consistent ability to complete preventive maintenance and document system performance, repairs, and configuration changes with accuracy.

Application Information

- In the Work Experience section of your application make sure to include the dates and duties of all relevant positions and details to support how you meet these attributes. If you do not include education or work experience meeting the minimum qualifications, you will not be considered for the position. Only the candidates whose experience most closely matches the qualifications and requested skills of this position will be invited to interview. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the job posting close date.
- The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
- Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
- As part of our selection process, we may require additional assessment stages, such as written exercises, to further evaluate candidates’ qualifications. Meaningful participation in these exercises is required for all applicants moving forward in the process. Failure to complete the required exercise(s) within the specified timeframe will result in disqualification from consideration. All candidates who successfully complete these screening stages and meet the necessary requirements will advance to the next stage in the selection process.
- Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

Working Conditions

Communications Analysts 3 are frequently required to work inside prisons that house maximum, close, medium, and minimum-security adults in custody (AICs). The work locations vary from new to old building structures to include towers, walls, service tunnels, pipe chases, electrical chases, etc. All locations have multiple floors and tiered AIC housing which require the use of stairs. Walking to get to assigned workstation or in the performance of work will be required, and this may be long distances. Working conditions in service tunnels and pipe chases may include poor ventilation, high temperatures, poor lighting conditions, etc. Workers may be exposed to or work in inclement weather conditions, which can include rain, standing water, snow, ice, etc. Some work may involve walking and working on uneven ground. When working on storm drains and sewer systems, the worker may be exposed to contaminants. When working around or on heat exchangers, steam piping, and boilers, there is a possibility of burns from hot pipes and exposure to boiler chemicals. Work may include frequent lifting and carrying of equipment exceeding 50 pounds in weight (light, medium, and heavy). At times, may work alone, in small groups, or in large groups of both employees and AICs depending upon operational needs. The use of hand tools, powered hand tools, stationary and portable power equipment, painting equipment, ladders, platforms, scaffolding, power lifts, etc. may be required. Workers will be required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety programs (Respiratory Protection, Asbestos, etc.) as dictated by the work and location.

Frequent travel is required. Vehicles driven are state vehicles which could include 4-wheel drives frequently and snow cats infrequently. May be infrequently required to drive in mountainous terrain in conditions that can be rain, snow, mud, or other difficult conditions. Incumbent must be able to routinely perform work on antennas and towers with heights as much as 100 feet or more above ground level and move heavy equipment more than 100 pounds.

Extensive work performed on video display terminals. Work schedule is driven by user need. Normal working hours are Monday – Friday, normal day shift, although may be required to respond after normal business hours for system emergencies. May be assigned on-call rotation or stand-by duties. Employee may work a variety of irregular hours to maintain operational systems at DOC facilities. Lifting PCs, terminals, and other computer equipment. Remove, replace, or upgrade components. Bending, crawling, reaching under desks and computer workstations, and physical manipulation of large objects may be required.

About the Department

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for over 12,000 adults in custody in 12 state prisons throughout Oregon. It advises and evaluates counties regarding administration of probation and parole programs supervising more than 24,000 offenders in Oregon communities. The mission is to protect communities, promote accountability, and transform lives.

The Oregon Department of Corrections serves a diverse and changing population of people who are incarcerated and on supervision. We commit to creating an organization both reflecting the diversity of the population we serve and ensuring all employees thrive in a culture of safety, trust, and belonging. We strive to be an anti-racist corrections system. Welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all people. Free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

The Department offers a variety of programs and opportunity to create a safe and healthy environment to for our staff, volunteers, and adults in custody. Joining the Oregon Department of Corrections is joining a team working for the benefit of our communities through innovative and proven correctional practices.

Benefits

The salary range listed above is for non-PERS qualifying applicants. PERS qualifying applicants may be eligible for an adjusted range to reflect an additional 6.95%.

The State of Oregon provides a generous benefit package, which includes:

- Family health, vision, and dental insurance (https://www.oregon.gov/oha/pebb/pages/index.aspx)
- Vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
- 21 days paid military leave for national guard and reserve components
- Optional short and long-term disability
- Term life insurance
- Fully paid retirement program (https://www.oregon.gov/pers/Pages/index.aspx)
- Oregon Saving Growth Plan (https://www.oregon.gov/pers/mem/pages/oregon-savings-growth-plan.aspx?utm_source=pers&utm_medium=egov_redirect&utm_campaign=https%3a%2f%2fwww.oregon.gov%2fpers%2fosgp%2fpages%2findex.aspx)
- Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare
- And more (https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/pages/benefits.aspx)

About the Process – What to Expect

- After the application deadline, a recruiter will review submissions for education and experience to identify candidates who best fit the minimum qualifications and requested skills.
- Top candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
- The hiring manager will review your application and schedule interviews.
- Interview will be held with a panel of stakeholders who have completed panel assessment training. Scores will be determined based on predetermined questions and scoring guides. Preferences points will be applied in compliance with relevant laws and bargaining agreements. There may be multiple rounds of interviews.
- Final candidates will have a background check, PREA check (https://www.oregon.gov/doc/prison-rape-elimination-act/Pages/home.aspx), and reference checks.
- A Classification and Compensation analyst will review the Workday Application of the successful candidate to determine starting wages. Learn more about Equal Pay. (https://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx)
- A job offer will be extended through Workday to the successful candidate. Congratulations, and welcome to the team!

Requirements for Employment

The successful candidate for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, there may be some felony convictions that could disqualify you for this position. However, having a felony record does not exclusively restrict you from being considered as an applicant. CJIS clearance is done at the conditional job offer. If you have questions about whether or not your criminal record could disqualify for you, please contact the recruiter for more information.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDI&B) is embedded in the Department of Corrections core values. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Ensuring legal compliance, efficiency, and exceeding expectations to deliver the best public services.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. Additional information can be found from The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Know Your Rights .

The Oregon Department of Corrections is responsible for complying with the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA 42 U.S.C. 1997). PREA prohibits the Oregon Department of Corrections from hiring, promoting, or contracting with anyone, (that will have direct contact with residents), who has engaged in, been convicted of, or been civilly or administratively adjudicated for engaging in sexual abuse in confinement settings. Learn more about PREA.

Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. Please note – if you are a veteran, you will receive a task in Workday to upload your documents immediately after you submit your initial application. You will have up until 24 hours after the posted application deadline to submit the appropriate documentation.

The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Questions

If you have questions about the position, selection process, or need accommodations to participate in the recruitment process please contact the recruiter and reference the requisition number.

Recruiter: Cynthia Rodriguez, [email protected]

Reference Number: Req-207681

- Workday will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity. You may lose progress on your application.
- Workday performs weekly maintenance Friday evenings, and the system may be down for several hours.
- ODOC does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
- This applicant list may be used to fill future vacancies. Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
- This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The pay and benefits on all announcements may change without notice.