Selected roles highlighting hands-on communications work, RF systems, field operations, troubleshooting, and reliability-focused practices.
During my time with Alberta Wildfire Communications, my role operated in two distinct modes: steady-state operations and active wildfire incident response.
| Operating Mode | Primary Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Steady-State Operations | RF site maintenance and troubleshooting, service ticket resolution, generator servicing coordination, repeater module replacement, antenna and connector repair, and deployment of Starlink-Ubiquiti connectivity systems at remote communications sites. |
| Active Fire Response | Incident camp communications setup, mobile cell repeater deployment, Starlink mesh networking, satellite backhaul configuration, portable repeater deployment, and integration of incident-level communications into the provincial FireNet repeater network. |
In steady-state operations, I supported the province-wide communications infrastructure that wildfire response teams depend on year-round. This included closing service tickets in the work tracking system, troubleshooting site connectivity issues, coordinating generator servicing, diagnosing RF faults at repeater sites, and replacing damaged or degraded RF components such as antennas, connectors, and Daniels repeater modules. I also helped oversee a provincial transition to Starlink-based connectivity at remote locations, integrating Starlink terminals with Ubiquiti networking equipment to create reliable Wi-Fi mesh networks at communications sites across Alberta.
During active fire incidents, my responsibilities shifted toward rapid deployment communications and incident-camp infrastructure. I assisted with incident response camp setup by ensuring trailer and asset placement did not interfere with RF propagation or communications reliability. I worked directly with contractors to deploy mobile cellular repeater trailers equipped with ~150-foot portable towers, providing cellular connectivity for camps supporting up to 1,000 personnel. I also deployed Starlink mesh networks for command-and-control trailers and established satellite backhaul connectivity for Incident Command Posts.
A critical component of wildfire communications is Alberta’s provincial RF repeater system (FireNet), which enables long-range radio communication between aircraft, ground crews, and dispatch centers located in fire centers across the province. During large wildfire events, dispatch operations must often be relocated from permanent facilities to the incident response camp. This creates unique RF challenges, particularly ensuring that all aircraft communications are transmitted through repeated channels so communications can be logged and coordinated through the provincial dispatch network. In these situations, I deployed portable repeaters and integrated them into the existing FireNet system to extend coverage and maintain reliable communication between helicopters, ground crews, and dispatch operations.
| Category | Skills and Outcomes |
|---|---|
| RF Systems |
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| Networking and Backhaul |
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| Power and Site Infrastructure |
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| Incident Response Operations |
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| Process and Professional Skills |
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Photos from this work cannot be publicly shared due to confidentiality agreements.
DBM Communications is a small communications consulting and field-service business operating throughout British Columbia. Originally established as a sole proprietorship, the company provides RF communications, networking, and infrastructure support to municipalities, rural ISPs, and remote clients. My role combined communications consulting, field deployment, and maintenance of remote RF infrastructure across challenging terrain.
A major portion of my work involved supporting municipalities in the Okanagan and Kamloops regions as they upgraded legacy SCADA communications systems. We acted as communications consultants, advising on component selection, system architecture, and infrastructure planning to ensure reliable operation in geographically complex environments. This included evaluating RF propagation constraints, planning repeater placement, and verifying system performance during deployment. In parallel, we supported independent rural internet service providers by troubleshooting network throughput limitations, optimizing wireless coverage, and performing infrastructure maintenance on tower-based and mountaintop communication equipment.
The other major component of my work involved annual service, maintenance, and construction contracts with heli-skiing operations across British Columbia. These operations require reliable radio communication across extremely remote and mountainous terrain so that lodge dispatchers can maintain continuous contact with helicopters and field staff. To enable this, a distributed network of RF repeater sites was installed on mountain peaks to provide both local coverage and long-range repeating capability between valleys and operating zones.
These repeater installations typically consisted of Daniels repeater systems powered by solar arrays and large battery banks, with antennas mounted above fiberglass protective enclosures that were tethered directly into the mountain. All sites were accessible only by helicopter, making preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and construction work logistically complex and highly weather-dependent. My responsibilities included servicing repeater electronics, maintaining power systems, performing RF diagnostics, and assisting with installation and upgrades of new mountaintop communication sites. This work required careful planning, strong RF troubleshooting skills, and the ability to operate safely in remote environments where communications infrastructure is critical to flight operations and personnel safety.
| Category | Skills and Outcomes |
|---|---|
| SCADA and Municipal Consulting |
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| Wireless ISP Support |
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| Remote RF Repeater Networks |
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| Power Electronics and Off-Grid Systems |
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| Field Operations |
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Photos from this work cannot be publicly shared due to confidentiality agreements.