Telecommunications Specialist

Summary This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Operational Support Office of Investigative Technology (ST) at Centennial Field Division. Thís position primary purpose is to support local and domestic investigative personnel with investigative operations by integrating the use of electronic interception equipment and system networking, for voice, data, internet protocol technology, and service providers. Responsibilities As a your typical work assignments may include: Conducts wire interception of a variety of electronic communication devices to collect evidence such as voice audio and visual (text messages, emails, notes, photos) directly from the device or internet operated application in accordance with Title III of The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Wiretap Act). Identifies needs, develops recommendations, and coordinates risk-management studies relating to changes or upgrades to existing technical equipment and systems. Conducts site surveys to determine the best approach and operational needs for each site. Analyzes and monitors telecommunications equipment for software reliability and utilization. Wires and assembles components to design, construct, and implement electronic surveillance systems to acquire high quality intelligence and evidentiary information. Performs maintenance to ensure that the equipment is in reliable operating condition and available for normal daily functions and emergencies. Provides consultative/planning, advising, continuously evaluating advancements in technology and equipment for adoption/modification of the ST program DEA wide. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of the announcement. If you are qualifying based on education or if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcripts with your application. Basic Qualification Requirements: 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: 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. Applicants applying for the GS-12 must meet one of the following requirements: A. Have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-11 grade level. Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector, which demonstrates experience performing: 1) Using and applying sensitive state-of-the art telecommunications equipment, applications, and computer systems that are used to track, monitor, and intercept radio and digital data signals; 2) Advising on the proper use of highly sophisticated telecommunications equipment and devices for use in active agency operations; 3) Configuring, installing, maintaining, and repairing telecommunications equipment; 4) Assisting in planning and coordinating technical operations requiring covert tactics and strategies to maintain anonymity during criminal investigations and interception activities; and, 5) Evaluating new or prototype telecommunication systems, computer applications, or other technologies before utilizing them into agency operations. Applicants applying for the GS-13 must meet one of the following requirements: A. Have at least one full year of qualifying specialized experience that is at least equivalent in difficulty and complexity to work performed at the GS-12 grade level. Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector, which demonstrates experience performing: 1) Advising on the proper use of highly sophisticated telecommunications equipment and devices for use in activities and operations; 2) Approving utilization of new or prototype telecommunication systems, computer applications, or other technologies before incorporating into operations. 3) Configuring, installing, maintaining, and repairing telecommunications equipment; and 4) Approving technical operations requiring covert tactics and strategies to maintain anonymity during criminal investigations and interception activities. Additional information on the position qualification requirements are located in the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Qualifications Standards Handbook. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education See the qualification section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Additional Information For reasonable accommodation at the Drug Enforcement Administration, please contact the Human Resources office listed in this announcement. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If an applicant is currently, or has been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, applicants must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office listed in this announcement. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to similar positions in any Division/Office listed in this announcement. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions. Relocation Incentives may be considered and approved if the DEA has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available. If eligible, telework and/or remote work agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. Please note that any approved remote work arrangement is subject to the locality pay area of the alternative telework worksite.