Salary : $84,520.00 - $113,639.00 Annually
Location : King County - Renton, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-05265
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 8/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a skilled Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3 to provide technical expertise in wireless systems infrastructure, networking, and connectivity supporting the Northwest Region's Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) equipment and field offices King, Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom, Pierce counties. This role will resolve complex issues in IP-based LMR, microwave, and network systems; perform inspection, maintenance, repair, and preventative care of wireless telecommunications equipment; and support reliable communications for highway operations through field-based troubleshooting, emergency response, and collaboration with engineers and fellow technicians. A strong candidate will possess hands-on experience with wireless and IP networking technologies, diagnostic and problem-solving skills, knowledge of telecommunications and safety practices, the ability to work independently in field environments, and clear communication and teamwork skills.
What to Expect

This position will be required to perform hands-on work while exposed to hazardous conditions or materials including field sites, roadways, construction sites or right of way activity. This position will also perform manual labor and operate machinery or equipment.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3 will:

• Serve as a technical expert, applying expert-level knowledge in wireless networking for WSDOT area offices and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices impacting statewide operations.
• Travel regularly between different locations throughout the Northwest Region; perform emergency repairs.
• Maintain enhanced IP communications systems.
• Install, configure, manage, maintain, and repair digital IP-based microwave systems; manage and maintain Ethernet switches and routers.
• Create and maintain secure (IPsec) VLAN networks; install, configure, manage, maintain, and repair IP networking systems.
• Maintain inventory records, install, repair, and program IP-based P25 700 MHz/800 MHz digital trunked repeaters, base stations, and control systems.
• Interface and coordinate with other regional staff to ensure the seamless statewide operations of the wireless P25 Land Mobile Radio system.
• Provide service for conventional radio control stations, base stations for other government entities.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with other agencies and partners.
• Develop, manage, and maintain a live inventory of coordinated IP lists and network programming parameters.
• Install, configure, and maintain legacy systems; install, configure, maintain, and assist in the development of interoperability solutions and equipment.
• Climb, maneuver, install, repair and maintain equipment on communications towers; maintain agency certification to conduct rescues on communications towers; operate a technician repair vehicle and snowcat for the purpose of repairing the radio system and infrastructure on location, possibly during inclement weather.

Qualifications

This is a Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan.
To be considered for this opportunity at the highest level, the following are required:

• P25 Communications Systems: Extensive experience designing, staging, and commissioning conventional and trunked Project 25 (P25) wireless communication systems, ensuring interoperability, reliability, and compliance with applicable standards.
• IP Networking & MPLS: Working knowledge of IP-based networking systems, including Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), with the ability to design, configure, and integrate network infrastructure supporting wireless communications systems.
• Technical Troubleshooting & Support: Experience and skill in diagnosing and resolving system issues across wireless communication, microwave, and networking environments, including hardware, software, and connectivity components.
• Wireless Communications Operations: Working knowledge of wireless communications system operations and maintenance practices, including experience supporting and enhancing system performance in operational environments.
• Technical Document Interpretation: Ability to interpret and apply information from technical documents, engineering drawings, manuals, and schematics to support system design, installation, and maintenance activities.
• Technical Analysis: Skill in analyzing technical manuals, schematics, and diagrams to diagnose issues, inform decision-making, and ensure accurate execution of work tasks.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:

• Ability to pass and maintain a Washington State Patrol background check.
• Ability to pass and maintain a General Radiotelephone Operator Licensed issued by the FCC within the first six (6) months of hire or within the in-training plan.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a tower climbing safety and rescue certificate.
• Access remote equipment sites in extreme weather conditions, operating such equipment as a 4-wheel drive vehicle and snowcat, clear slide areas, and remove downed trees by winch or chainsaw.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work at heights up to 300 feet.
• Ability to perform work effectively in extreme or adverse weather conditions while maintaining safety, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness.
• Ability to perform physical duties necessary to service equipment in confined, or awkward positions, including bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, climbing, and working above shoulder level, below waist level, or while lying on the back.
• Ability to perform work safely using appropriate personal protective equipment for assigned tasks and environments.
• Ability to respond to emergency callouts, including after-hours situations, to restore or maintain critical communications infrastructure.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Advanced Networking & Radio Systems Knowledge: Demonstrates additional technical knowledge obtained through formal education and/or professional experience in Ethernet networking, radio propagation, L3Harris Land Mobile Radio systems or Nokia Microwave systems.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Candidate must be able to pass a WSP background check for unescorted access to shared WSP/WSDOT facilities and pass Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) to be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• This is a Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. The base salaries for each level are:
  • Wireless Communications Systems Technician 3: $88,788 - $108,228
  • Wireless Communications Systems Technician 2: $80,496 - $98,064
• This position is eligible for an additional 10% assignment pay, in addition to the base salary, while performing assigned job responsibilities requiring work at heights above four (4) feet at communication tower sites or are at the same remote location directly supervising an employee performing these duties.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05265 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff ar