ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN

Clarification from the agency

Eligible NAF employees are considered under Hiring Path - "Federal employees-Excepted service"

• Serves as an IBDSS Electronics Technician. Installs, modifies overhauls, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs Electronic Security Systems to ensure compliance with USAF established standards and safety requirements.
• Performs pretest, operational/functional, and final testing, final tuning, alignment, and or calibration of highly complex electronic systems, components and/or subassemblies.
• Sets up and operates software controlled automatic test equipment (ATE) to test and troubleshoot complex electronics components and systems.
• Uses and maintains hand tools such as screwdrivers, drills, wrenches, soldering irons, and micro soldering units.
• Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a OCONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• 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.
• The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver’s license may be required for the position. May also be required to be qualified for flight line driving.
• Shift work and/or overtime may be required. May be required to work rotating shifts or uncommon tours of duty. Subject to call back to meet emergency situations.
• Employee may be required to have knowledge of Vindicator, ACS and IDS systems.
• Employees must be certified and maintain certification in accordance with U.S. Air Force guidance.
• This position will require employee to work under adverse environmental conditions.
• This position requires a pre-employment physical/medical examination. This position will require employees to climb towers of up to 100 feet and be able to work in a bucket truck extended up to 48 feet in the air.
• May be required to travel on military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty at other than normal duty stations.
• This is a designated drug testing position. The incumbent is subject to random testing for drug use.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Clearance.
• Non-Combat Essential (NCE) Positions. A position-based designation to support the expeditionary requirements, in other than combat or combat support situations. This position is Non-Combat Essential (NCE). (Continued)
• The incumbent of this position must meet all requirements of NCE positions. In the event of contingency and emergency mission during peacetime, the incumbent or designated alternate, must continue to perform the (Continued)
• NCE duties until relieved by proper authority. The incumbent of the designated alternate may be required to take part in readiness exercises. All NCE employees will be evacuated from areas of contingencies (Continued)
• or emergencies are, to the maximum extent possible, expeditiously reassigned. DoD components shall follow the non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO) procedures.

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, Technical and Medical Support Positions, Electronics Technical Series 0856.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

This series covers technical positions supervising, leading, or performing work involving applying:

• knowledge of the techniques and theories characteristic of electronics, such as a knowledge of basic electricity and electronic theory, algebra, and elementary physics;
• knowledge of electronic equipment design, development, evaluation, testing, installation, and maintenance; and
• knowledge of the capabilities, limitations, operations, design, characteristics, and functional use of a variety of types and models of electronic equipment and systems related to, but less than, a full professional knowledge of electronic engineering.

Electronics technicians may have gained experience assisting in work situations including:

Maintenance - Developing maintenance standards and procedures for use by others. Analyzing repair practices and developing procedural instructions for use by others on methods and steps to repair equipment.

Installation - Planning and directing the installation of complex systems and associated facilities, particularly where there are site selection and construction problems, dealings with contractors and public utilities, and the possible need to modify equipment for novel site characteristics.

Fabrication - Designing and analyzing circuits, determining design feasibility, evaluating equipment performance under varying environmental conditions, and collecting performance data. Designing or modifying designs to achieve performance and cost objectives. Evaluating the adequacy of equipment for such purposes as repair, calibration, and testing.

Testing and Evaluation/Research and Development - Developing or evaluating new or modified electronic systems. Completing testing, evaluating data, and determining acceptability of equipment modifications, validity, test procedures and data, or legality of operation. Technicians support professional engineers in performing experiments, research, and developmental activities requiring an in-depth knowledge of technical engineering methods, applications, practices, and principles to work on concepts, prototypes, and experimental projects that are without precedent and support state-of-the-art research.

Sustainment - Developing, performing, evaluating, or modifying calibration and test equipment, systems, and procedures. Reporting, analyzing, and archiving test data. Performing complex calculations and manipulations of test data to improve performance of systems, instrumentation, measurement standards, techniques, and procedures.

Troubleshooting - Analyzing and diagnosing faults in the operational configuration of electronic systems and equipment. Interpreting circuit wiring, logic cable diagrams, drawings, specifications, and schematics of complete systems and equipment to understand the function and interconnections of the various assemblies and troubleshoot the system.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-10, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes comprehensive, intensive and practical knowledge of, and extensive experience and skill in applying a wide range of technical electronics concepts, practices, regulations, policies, and precedents; analytical and diagnostic techniques; and techniques for developing new or modified work methods, approaches, or procedures sufficient to: develop and recommend changes in procedures and technical instructions to management on substantive functions and practices in a high level air traffic location; develop innovative methods, approaches, or procedures to meet emergency situations in an environment where rapid equipment restoration is always paramount to ensure continuous operation where required; and identify, evaluate, and recommend appropriate solutions to resolve complex interrelated problems and issues.

FEDERAL TIME-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-10 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 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 operating electronic principles such as circuit elements, digital logic, microprocessors, core memory, interface circuits, digital data transmissions, microwave, antennas, signal behavior, amplification and display, as found in complex electronic ground communications operational system(s) consisting of numerous complex integral components, which require knowledge of a wide range of electronic principles and practices.

2. Knowledge of safety regulations, practices, and procedures.

3. Skill in the interpretation of technical data such as drawings, schematics, blueprints, and specifications of complete electronic systems to recognize the function and interconnections of components, assemblies, subassemblies, and in analyzing problems in integrated/interfacing systems involving numerous complex circuits; and in using complex electronic and electromechanical test and measuring equipment using integrated test functions for different purposes.

4. Skill in the use of electronic test equipment such as computer controlled automated test equipment (ATE), oscilloscopes, pulse and signal generators, distortion and waveform analyzers, digital data generators, digital voltmeters, frequency generators, and special test panels.

5. Ability to assist engineers in developing, debugging or modifying diagnostic problems by identifying and investigating apparent contradictions between test specifications or test requirement documents and recommend changes where necessary.

6. Ability to modify standard procedures, adapt equipment or techniques, and make departures from previous approaches to solve technical problems or improve system performance for highly complex electronic systems; to trace electronics logic from one system to another; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships to represent the organization in a professional manner.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

BASIS OF RATING:
Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable.

Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements
Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements.
Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: When job announcements indicate PCS costs are authorized, overseas allowances may be authorized in accordance with Department of State Standardized Regulation (DSSR) and any applicable Federal Overseas Regulations.

Selectees who physically reside permanently in the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during the entire recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) and selected for employment in the foreign area are eligible to receive certain foreign area benefits such as: Living Quarters Allowance (LQA) or government quarters, Post Allowance, Home Leave, etc. (subject to approval).

Selectees who physically reside outside the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or Northern Mariana Islands, and the Possessions of the U.S., during any step of the recruitment process (application, selection, and acceptance of a formal job offer) will have foreign area benefits eligibility be determined on a case by case basis.

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents.

1. Online Application: Questionnaire
2. Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD-Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD-Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15.
5. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, AND a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if different from your recent SF-50. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
6. Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).

• Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
• Branch of Armed Forces
• Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
• Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
• Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
• Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
• Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
• Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

Next steps