Duties
The incumbent resolves Radio Frequency (RF) interference, educates users, and enforces regulations. Investigates all services for violations of Title 47, U.S. Code, Section 301, unlicensed operations of radio transmitting equipment.
Performs and directs fieldwork in matters of importance to communications involving safety of life and property. Serves as a point of contact for FCC licensees including the U.S. Government in matters of fixed and mobile radio direction-finding and interference resolution. Participates in unique enforcement and engineering projects that have regional or national applications.
Operates and understands all technical equipment typically used in the Field including RF spectrum analyzers, field strength meters, RF Field survey meters, and radio receivers. Maintains contacts with and assists other Federal agencies, foreign counterparts, and local law enforcement organizations concerning interaction and utilization of the radio spectrum for both authorized and unauthorized activities.
Initiates Official Notices of Violation, Warnings, Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, and other orders to radio operators and licensees, to bring unsatisfactory or violative conditions to their attention as a result of monitoring, investigations and inspections. Independently initiates correspondence or other communications with complainants and radio users concerning the enforcement functions of the office and region.
Participates in regional emergency planning meetings, serves as the local expert in emergency communications restoration, participates in FEMA conducted training exercises and is able to serve on ESF-2 task force and deployments as necessary. Participates and assists in planning of Bureau enforcement and compliance workshops for persons associated with the various industries and radio services the Commission regulates.
Operates a sport utility vehicle in conjunction with travel and routine field activities. May be required to operate SUV under adverse weather conditions and during hours of darkness.
Field work may require lifting objects or equipment over 25 lbs.
The incumbent may be required to perform investigations out of the office several days per week (returning to their duty station the same day.) The incumbent may also be required to perform consecutive days of overnight travel on average once a month. Occasionally the incumbent may have to perform official overnight travel more often and on consecutive weeks. The incumbent’s personal schedule can often be considered when scheduling overnight travel. The incumbent is expected to serve as the “as-requested” agent an average of 5 times per year over weekends and holidays to address public safety issues and emergency harmful radio interference.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
- US Citizenship.
- May serve a one year probationary period (if applicable).
- Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
- If selected, a financial disclosure statement may be required.
- Current/former federal employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade/status.
- Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status.
- Resume must not exceed two pages and must meet resume format criteria.
- Drug Testing Required.
- Security Clearance Required
See "Qualifications".
Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees asking to be considered under Merit Promotion procedures must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements as documented in Parts A & B by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Qualification Requirements
Part A-Education
Degree Professional Engineering. To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and specialized experience click on the following link:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
If you are qualifying based on positive education, please provide a copy of your college transcript. The transcript may be unofficial or photocopy at time of application, but MUST provide the original if selected.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to receive credit towards qualifications. Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home
All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
AND
PART B-Specialized Experience
GS-7
In order to be deemed as qualified for the GS-7 Electronics Engineer position, applicants may qualify by education or specialized experience or a combination of both education and specialized experience.
Education: 1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement
OR
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following: performing junior level engineering tasks such as assisting with the resolution of radio frequency (RF) issues.
GS-9
GS-9 Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one-year specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following: performing intermediate level engineering tasks such as performing tests, measurements, calculations and other similar work involved in radio frequency (RF) engineering, broadcast engineering, or telecommunications engineering.
OR
Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as: Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
OR
Have a combination of education and experience.
GS-11
GS-11 Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following: assisting in and conducting a broad range of technical radio frequency (RF) engineering studies and special projects; preparing written summaries and analyses of engineering facts and developing recommendations for resolution of problems; and analyzing and evaluating RF engineering and technical data.
OR
Education: Have 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
OR
Have a combination of education and experience.
GS-12
GS-12 Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following: interpreting and applying engineering rules, regulations, and policies; performing engineering analysis and studies concerning wireless communications issues; operating RF test, measurement and monitoring equipment used to locate and identify RF interference sources; interacting with individuals at all levels of authority; and drafting reports based on technical data gathered.
GS-13
GS-13 Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following: performing comprehensive investigations of unauthorized or unlawful radio operation and comprehensive inspections of all classes and types of installations employing RF energy; and fluent in antenna theory, propagation, wireless geolocation techniques, and signal characterization.
You will be evaluated for this position on the following Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other characteristics (KSAOs):
- Knowledge of the concept, principles, and practices of electronic engineering.
- Skill in comprehensive inspections and monitoring all classes and types of installations employing Radio Frequency energy and wireless communications.
- Ability to interact with individuals at all levels of authority.
- Skill in communicating in writing with a wide range of individuals on many organizational levels. YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A WRITING SAMPLE AT THE TIME OF AN INTERVIEW (if selected).
- Ability to perform complex engineering analysis and studies.
- Skill in enforcing regulations.
You will be evaluated for this position on the following Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other characteristics (KSAOs):
X
X
X
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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.
Education
If applicable, see "Qualifications".
