Telecommunications Specialist (Intercepts)

Summary This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Operational Support Division, Office of Investigative Technology, Collection and Monitoring Unit (STIC). This position(s) primary purpose is to support local and domestic investigative personnel with investigative operations by integrating the use of electronic incerception equipment and system networking, for voice, data, internet protocol technology, and service providers. Responsibilities As a Telecommunications Specialist (Intercepts), 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 The Telecommunications Series, 0391, has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR), which must be met for this position in addition to the minimum qualification requirement. Basic Requirement Education: 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. 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 You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: 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. You may qualify at the GS-13 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: 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) 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) 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. 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. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement (as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F). Education This position requires specific coursework and/or a degree to meet the basic education requirement. You must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Your transcript(s) must clearly demonstrate the course(s) listed in the qualification requirement section. If the transcript(s) does not clearly demonstrate this, you must submit a copy of the course description and/or other documentation demonstrating that the courses are equivalent. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: 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 Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, DEA requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation (Critical-Sensitive/Top Secret, Special-Sensitive/Top Secret, or Non-critical Sensitive/Secret). This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. DEA committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above. Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. WellQualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp