Careers In RF? Need Advice..

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

GROL is nearly useless. It's only legally required for avionics and for some marine systems that aren't under GMDSS. It's overrated and hyped by some poeple but it's just like the ham radio exams.

LOL. OK... Well it propelled me into a career lasting well over 45 years during which it paid me millions of dollars and I was employed and reemployed word of mouth, never had to "apply". I barely finished HS and had some college , no degree. Lots of self training and OTJ training. It also provided job security as I discovered, quite accidentally, that I was apparently the sole GROL listed on contracts my employer had cut with local agencies.

What could I have done differently? Become a union electrician and electrical contractor. They make tons of money. But that is pretty hard work. I did low voltage alarm wiring for a couple years and the attics were hell.

 

[WB5UOM]

Remember, money isn't everything, and it will not buy happiness.
I know this because I made a lot of money, and do not have to work (in it for my long term Customers and 2 employees now) but lacking in other areas partly due I guess to that pesky 24/7/365 for 32 years.

 

[mmckenna]

GROL is nearly useless. It's only legally required for avionics and for some marine systems that aren't under GMDSS. It's overrated and hyped by some poeple but it's just like the ham radio exams. You can memorize the question pool and pass it. Managers that actually did work before being promoted to management should know this but HR and incompetent DEI government type people probably won't.

Maybe. It's not hard to get. Just like all the Cisco certifications.

But large agencies/shops use them as a filter. It's not "DEI" or anything else, just a way to weed out those that can write a good resume but not have anything to back it up.

Lacking any other legit industry certifications, it serves a few purposes:
It proves that the applicant is serious about the work. Not just someone who wants to convert their hobby into an easy career.
It gives the FCC something that can be taken away if the person gets a case of the stupids.
It serves as great way to filter resumes. Most government sector job openings get hammered with hundreds of applicants for every opening, and (in my experience as a hiring manager) at least 75% of the applicants have zero experience, minimal skill and are just looking for an 'in'.

 

[mmckenna]

Hi everyone, I’m Aaron. I’m 26 and currently exploring new career opportunities. Hope this is ok to post..

Question for you @BlackhawkCB

Have you considered a job as a dispatcher?

Give it some thought. It's not just sitting at a console talking on the phone/radio. It requires technical knowledge of how the systems work (good dispatchers can help the techs). It requires a passion for the job. The job is steady, good benefits, and will always be in demand.
PSAP's have a really had time finding qualified people, and even harder time finding those that can pass the background checks.

PSAPs will accommodate applicants. There have been recent posts on the APCO forums where dispatch centers are actively looking for dispatchers and are more than willing to work with those that need some accommodations.

Detail oriented is key.

I really rely on our dispatchers to tell me what's going on when there are system issues. Often they are the first to see them.

Also, many smaller agencies would absolutely love to have someone with a strong technical background. It takes a lot to run a PSAP, and there's always new technology coming along. A dispatcher that could help set up, program, and service equipment would be really valuable, especially in smaller centers.

Give it some serious thought. APCO has a lot of resources available, and PSAPS are -always- looking for more people.

 

[WB5UOM]

I will second that. Help is hard to get everywhere today, from fast food on up.....and and many (not all) dispatchers here do not have a clue about how things work...

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Give it some serious thought. APCO has a lot of resources available, and PSAPS are -always- looking for more people.

That is the truth. They are always hiring locally and good starting pay. The 911 managers I have worked with have great radio knowledge. You really have to because you are dealing with ongoing audio issues, system hiccups, bad radios in field, headsets, etc. The IT component should not be ignored because it is now prevalent. It is very tough work at times, so not for the faint at heart.

 

[K4EET]

Question for you @BlackhawkCB

Have you considered a job as a dispatcher?

Give it some thought. It's not just sitting at a console talking on the phone/radio. It requires technical knowledge of how the systems work (good dispatchers can help the techs). It requires a passion for the job. The job is steady, good benefits, and will always be in demand.
PSAP's have a really had time finding qualified people, and even harder time finding those that can pass the background checks.

PSAPs will accommodate applicants. There have been recent posts on the APCO forums where dispatch centers are actively looking for dispatchers and are more than willing to work with those that need some accommodations.

Detail oriented is key.

I really rely on our dispatchers to tell me what's going on when there are system issues. Often they are the first to see them.

Also, many smaller agencies would absolutely love to have someone with a strong technical background. It takes a lot to run a PSAP, and there's always new technology coming along. A dispatcher that could help set up, program, and service equipment would be really valuable, especially in smaller centers.

