Telecommunications Specialist

Summary

This role in MARAD's Division of Sealift Operations supports the MARITIME Administration (MARAD) maritime operations by managing secure and non-secure communications for the Military Sealift Command (MSC), ensuring readiness for National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF)/Ready Reserve Force (RRF) missions, emergencies, and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) events.

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Duties

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As a Telecommunication Specialist, you will :

• Manage daily operations, security, maintenance, and readiness of the MARAD Coordination Center (MCC), including oversight of classified and unclassified telecommunications systems supporting MARAD afloat and ashore operations.
• Serve as alternate COMSEC Manager responsible for accountability, distribution, lifecycle management, policy compliance, and operational support of COMSEC equipment and material across MARAD and the NDRF/RRF fleet.
• Coordinate secure communications capabilities, SIPRNet/HSDN access, C2OIX administration, and issuance of DoD access credentials and secure tokens for MARAD personnel and stakeholders.
• Represent MARAD in communications and security coordination with NSA, DOD, DOT, DON, NATO, DISA, commercial shipping entities, and other government agencies to support contingency operations and strategic sealift missions.
• Develop operational procedures, training programs, mobilization plans, and emergency communications support for MCC operations, while supporting MARAD Duty Officer functions, exercises, and continuity of operations requirements.

The ideal candidate has an extensive and expert-level background in marine transportation, underscored by professional experience as a USCG Licensed Deck Officer. The ideal candidate possesses experience engaging with the DOW and other federal agencies to advance cross-organizational priorities. The candidate will demonstrate exceptional experience in cross-functional transportation operations, the discipline of standing watch in demanding operational environments, and the ability to synthesize complex data into clear briefings and evaluations. Proficiency in standardized operations and a commitment to continuous process improvement are essential.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration.
• You must meet specialized experience to qualify.
• Required documents must be submitted by the closing date.
• Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

• SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
• GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
• BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
• TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
• DRUG TEST : This position has been determined to be a critical safety/security position as defined in the Department of Transportation (DOT) Order, DOT 3910.ID entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace." Therefore, is selected for this position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment / pre-appointment drug test. you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing.
• DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).

Qualifications

For the 0391 series, specialized experience that demonstrated 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.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements.

To qualify for the Grade 12 , you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

• Experience administering telecommunications or communications security (COMSEC) programs, including maintaining communications equipment, user accounts, access credentials, or security documentation in accordance with federal security policies and procedures.
• Experience coordinating telecommunications or information systems operations with internal and external organizations, such as federal agencies, military organizations, contractors, or commercial service providers, to support operational readiness, exercises, contingency operations, or continuity requirements.
• Experience managing or supporting secure and non-secure communications systems, including troubleshooting equipment, developing operating procedures, conducting operational testing, maintaining inventories, or providing user training and technical support.

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. Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including costs and limits.
2. Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
3. Organizational Awareness - Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operate effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.
4. Communications Security Management - Knowledge of communications security (COMSEC) policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements governing classified and sensitive information systems

For all types of consideration, 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.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional information

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, View email address on click.appcast.io. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation

This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED:

• This position has been designated as an emergency essential position. Are you willing to participate in Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities, exercises, and emergency operations as required?
• Are you willing to work extended hours, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overnight operations during emergencies, exercises, or contingency operations?
• Are you willing to travel domestically, including aboard vessels, in support of MARAD operations and exercises?
• Are you willing and able to board and work aboard vessels, including navigating steep ladders, narrow passageways, and industrial environments?
• Are you able to perform the physical requirements of this position, including lifting moderately heavy equipment and working in shipboard and industrial environments?

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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.

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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.