Additional information
EEO Policy Statement
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
Veterans Information
Legal and Regulatory Guidance
Other:
- Before hiring, an agency will ask you to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. The agency will also ask you to sign and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be fined or jailed. If you are a male over age 18 who was born after December 31, 1959, you must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for a Federal job.
- If applicable, you will be required to serve a trial period of one year.
- In order for you to be employed at the FCC, there are certain Commission and Federal laws governing the financial interests of you and members of your immediate family. If selected for the position, you must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position.
*NOTE-This position is in the bargaining unit. The exclusive representative is NTEU Chapter 209.
DEU
What is the Rule of Many
If you ask to be considered under DEU, the FCC adheres to the Rule of Many. The Rule of Many means that more than one applicant can be referred to the hiring manager, not just the top few, nor will candidates be placed into scored qualification categories (i.e. Best Qualified, Fully Qualified, Minimally Qualified). Everyone who meets minimum qualifications and scores 70 or higher may be referred, even if many applicants qualify. There is no fixed limit on how many people can be referred.
What this Means for Applicants
- You do not need to be the highest scorer
- You must meet the qualification criteria and receive a score of 70 or above
- Multiple applicants can be considered fairly
- Selection is based on overall qualifications, not just test scores
Merit Promotion
If you ask to be considered under Merit Promotion, you will be considered in accordance with the agency's merit promotion plan and union agreement. Time in grade restrictions apply. Under Merit Promotion procedures, applicants must meet the qualifications criteria and receive a score of 70 or above in order to be deemed as Best Qualified. Candidates who ask to be considered non-competitively also only have to receive a score of 70.
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.
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.
The FCC offers a wide range of employee benefits, including:
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Dental & Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Long-Term Care Insurance
Holidays and Leave
Retirement
Thrift Savings Plan
Transit Benefit
Alternative Work Schedule
Telecommuting
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
As this position is being advertised under DEU and Merit Promotion hiring procedures, applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position using the hiring procedures outlined below.
In compliance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan requirements, please be advised that candidates will not be evaluated, selected or hired based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
Optional Four Essay Questions
At the time of application, applicants have the option of answering the following four short, free-response essay questions.
1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
3. How would you help advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
Applicants will be required to certify that they are using their own words, and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]). The responses to each question cannot exceed 200 words per question.
At the time of application you are required to take an external skills-based assessment which is based upon government-wide recognized competencies and consistent with OPM Merit Hiring Plan requirements and the Chance to Compete Act. Should you receive a passing score of 70 or higher, your application will be reviewed by subject matter experts to determine if you meet the OPM qualification requirements for this position.
COMPETENCIES (at the full performance level; GS-13)
- Knowledge of professional electronics engineering principles and concepts.
- Skill to apply standard engineering practices, methods, and techniques to perform relatively limited assignments.
- Knowledge of investigative techniques and procedures to perform and conduct investigations of unauthorized radio station and operator activities moderately difficult in nature.
- Ability to resolve RF interference, educate users, and enforce regulations.
- A professional knowledge of engineering concepts, principles and practices of electronics engineering which enables the incumbent to perform studies, provide advice to applicants, industry officials, and agency representatives.
- Knowledge of various specialized communications systems, interference susceptibility, and their spectrum usage and compatibility.
- Ability to use unique and highly specialized electronics equipment used in radio direction finding, monitoring and measurements.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Required Documents
Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this vacancy. Some positions require supplemental document(s). All required supporting documents MUST be received by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement, as specified in this announcement. If you do not submit a required document (e.g. transcripts, etc.) your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration. Additionally, you may not receive the special consideration, e.g. Vet's Preference, for which you may be eligible without the appropriate supporting documentation. Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to upload the documents. If you are unable to upload the required documentation, contact the HR Specialist listed on the vacancy announcement prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
Merit Hiring Plan Resume Requirements
In compliance with Executive Order 14170, Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service resumes must not be longer than two pages in length. The resume must address minimum qualifications and other requirements listed in the job announcement.
Resumes must include all of the following information outlined below:
Contact Information
Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number.
Relevant Work Experience
- Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions)
- Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 –08/2022)
- The number of hours you worked per week
Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement.
Resumes must be formatted as outlined above. If the two page resume criteria and/or the resume formatting requirement is not met candidates will be rated as ineligible and will not be referred for hiring consideration.
The FCC is providing the following applicant resume resources:
Current or Former Federal Employees
ALL CURRENT/FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES AND CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade. If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible.
CURRENT FCC EMPLOYEES-To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov
ICTAP/CTAP Employees
If you are an ICTAP or CTAP eligible employee you must submit (along with your resume):
1. Copy of separation SF-50 documenting ICTAP/CTAP eligibility
2. Copy of your final federal performance appraisal
3. Copy of official Reduction in Force (RIF) notice
4. Copy of any other document which documents your eligibility for CTAP or ICTAP
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.