Technical Surveillance Specialist

Technical Surveillance Specialist

ATF is a law enforcement agency in the U.S. Department of Justice that protects our communities from violent criminals/criminal organizations, illegal use/trafficking of firearms, illegal use/storage of explosives, acts of arson/bombings, acts of terrorism, and illegal diversion of alcohol/tobacco products. We partner with communities, industries, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to safeguard the public through information sharing, training, research, & technology.

This job is open to Individuals with disabilities, Federal employees - Competitive service, Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL), Land & base management, Military spouses, Family of overseas employees, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista, Special authorities, Veterans.

Each incumbent serves as an expert source for all technical activities related to law enforcement electronic surveillance technologies in support of ATF criminal investigations, missions and operations for his/her assigned field division. These positions also provide mission/operational support and guidance to his/her assigned field offices, field division management officials and field division senior leadership for said technologies.

As a Technical Surveillance Specialist, GS-1801-13, your typical work assignments may include: Serves as an expert source, strategic planner, representative, coordinator, technical leadership and advisor for ATF's electronics surveillance (ES) techniques in support of ATF criminal investigations for an assigned field division. Designs, fabricates, acquires, assembles, modifies, tests, diagnoses, repairs, calibrates, installs/re-installs, maintains, expands, improves, and/or prepares electronic surveillance (ES) equipment in accordance with plans, specifications and instructions to meet ATF's criminal investigative mission/operational requirements for an assigned field division. Surveys, analyzes, and evaluates the effectiveness of ATF's specialized electronic surveillance (ES) requirements specific to ATF's criminal enforcement/operations through studies, compilation of available data, testing and evaluation of complex ES systems; monitors technology advancements and independently presents detailed observations to ATF management. Monitors all legislative and judicial actions which impact ATF electronic surveillance (ES) operations; evaluates investigative objectives and conducts site surveys to identify and develop written technical plans with recommendations to ensure officer safety and evidence integrity for assigned field division. Conducts covert installations in a variety of locations, to include high-voltage environments and directly accompanies, participates and assists authorized personnel in making court-authorized entries onto a suspect's property to install, adjust and/or recover surveillance units for an assigned field division. Recommends, develops, prepares, coordinates and implements: electronic surveillance (ES) operating guidance; preventative maintenance standards and schedules; technical bulletins; technical training; directions for ATF's clandestine technologies; long and short-term planning for assigned field division.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation. Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See May be required to serve a one year probationary period. The time-in-grade requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement. The qualification requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement. This is a non-bargaining unit position. MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process.

To qualify for GS-13, (starting salary is $98, 496.00) candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12. You qualify if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal, State, or Local government or equivalent public or private sector experience, performing the following duties: Performing technical electronic surveillance project/program management duties, such as: acquiring, assembling, modifying, testing, and preparing electronic surveillance (ES) equipment for installation; and Coordinating all technical activities related to ES technologies and operations; and Professional knowledge of and/or expertise in the theories, principles, designs, developments, practices, techniques, uses, and operation of electronic technical surveillance equipment across multiple disciplines (e.g. IP technology and applications, video management system, global positioning system (GPS), microwave technologies, cellular technologies, tactical mesh technologies | etc.); and Expert knowledge of electronic equipment design, development, evaluation, testing, installation, operation and maintenance; and Applying complex electronic surveillance investigative techniques; diagnosing, troubleshooting and repairing technical surveillance and other electronic equipment that have malfunctioned; designing and analyzing circuits; determining design feasibility, evaluating equipment performance under varying environmental conditions, and collecting performance data; analyzing and diagnosing faults in the operational configuration of electronic systems and equipment to interpret circuit wiring and ability to troubleshoot various systems; evaluating and recommending potential uses of state-of-the art technical surveillance equipment to management.

Although not required, applicants with documented certifications, training in and/or experience with the application of electronics surveillance technologies in a law enforcement environment are highly desirable.