Give it some serious thought. APCO has a lot of resources available, and PSAPS are -always- looking for more people.

Here is one example of a continuous posting for a 9-1-1 Police Dispatcher:

911 Dispatcher (Police Communications Operator II)

Anne Arundel County is excited to announce the opportunity for Police Communications Operator II. The Police Communications Operator II is a full-time, permanent, safety-sensitive position located in the Communications Center of the Anne Arundel County Police Department. This is specialized work...

www.governmentjobs.com

 

[nd5y]

And I still have a State contract that requires the FCC license.

Why is it required?

 

[WB5UOM]

Why not require it?
Shows someone at least made the effort.
why require a ham license?

 

[nd5y]

I have never seen a job that required a ham license.

 

[WB5UOM]

lol I have!....there is a thread on here for a radio tech....requires ham license

Don't know about now, but I had some colorful convo years ago from I tjink Potter County Tx requiring a ham license and requirement that during bad storms you would man the ham station and their eoc!

 

[seagravebuff60]

Hi everyone, I’m Aaron. I’m 26 and currently exploring new career opportunities. Hope this is ok to post..

I have a degree in Industrial Maintenance from Savannah Technical College and a strong interest in radio communication, electronics, and hands-on technical problem-solving. Because of a long-term visual impairment, I’m looking for roles that don’t require driving or operating heavy machinery but still allow me to contribute in a meaningful and productive way. I’m highly motivated, detail-oriented, and quick to learn new systems when given the right tools or accommodations. I have always been passionate about RF as a hobby and feel I would love a role in the commercial world.

I have been a HAM for years and did a little commercial style work here and there, but was never employed by any sort of two way shop. Any Advice? I am visually impaired, but still have most sight, and I can use computers well.

My previous experience includes:

• Technical maintenance and troubleshooting

• Working with communication equipment

• Hands-on repair, assembly, and electronics work

• General facilities and support roles

I’m especially passionate about:

• Ham radio and communication technology

• Audio and music-related work

• Tinkering, building, and problem-solving

I’m hoping to connect with individuals or organizations who are familiar with accessible workplaces or have insight into roles that are well-suited to someone with strong technical skills but limited vision requirements. A position with steady hours, supportive culture, and opportunities to contribute would mean a lot as I continue building a stable future with my partner.

If you have advice, resources, or leads on employers who value adaptability and problem-solving, I would be grateful to connect.

Thank you for your time and guidance.

— Aaron

Unfortunately, I am in the same boat again and am currently looking to change careers. I have worked in various industries myself. My background is in computer networking.

I previously worked at a small security company as a dispatcher. That was a dumpster fire, but only because I didn't get any training, and my bosses at the location were horrible, including the corporate company I worked for. I did enjoy the job, and having radios/scanners as a hobby definitely helped me in many ways. It helped me tremendously to understand how the PD/Fire/EMS/Rescue operations are conducted in my county. I didn't work at a PSAP; it was a small security location, but I would deal with PSAPs every day. But now I understand the 911 system better than I did before. It may be useless information, but it might save your life one day.

Because of my previous experience there, I am very hesitant to get back into that field.

 

[cbehr91]

I won't go into too much detail of my different careers but several involved two way radio and when working those jobs early on it felt like I had finally achieved my dream job, or so I thought. Turns out when I got home from work the last thing I wanted to see was a radio, which was my primary hobby. After later careers in aerospace then satellite broadcast I can highly recommend you seek out a job in broadcast as the pay is much more than most technical jobs you will find.

The obvious problem is where to get experience and with each step in my career I relied on past parallel training and the future jobs were things I had studied out of pure interest where I could achieve a good working knowledge using past experiences and research on the new job. When I interviewed for the satellite broadcast job they were concerned I had never worked in that field but in my past jobs I had hand built, aligned and repaired very similar equipment and could relate in detail how I would troubleshoot and restore service in an outage to my interviewers.

I got the satellite broadcast maintenance tech job coming from an aerospace research and development engineer position then worked into an engineering position where I eventually retired as a principal engineer and RF engineer for the broadcast site with three patents for the company for their consumer satellite antennas. And I barely graduated high school and never attended college, its all self taught and OTJ training with an intense interest in RF and mechanical things.

