Telecommunications Specialist (VHF-FM and SATCOM Specialist)

 US Federal Aviation Administration | 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591

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Duties

The Telecommunications Specialist will perform multiple, varying, and complex assignments in collaboration with the VHF/FM/SATCOM Program Manager (PM) in support of the technical performance of the VHF/FM and SATCOM systems. These systems support the FAA’s Continuity of Operations capabilities for Continuity of Government purposes. Anticipate supporting additional AXE-410 programs as required by the mission. Reports to the Emergency Communications Branch (AXE-410) Manager, or designee, and will primarily support
the Program Manager (PM) for the VHF/FM program and SATCOM program.

Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following under limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist:

Install, monitor, and service VHF/FM and SATCOM systems and equipment at FAA and other government-owned, leased, or associated sites. Perform/assist with test and evaluation, check-out, and certification tasks; perform validations/verifications. Review engineering proposals for microwave and high frequency equipment impacts.

Develop technical/engineering data for operating procedures and detailed fielding plan. Support system engineering activities with general subject matter knowledge. Establish and/or maintain filing systems, databases, and logs as needed for tracking project status and inventory. Assist as the on-site customer interface for equipment/system installation, testing, fabrication, and other engineering tasks as needed. Assist in the development of budget documents and procurement solicitation documentation for the acquisition of equipment and services.

Provide technical data and evaluation for components, equipment, and systems consistent with engineering plans, layout, and contract requirements. Develop key performance indicators for measuring the performance of assigned programs and networks. Continuously monitor the performance of the network(s) using these key performance indicators.

Utilize established policies and procedures to provide guidance for most assignments, while maintaining considerable discretion to select the most appropriate approach or to recommend new approaches. Work is typically reviewed at major milestones and at completion for technical compliance and alignment with requirements of the project or other work activities. Perform acceptance testing of VHF/FM, SATCOM, and radio frequency hardware.

Test and troubleshooting electronic components. Work with test equipment associated with VHF/FM and SATCOM systems to include, but not limited to, spectrum analyzer, frequency counter, power meter, and Digital Signal 3 (DS3) test set.

The Emergency Communications Branch (AXE-410) also provides other communications capabilities to the FAA, including microwave and high frequency systems, for emergency response purposes. The incumbent’s secondary responsibility is to provide subject matter expertise regarding these technologies and related technologies to the other programs within the branch. The incumbent may be required to support the other programs with installations, maintenance, and other activities associated with the completion of the Division’s mission requirements as their primary duties to the VHF/FM and SATCOM programs permit.

Physical Requirements: Incumbent must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., climb ladders and steep staircases, and the dexterity to connect and disconnect various sizes and types of electronic connectors.

Climbing: Incumbent must have the ability to climb towers up to 60 feet for the purposes of installing/maintaining antennas and equipment. Must become certified within 180 days and maintain FAA climbing certification.

Deployments: Incumbent may be required to deploy in times of crisis to impacted areas and serve as part of the Communications Support Team (CST). Travel may be up to 50%.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb towers up to 60 feet for the purposes of installing/maintaining antennas and equipment.
• Attain and/ or maintain FAA climbing certification (attain within 180 days of appointment).
• Willing to deploy in times of crisis.
• Pre-employment physical is required.

Qualifications

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS BELOW:

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-H, FG/GS-10-12 level. This experience is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

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SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE IS DEFINED AS:

• Experience installing and maintaining Very High Frequency / Frequency Modulation (VHF-FM) and Satellite Communications (SATCOM) communications technology
• Experience collecting and validating VHF/FM and SATCOM system requirements, developing cost estimates, performing market surveys, or developing strategic plans; and experience designing VHF/FM and SATCOM systems.

AND:

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.

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Physical Requirements:

Incumbent must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., climb ladders and steep staircases, and the
dexterity to connect and disconnect various sizes and types of electronic connectors.

Incumbent must have the ability to climb towers up to 60 feet for the purposes of installing/maintaining antennas and equipment. Must become certified within 180 days and maintain FAA climbing certification.

Incumbent may be required to deploy in times of crisis to impacted areas and serve as
part of the Communications Support Team (CST). Travel may be up to 50%.

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You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered.

Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD, OR HAVE HELD THIS POSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.

Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and/or selective placement factor(s) (SPF) may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) and/or Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: (1) score order; (2) category grouping; (3) alphabetical; or (4) priority grouping and referred to the selecting official for selection consideration.

*Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position.*

Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA.

**All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.**

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

Preview Job Questionnaire

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.

The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.

This position is covered by the Department of Transportation’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a “testing designated position (TDP)” will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.

This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about Core Compensation is available at:¿https://www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/benefits.

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a human resource specialist as appropriate.

Some, all, or none of the applicants may be interviewed.

This Level 4 (Special Sensitive; TS/SCI) position requires favorable adjudication of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

This announcement is also being advertised under VA #AWA-ASH-25-3750SL-92899. Please review both vacancy announcements before making an application to determine your eligibility to apply.

