Telecommunications Specialist (Intercepts)

Summary

This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Houston Field Division. This position(s) primary purpose is to support the technical expert in systems design, engineering, optimization, and modifications for large and diverse inventory of highly specialized state-of-the-art electronics, video, photographic, fixed, and mobile tracking, analog, and digital telecommunications.

Duties

As a your typical work assignments may include: 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. Providing advice, guidance, and strategies concerning the use of highly sophisticated telecommunication equipment and devices for use in active agency operations. Maintaining, modifying, or repairing telecommunications equipment which may require installation or de-installation depending on the operational environment. Coordinating technical operations requiring covert tactics and strategies to maintain anonymity during criminal investigations while utilizing telecommunications systems and platform that intercept radio and digital communication signals. Performing tasks related to concealing, scanning, or enhancing the anonymity of signals transmitted or received from telecommunications devices in an operation under time constraints in various operational environments.

Qualifications

For more information on eligibility requirements see: DEA Employment Eligibility 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. AND Applicants applying for the GS-12 must meet one the following requirements: Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, and your experience includes performing ALL of the tasks listed as part of your regular duties: 1) Using and applying telecommunications equipment, applications, and/or computer systems to track and monitor digital data for active surveillance; 2) Managing, retrieving, processing and maintaining telecommunications data and information utilized in support of investigations; 3) Participating in the installation, configuration, deployment, maintenance of technical setup of telecommunications equipment and systems used in support of investigations; and 4) Evaluating, testing, assessing or implementing telecommunications systems and/or technologies to identify operational needs, system improvements or technology enhancements. Applicants applying for the GS-13 must meet the following requirements: Qualifying experience must demonstrate the following: Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level, and your experience includes performing ALL of the tasks listed as part of your regular duties:1) Using and applying telecommunications equipment, applications, and/or computer systems to track and monitor digital data for active surveillance; 2) Providing training and/or technical guidance in the use and application of telecommunication systems, applications, and/or technologies; 3) Planning and coordinating technical telecommunications or operations in support of investigations, including the deployment, configuration, or operation of telecommunications collection systems and technologies; and 4) Leading or performing technical evaluations, testing, implementation, or assessment of new or emerging telecommunication systems, computer applications, or other technologies. 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. 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.