TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

DutiesSummary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a frequency management specialist responsible for engineering, coordinating, procuring, and assigning frequency resources for Air Force Command, Control, and Communications Systems, and to provide advice in matters related to radio frequency spectrum management to Air Staff, U.S. theater commanders, MAJCOMs, FMC personnel, and other government agencies.


Responsibilities
• Plans and develops methods, procedures, policies, and techniques governing Air Force-wide decisions on electromagnetic spectrum dependent telecommunication systems.
• Participates/serves as the AF representative on various military and federal government discussions, meetings, committees or special projects on spectrum reallocation as well as various AF spectrum dependent systems.
• Provides subject matter expertise in technical and procedural spectrum guidance to Air Force Major Commands (MAJCOMS), Air Force components, and Combatant Commands.
• Implements electromagnetic spectrum telecommunication programs and special projects.
Travel Required

Occasional travel - The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

13

• Job family (Series)

  0391 Telecommunications

• Requirements

  RequirementsConditions of Employment
  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • This is a drug Test Designated Position (TDP). Incumbent is subject to pre-employment and random testing for drug use
  • The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  QualificationsIn order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule, Administrative and Management Positions.
  
  BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
  
  Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, public utilities, statistics, computer science, telecommunications management, information systems management, business administration, industrial management, or other fields related to the position to be filled.
  
  Other Education: Communications/electronics or automatic data processing training in technical institutes or business schools above the high school level or in Armed Forces schools that included advanced instruction in addition to basic courses, may be substituted for general experience on a month-for-month basis.
  
  OR
  
  Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience in evaluating, analyzing, developing, managing, or improving communications systems, procedures, and requirements that demonstrated knowledge of current developments and trends in communications concepts and technology.
  
  In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
  
  SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of a wide range of concepts, policies, directives, practices, and other regulatory materials, concerning planning, programming, implementation, procurement documentation, and management of spectrum dependent systems is required in order to develop, coordinate, and implement command guidance for all aspects of electromagnetic spectrum dependent systems programming; to lead studies, analyze and evaluate national level command control requirements and capabilities; and to serve as a technical authority on electromagnetic spectrum dependent systems; knowledge of wireless data and voice wireless communications systems to include SATCOM, SATOP, SATNAV and as a senior technical advisor responsible for development and implementation of policy and procedures directly affecting the national spectrum policies, procedures, and development.
  
  FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.
  
  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  
  1. In-depth knowledge of a wide range of electromagnetic spectrum telecommunications theories, concepts, principles, and practices, procedures, policies, standards, operational requirements; and of operational and performance characteristics of telecommunications to develop procedures/policies/practices for Air Force wide use.
  
  2. In-depth knowledge of performance characteristic telecommunications equipment, systems, services, and transmission media to evaluate new devices, proposals, and approaches.
  
  3. Knowledge of national and international policies, directives and other regulatory doctrine that governs federal and non-federal spectrum licensing, certification, and use.
  
  4. Skill to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to identify, direct, or coordinate actions required in providing needed service.
  
  5. Skill to analyze/apply specialized communication methods and analytical techniques involving electromagnetic spectrum dependent telecommunication systems (e.g., systems compatibility, electronic warfare (EW), identification friend or foe (IFF), satellite communications (SATCOM), Land Mobile Radio (LMR), High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP), and threat emitters).
  
  6. Skill to research patterns to develop new methods, criteria, or proposed new electromagnetic spectrum telecommunications policies and procedures.
  
  PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
  
  VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education

  IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
  
  FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

  Additional information

  Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
  
  Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
  
  120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
  
  Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected at the full performance level and placed at the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
  
  Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
  
  If you are unable to apply online, view the following link for information regarding Alternate Application. The Vacancy ID is 11017710
  
  If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
  
  Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made taxable certain reimbursements and other payments, including driving mileage, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of those items. The Federal Travel Regulation Bulletin (FTR) 18-05 issued by General Services Administration (GSA) has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) and Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) to pay for "substantially all" of the increased tax liability resulting from the "2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" for certain eligible individuals. For additional information on WTA/RITA allowances and eligibilities please click here. Subsequently, FTR Bulletin 20-04 issued by GSA, provides further information regarding NDAA FY2020, Public Law 116-92, and the expansion of eligibility beyond "transferred" for WTA/RITA allowances. For additional information, please click here.

  
  How You Will Be Evaluated

  You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

  Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
  
  The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.
  
  For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.
  
  Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, will be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference.
  
  APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.
  
  Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.
  

  Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance

  Secret

  Drug test required

  Yes

  Position sensitivity and risk

  Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

  Trust determination process

  National security

• Required Documents

  Required Documents

  The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

  • Online Application: Questionnaire
  • Resume: For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. Your name MUST be included on your resume.
  • Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
  • Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15.
  • Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
  • Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
  ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
  • Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
  • Branch of Armed Forces
  • Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
  • Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
  • Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
  • Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
  • Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
  • Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
  Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.
  
  OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
  Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
  Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
  Note: Applicant must not submit award SF50s-Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

• Federal employees - Competitive service

  Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Federal employees - Excepted service

  Current excepted service federal employees.

• Land & base management

  Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

• Military spouses
• Veterans

Eligible NAF employees are considered under Hiring Path - "Federal employees-Excepted service"