So my advice would be to research some broadcast jobs in your area, maybe AM, FM, TV or satellite broadcast. See what they do and what interests you then research what equipment they have like what transmitters or maybe how they bring in content to the station like satellite or fiber. If you can find out what equipment they use then download manuals to that equipment to see how it works and what type of maintenance is needed. See if you can meet someone on their technical staff who most likely is a ham and see if they will give you insight to the company, what positions they might have and what experience they are looking for. Even though you may not have experience, if you have researched their operation and can tell them all about it in a interview that can go a long way, especially with some enthusiasm about the job.

I've interviewed lots of people for technical positions and can tell right away when someone is just interviewing to get anything or is interviewing for the specific opening we have and they really want it and are qualified for it. In many cases the guys with the impressive resumes didn't make it because it was obvious their resume was a lie and we gave the job to the person with the lousy resume who shined in the interview with knowledge and enthusiasm for the job.

I'm a broadcast engineer and I'm not sure I can recommend it as a career for someone interested in radios. Sure, some of us are hams and I know of a repeater in my area run by retired engineers who still want to play radio.

Like everything else so much equipment is computerized and needing (computer) networking skills is a must, not a nice to have anymore. The pay also isn't what it used to be. Perhaps one could gather skills and pivot into working just in an area of IT or working for a vendor working on just their equipment for better pay and hours.

If OP is interested in broadcast engineering, feel free to PM me, but I can't say I recommend it as a career for someone interested in radio.

 

[Falcon9h]

As an addition to my earlier post, I switched completely. I'm retired but SS doesn't go far. I work with a friend on old and historic building restoration, mostly log houses and the like. Some with period correct tools. Preserving history. Very physical, dirty and lots of climbing but I love it. It's not some lousy construction job-the preservation part makes it unique and definitely not boring! And it fires whole different areas of the brain, important; my dad died from Alzheimer's.

 

[prcguy]

I'm a broadcast engineer and I'm not sure I can recommend it as a career for someone interested in radios. Sure, some of us are hams and I know of a repeater in my area run by retired engineers who still want to play radio.

Like everything else so much equipment is computerized and needing (computer) networking skills is a must, not a nice to have anymore. The pay also isn't what it used to be. Perhaps one could gather skills and pivot into working just in an area of IT or working for a vendor working on just their equipment for better pay and hours.

If OP is interested in broadcast engineering, feel free to PM me, but I can't say I recommend it as a career for someone interested in radio.

To be in the top tier of satellite broadcast takes mastering a lot of different skills from RF/microwave with excellent troubleshooting skills to computer networking, being an electrician, HVAC tech, plumber, etc. But for someone with some knowledge of RF and computer networking and a love of high tech you can be useful to the team and work up the ladder with a higher salary compared to the two way radio industry.

In 1996 where I was topped out in aerospace due to not having a degree, I did a lateral transfer within my company from aerospace to satellite broadcast and my pay went up 38% overnight.

 

[N4DES]

It's not in GA, but the Federal Government is usually looking for Electronic Technicians on USAJobs.gov.
Here's an example of one. USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal jobs across the United States and around the world as the official employment site for the federal government

In Florida the marine electronics industry is big and pays well, and I'm sure it's just as popular in other locations with large marinas.

 

[BlackhawkCB]

I appreciate all the comments guys! Very good insight. @mmckenna no I have not considered dispatching, I may look into that. Thank you all for the comments and discussions

 

[speedway_navigator]

A few years ago a 2 way tech job ad for California wanted a NABER certificate, they had not been issued for probaly 15 years by that point.
The job description was on a pdf on a server, don' t know if it got changed. I got my GROL in 86, the test had very little alignment with what was current technology then. It took me 3 tries, no online learning systems or books like today.

I'm a fed GS-0391 telecomm tech, more specialized to 2 way comms.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

A few years ago a 2 way tech job ad for California wanted a NABER certificate, they had not been issued for probaly 15 years by that point.
The job description was on a pdf on a server, don' t know if it got changed. I got my GROL in 86, the test had very little alignment with what was current technology then. It took me 3 tries, no online learning systems or books like today.

I'm a fed GS-0391 telecomm tech, more specialized to 2 way comms.

I still have my (free) NABER certificate in a frame somewhere. That was short lived. The GROL soldiers on. I passed my GROL by one point. I had a girlfriend quiz me for a couple weeks. I went prepared to fail. It was a drizzly day in the Dirksen Federal Building.

 

[speedway_navigator]

I wonder if the safer building coalition will end up like NABER.