TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Summary

This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. ARTs are part of the regular career civil service and enjoy all the benefits granted to Federal employees in the competitive civil service.

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Duties

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The primary purpose of this position is: as an Air Reserve Technician (ART) accomplishes area expertise for secure computer and long-haul communications systems for the Operations of the Airlift Control Flight (ALCF)/Contingency Response Element (CRE).

DUTY 1: Accomplishes ALCF/CRE secure/non-secure communication (Comm)/aerospace ground equipment (AGE) activities: Analyzes and evaluates ALCF communications requirements for Operational Plans (OPLAN's), Homeland Defense, and Military Operations other than war. Formulates, implements, and maintains plans, policies, and procedures for ALCF communications to include COMSEC. Develops section operating instructions (OI's) and checklists detailing the procedures and methods to execute policies and procedures.

DUTY 2: Responsible for COMSEC Management and Training. Develops, executes and manages local physical, administrative, and communications security programs. Determines training requirements and establishes COMSEC Management Training program. Acts as unit COMSEC Responsible Officer (CRO). Identifies, trains and mentors alternate CROs. Establishes requirements, orders, receipts for, controls, issues/retrieves, inventories, safeguards, and destroys COMSEC and other classified materials.

DUTY 3: Responsible for Operational Security (OPSEC) Management and Training. Administers the ALCF/CRE Commander's OPSEC program. Assesses friendly force capabilities, vulnerabilities, intentions, and operations. Interprets OPSEC policies of senior authorities and recommends organizational policies and ensures that OPSEC measures conform with guidance from higher headquarters???????.

DUTY 4: Manages AGE equipment. Maintains the Technical Order library. Researches and prepares documents to procure new and replacement items, performs and/or schedules inspections. Test and maintains associated equipment, performs inventory and maintains equipment listings. Conducts AGE training. Administers, and maintains the Hazardous Waste Management program.

DUTY 5: Provides Client Support Administrator (CSA) services to support network applications. Involves analytical, evaluative and engineering duties related to computer networks (NIPRNET/SIPRNET) and/or telecommunications with primary knowledge requirements of information processing methodology, information technology (IT), telecommunications systems, computer capabilities, processing techniques not limited to computers, network equipment, routers, hubs, circuits, control devices, spoke support equipment, telecommunication switching and transmission systems for secure/nonsecure data communications. Conducts secure communications and computer capabilities and fundamentals training for all ALCF/CRE personnel. Performs a variety of administrative services in support of the unit program management. Provides input to budget for communications activities.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Must be a current member of the AF Reserve or willing/qualified to join
• PCS will not be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see
• Total salary varies depending on location of position
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
• Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• AFSC: 1D7X2R

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09 , or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes practical knowledge of methods and techniques to execute complex responsibilities of Combat Crew Communications for maintenance and distribution of COMSEC in support of local and deployment operations. Knowledge of commonly applied telecommunications principles, concepts, and methodologies in performing work assignments and other projects requiring a knowledge of standardized telecommunications approaches, methods, and techniques. NOTE: Must be reflected in your resume.

OR

EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of college transcripts.

OR

COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of college transcripts.

FEDERALTIME-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-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-10 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

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. Knowledge of standardized telecommunications theories, concepts, principles, and practices regarding deployable computer/communications equipment and systems including commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components.
2. Knowledge of the operating characteristics of and interoperability requirements for some specialized communications systems such as satellite and video telecommunications, digital networks, etc. and the ability to operate and perform major maintenance.
3. Skill in weighing the impact of variables such as changes in electronic and other equipment characteristics, equipment availability, interoperability of components, and types of communications requirements based on mobility readiness programs and composition of unit type codes (UTC) unique to communication disciplines.
4. Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret communications such as COMSEC messages, operational plans, execution orders, emergency action plans and orders applying knowledge of information systems security principles and methods.
5. Knowledge of a variety of computers and computer-related equipment, software, and hardware in order to install, upgrade, configure, and maintain equipment and software.
6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to brief, instruct, and prepare papers and documents.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:

• This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain Air Force Reserve requirements. Work schedule will be aligned to allow incumbent to fully participate in unit training assemblies (UTA). The incumbent's regular assignments are ART duties; however, the incumbent may be assigned some non-ART duties, generally not to exceed 30 percent of total responsibilities.
• Individual must be able to maintain physical and skill level requirements of their assigned military specialty.
• As necessary, to meet special or essential unscheduled activities, may be required to work an uncommon tour of duty with brief advance notice. May be subject to on call or recall during contingencies or emergencies.
• The incumbent must be able to fly in military and/or commercial aircraft and to perform temporary duty (TDY) assignments world-wide.
• Position requires the incumbent to obtain and retain the clearance level designated for this position.
• Must attend appropriate and related communications conferences, workshops and training as required.
• Drug Test requirement was modified with AFI 44-107, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 7 April 2010. Positions covered by this SPD must be reviewed for proper "Testing Designated Position (TDP)" coding to comply with the AF Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program (AFI 44-107).
• This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 SEP 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.

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.

This is an Air Reserve Technician (ART) position. ARTs are eligible for 15 days active duty tour each year for which military leave is granted with full civilian pay. Air Reserve units and members; are subject to immediate call to active duty in mobilization to meet a national emergency. For additional information regarding ART positions and/or military qualifications, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Retired military are usually ineligible for membership in the AF Reserve. Retired military that have active AF Reserve assignments may apply provided they show assignment (position) on the application. A military service member's statement of service/certification will be accepted IF a terminal leave form or DD214 cannot be provided. The statement/certification should indicate member's separation from active duty is within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin, your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.

Individuals selected for ART positions must meet both civilian qualifications and uniformed military requirements. In addition to meeting civilian qualifications, applicants must obtain military membership in the Air Force Reserve, wear the uniform, maintain job-specific military specialty requirements, and meet other military qualifications such as age, height, weight, and physical fitness standards. For more information click here and speak with an Air Force Reserve Recruiter.

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.

Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.

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, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, 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/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

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.