Telecommunications Manager (Broadcasting Media Technology)

Summary This position is located in the Network Control Center (NCC) within the Office of Technology, Services and Innovation (TSI). This position will be the Director of the NCC and leads the central 24/7/365 hub for U.S. Agency for Global Media's global satellite network. The NCC schedules and coordinates agency satellite network operations for broadcasts in more than 60 languages globally. Responsibilities As Director of the Network Control Center, you will be responsible for duties to include, but are not limited to: Responsible for the overall management of approximately $90 Million worth of telecommunications infrastructure that has been deployed at USAGM Headquarters in Washington D.C. and remote global locations in Germany, Czech Republic, Sao Tome, Botswana, Kuwait, Thailand, Philippines, Tinian, Saipan, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Israel, UAE, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Djibouti and others. The Telecommunications Manager supervises the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the global distribution satellite system. Supervision, operation, and maintenance includes: Scheduling of audio and video satellite and Internet streaming distribution channels between the multiple broadcast elements. Local hands-on identification and repair/replacement of failed or degrading equipment items in the Cohen Building's NCC, consisting of over 600 equipment items. Maintains and hands-on maintanence of local terrestrial fiber and Internet links between RFA and RFE/RL Washington D.C. locations and the NCC for equipment repair/replacement responsibilities at RFA, RFE/RL and Cohen. Provides remote fault isolation and correction support to USAGM transmitting stations, VOA and MBN News Bureaus and large AM complexes worldwide via voice and email exchanges. Remote locations consist of massive satellite gateway facilities in Germany, Prague, Kuwait and the Philippines and smaller but still significant two-way satellite facilities at multiple other locations. Provides remote first level response to approximately 2,000 affiliate Receive Only (RO) locations worldwide. Faults reported by RO locations are evaluated to either a network problem or local RO problem by NCC staff. If identified as a local RO problem, responsibility for correction shifts to T/EB. Develops shift schedules, compiles overtime reports and other personnel administrative functions. Provides awards for outstanding staff efforts and takes appropriate disciplinary actions as required. Works with Labor Relations in the Human Resources Office and Union representatives as appropriate on a myriad of issues. Balances out the workload between NCC staff as appropriate and directs management of NCC personnel and indirect management of personnel at remote Transmitter/Relay Station locations. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility comparable to the GS-14 or comparable pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Developing and improving communications systems, procedures, and requirements that demonstrates knowledge of current developments and trends in communications concepts and technology specific to satellite transmission systems; Diagnosing and resolving problems with satellite and internet broadcast transmission systems; Planning and coordinating operations of a global broadcast distribution system; and Leading telecommunications staff in support of broadcast transmissions. Education Education is not required for this grade level. It cannot be used for qualification purposes. Additional Information USAGM is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. 1. CTAP eligibles are current USAGM Career and Career-conditional employees in the competitive service and any other surplus and displaced agency employees affected by downsizing or restructuring. 2. Your application to this vacancy announcement will only allow consideration for this announcement. We cannot electronically or manually move your application to corresponding announcements, if applicable. 3. Additional vacancies not reflected in the announcement that occur after the opening date of the vacancy announcement for position(s) identical (same grade, series and title) to the original vacancy may be filled from the selection certificate during the validity of the certificate. 4. Budgetary conditions may delay or otherwise affect filling this vacancy. However, all interested candidates should apply now. 5. This temporary promotion not-to-exceed one year may be extended or terminated at any point under management discretion. You may be returned at any time to the position from which temporarily promoted, or to a different position of equivalent grade and pay. The change to lower grade is not subject to the procedures in parts 351, 432, 752, or 771 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.