This is not a bargaining unit position.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn 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.

• Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

Only supplemental documentation (e.g. transcript, certifications, and/or veterans’ documentation) will be accepted in combination with your on-line application or faxed to 202-267-7032. These documents must be uploaded or faxed on or before the closing date of the announcement. All submitted documents must reference the announcement number.

If you want consideration for one or more of the Special Hiring Authorities, documentation that must be submitted at the time of application can be found at Direct Hiring Authorities | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov).

For guidance on how to create a Federal resume, visit http://www.archives.gov/careers/jobs/forms/resume-guide.pdf.

Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date will result in a finding of ineligible. We are not responsible for incomplete, illegible or missing documents.

Please DO NOT email your application documents. We cannot accept documents received via the email system. Documents sent via email will NOT receive consideration.

All Veterans: If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must submit either a DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 Copy or equivalent), or a document from the armed forces certifying that within 120 days you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions. If you are claiming 10 point preference, you must also submit a completed SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran’s Preference, and supporting documents outlined on the SF-15. Documents must be uploaded or faxed to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office listed in this announcement and all documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit documentation, you will be assessed as a non-veteran.

If you are claiming 10 point preference but fail to submit the supporting documents outlined on the SF-15, you will be tentatively assessed as a 5 point preference eligible provided your DD Form 214 reflects that you have the service required to qualify for preference. Documents must be uploaded or faxed to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office listed in this announcement and all documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit documentation, you will be assessed as a non-veteran.

Veterans currently on active duty claiming veterans’ preference: You will be granted tentative preference if you submit a document from the armed forces certifying that within 120 days you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions and your application shows that you have the required service. Prior to being appointed, you must provide to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office a DD Form 214 documenting discharge/release and showing that the service was honorable or general. If you are on terminal leave, you must provide documentation certifying authorized terminal leave.

If you want consideration for one or more of the Special Hiring Authorities, documentation that must be submitted at time of application can be found at Direct Hiring Authorities | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov).

Forms:

• SF-15 : Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference

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.

• How to Apply

You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION.

We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

• Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
• Duties (be specific in describing your duties)
• Employer’s name and address
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
• Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
• Salary (optional)

Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.

You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies. Please see this guide, Document Upload Guide, for more information on uploading and re-using the documents in your applications.

Agency contact information

Sequoia LeBlanc

Phone

1 (202) 267-7552

Fax

1 (202) 267-8330

Email

sequoia.r.leblanc@faa.gov

Address

Federal Aviation Administration
HQ Employment Services Branch
800 Independence Ave, SW, Room 523
AHF-110
Washington, DC 20591
US

Next steps

Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.

Important – If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.

All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.

• Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request

Required Documents

Only supplemental documentation (e.g. transcript, certifications, and/or veterans’ documentation) will be accepted in combination with your on-line application or faxed to 202-267-7032. These documents must be uploaded or faxed on or before the closing date of the announcement. All submitted documents must reference the announcement number.

If you want consideration for one or more of the Special Hiring Authorities, documentation that must be submitted at the time of application can be found at Direct Hiring Authorities | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov).

For guidance on how to create a Federal resume, visit http://www.archives.gov/careers/jobs/forms/resume-guide.pdf.

Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date will result in a finding of ineligible. We are not responsible for incomplete, illegible or missing documents.

Please DO NOT email your application documents. We cannot accept documents received via the email system. Documents sent via email will NOT receive consideration.

All Veterans: If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must submit either a DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 Copy or equivalent), or a document from the armed forces certifying that within 120 days you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions. If you are claiming 10 point preference, you must also submit a completed SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran’s Preference, and supporting documents outlined on the SF-15. Documents must be uploaded or faxed to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office listed in this announcement and all documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit documentation, you will be assessed as a non-veteran.

If you are claiming 10 point preference but fail to submit the supporting documents outlined on the SF-15, you will be tentatively assessed as a 5 point preference eligible provided your DD Form 214 reflects that you have the service required to qualify for preference. Documents must be uploaded or faxed to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office listed in this announcement and all documents must be received by the closing date of the announcement. If you fail to submit documentation, you will be assessed as a non-veteran.

Veterans currently on active duty claiming veterans’ preference: You will be granted tentative preference if you submit a document from the armed forces certifying that within 120 days you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions and your application shows that you have the required service. Prior to being appointed, you must provide to the Servicing Human Resource Management Office a DD Form 214 documenting discharge/release and showing that the service was honorable or general. If you are on terminal leave, you must provide documentation certifying authorized terminal leave.

If you want consideration for one or more of the Special Hiring Authorities, documentation that must be submitted at time of application can be found at Direct Hiring Authorities | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov).

Forms:

• SF-15 : Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference

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.

Help

This job is open to

• The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

• Veterans
• Individuals with disabilities
• Military spouses
• Special authorities

Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Clarification from the agency

Also open to applicants eligible under 30% or more disabled Veterans hiring authority.