Description
Introduction
Do you have experience in system administration, networking, wireless communications, or public safety information technology? Are you passionate about emerging technologies and driven by the challenge of supporting mission-critical systems in a dynamic environment that values learning, collaboration, and professional growth? The Prince William County Department of Public Safety Communications is seeking a motivated and technically skilled professional to serve as System Administrator for the County’s P25 multi-site radio system. The Department of Public Safety Communications serves as Prince William County’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) - the County’s 9-1-1 center - with an authorized staff of 123 full-time employees. The center provides dispatch services for the Prince William County Police Department, the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System, and Fire and Rescue services for the independent Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. In 2024, the center processed over 410,000 inbound calls and dispatched more than 160,000 police, fire, and EMS incidents. The successful candidate will collaborate with IT professionals, public safety specialists, and vendors to ensure high-availability communications that support efficient and effective emergency response across the region. This role also contributes to the development, integration, and maintenance of other 9-1-1 and public safety technologies within the County’s mission-critical environment.
About This Role:
Working as part of a team responsible for developing and maintaining the technology that supports the 9-1-1 center and public safety operations, the System Administrator is primarily accountable for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the Motorola ASTRO P25 radio system and associated radios within the Department of Public Safety Communications. The Administrator will play a key role in projects and initiatives related to public safety communications.
The successful candidate will be expected to analyze data and assess emerging technologies to provide informed planning recommendations and status updates to departmental leadership. Additional responsibilities include assisting agencies with communications training and contributing to the development and maintenance of other 9-1-1 technologies as assigned.
The System Administrator serves as the County’s primary representative for interoperable radio communications within the greater Metropolitan Washington, D.C. region. This highly visible role involves regular collaboration with radio, public safety, information technology, and leadership teams from surrounding jurisdictions, representing the County’s interests in regional radio meetings and working groups. The position ensures seamless interoperability for Prince William County personnel operating outside County boundaries and for external agencies operating within the County.
The ideal candidate will possess experience in system administration, networking, wireless communications, public safety information technology, and/or public safety operations, along with strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills. A calm and professional demeanor under pressure is essential. Experience with P25 trunked radio systems, subscriber programming, and voice recording systems is strongly preferred. However, the Department of Public Safety Communications is committed to investing significant time and resources in training the right individual for this critical role.
Work Schedule:
This is a 40-hour-per-week position with some options for teleworking and flexible scheduling. Schedule is dependent on conditions such as, but not limited to, system degradation, operational need, inclement weather, and large-scale incidents. The incumbent may be required to work outside of their normal schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The position is eligible for additional straight-time compensation in cases of operational need.
Starting Salary Range: $81,140.80 – $105,000.00
Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
High school diploma or G.E.D. and 6 years of experience in system administration, networking, information technology, wireless communications, radio programming, or public safety.
Preferences:
3+ years of experience in public safety technology.
Administration, management, or technical experience with P25 Phase 1 and Phase 2 radio systems.
Experience in developing codeplugs and programming of P25 subscriber units.
Demonstrated success communicating with executive-level leadership.
Proven experience leading cross-functional teams in support of information technology projects and systems.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in information technology, computer science, wireless communications, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
Special Requirements:
You must possess a valid driver’s license.
Must pass a post-conditional offer comprehensive background investigation, including psychological and polygraph assessments.
