TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Job in Stuttgart, Germany

Vacancy No. DTRA-25-12606154-DE Department Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Salary $62,107.00 to $96,770.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/14/2024 Close Date 11/21/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Stuttgart, Germany


Summary

Our Mission: The Defense Threat Reduction Agency provides cross-cutting solutions to enable the DoD, the United States Government, and international partners to DETER strategic attack against the United States and its allies; PREVENT, reduce, and counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and emerging threats; and PREVAIL against WMD-armed adversaries in crisis and conflict.

Duties

As a TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST at the GS-0391-11/12 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Participate as member of a Technical Support Group to rapidly deploy in support of the Combatant Commanders and other federal Departments and Agencies (D/As) in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergency response events.
  • Serves as Senior Telecommunications Expert. Performs duties related to the application, integration, design, development, modification, and installation and maintenance of Technical Support Group (TSG) Deployable Telecommunications Systems. These systems include but are not limited to, tactical military and commercial satellite systems, UHF and VHF tactical radios, line-of-site radios, and DTRA proprietary networking systems, Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), cellular and Iridium telephone systems, and cellular based data systems. Other systems consist of Digital PBX, PSTN, DSN, Remote Base Transceiver Stations, switches, routers, gateways used with deployable and mobile platforms, DISN network services, architecture, configuration, accreditation processes and procedures, CISCO, LAN/WAN, fiber, POTS (standard analog telephone line) and NSA approved encryption devices (Taclan, KIV, KG, Cylink) equipment.
  • Performs detailed communications systems engineering to include development of a functional analysis; establishment of operational performance parameters, capabilities and limitations; development of total transmission specifications, and submits Satellite Access Request (SAR), Ground Access Requests (GAR) and Telecommunications Service Request (TSR).
  • Monitors and investigates systems failures. Troubleshoots repairs, modifies, test circuits, replaces defective parts, and/or components, certifies and maintains the telecommunications systems.
  • Performs tests to repaired equipment to assure proper alignment and operation within the system. Conducts periodic inspections and system tests to assure performance within prescribed standards and tolerances.
  • Provides comprehensive advice to the Technical Support Group Chief on the adequacy of available services to support the mission and conducts systems studies requiring communications support to provide improvements in the Technical Support Group mission essential requirements.
  • Teaches members of the team and supported forces how to use fielded communications systems to accomplish tactical missions.
  • Performs duties as alternate COMSEC hand receipt holder responsible for the receipt, utilization, loading, maintenance, and destruction of COMSEC keys and the maintenance of associated COMSEC paperwork.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a US citizen
  • Male born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents ( See: How to Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation. Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Subject to the 5 year foreign area limitation DODI 1400.25-V1230 72612
  • Work Schedule: Full time
  • Overtime: Occasionally. Overtime/compensatory time may be required to accommodate operational needs of the organization.
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): GS12: Exempt GS-11:Non-Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible, on a situational basis.
  • May be exposed to CBRN and hostile enemy threats. May be required to participate in the DoD Immunization Program. The work may require long hours in a field environment and under austere conditions
  • Must pass a pre-employment physical prior to entry onto duty and annual deployment physical exams. Must meet the physical and medical requirements for deployment before and throughout employment.
  • Must be capable of lifting and carrying, for short distances, loads up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods (8 hours), and be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including body armor and a protective mask.
  • Must consent to and pass pre-employment drug testing and be subject to periodic random drug testing thereafter.
  • Must be willing to spend up to (but not limited to) 90 days annually in temporary duty travel, sometimes on short notice, in the United States and foreign countries.
  • Travel in the performance of temporary assignments may be required up to 25% of duty time.
  • Must be willing to work overtime during exercises and real world crises

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-12, if you fulfill the following qualifications:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service:
  • Design, install and operate deployable/tactical IP-based networks, integrating radios, routers, switches, and end user devices (tablets/cell phones).
  • Application, integration, design, development, modification, and installation and maintenance of Telecommunications Systems and associated equipment including satellite systems, telephone systems, wireless and cellular-based systems.
  • Troubleshoots, repairs, modifies, test circuits, replaces defective parts, and/or components, certifies and maintains telecommunications systems.
  • Understanding and utilizing the setup and operations of ATAK Servers and Clients.
  • Applying basic laws related to electronics in conjunction with the use of wiring diagrams, schematic diagrams, and fault isolation diagrams; operating basic diagnostic equipment such as an oscilloscope, multi-meter, and spectrum analyzer.

You may qualify at the GS-11, if you fulfill the following qualifications:
A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service:
  • Operate deployable/tactical IP-based networks, integrating radios, routers, switches, and end user devices (tablets/cell phones).
  • Application, integration, installation and maintenance of Telecommunications Systems and associated equipment including satellite systems, telephone systems, wireless and cellular-based systems.
  • Troubleshoots, test circuits, replaces defective parts, and/or components and maintains telecommunications systems.
  • Applying basic troubleshooting to electronics in conjunction with the use of fault isolation diagrams; operating basic diagnostic equipment such as a multi-meter, and spectrum analyzer.
  • ;
OR

B. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related;

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.
In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0391 series.

A. 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

B. Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): 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.

*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.

INFORMATION FOR OVERSEAS: Overseas tour of duty for is projected to be 36 MONTHS.
  • You will be required to sign a transportation agreement.
  • Incumbent may be subject to the 5-year foreign area limitation according to the DoDI 1400.25-V1230, dated 26 July2012.
  • Applicants who are currently stationed overseas, must have enough time to meet the initial tour stated above.
  • Applicants who have returned from an overseas tour, and have not been physically present in the United States (CONUS) or Non foreign area for 2 continuous years, may require a waiver. NOTE: If you have not completed 5 years overseas and return to a CONUS assignment, that time spent overseas counts towards the 5 year limitation, unless you have been in the States for at least 2 continuous years.
  • Medical Care: Applicants who have family members with special medical needs should ensure that prior to accepting a position overseas their family members' medical needs can be met. Access to care in a military treatment facility may not be available to civilian employees except on a space available basis. Consequently, host nation medical facilities may be the only care available. The availability and level of care at host nation medical facilities will vary by location.
  • Applicants hired from the Continental United States (CONUS) and their family members (who are US citizens) are required to obtain Official Passports prior to departure to the overseas area.
  • May be subjected to a variety of environmental conditions typical of the overseas areas in which traveling, to include the potential for exposure to acts of terrorism.
  • Payment for travel and transportation expenses may be authorized. This includes government paid travel transportation, shipment and temporary storage of household goods, and possibly other entitlements based upon the JTR and agency policy. You may be required to sign a transportation agreement. Most civilian permanent change of station travel entitlements are taxable.
  • For additional information on the tax impact, please visit: https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction.html
  • For more information on overseas allowances and benefits, please visit: https://aoprals.state.gov/

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for the GS-12 grade level.

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application.

All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Foreign Education

Additional information

  • This position is Emergency-Essential (E-E). In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent, or designated alternate, must continue to perform the E-E duties until relieved by the proper authority. The incumbent may be required to take part in readiness exercises. The position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function effectively; therefore, the position is designated "key" which requires the incumbent, or designated alternate, to be screened for readiness and recall status.
  • This position requires pre-employment and annual deployment physical exams, which will be evaluated by DTRA Occupational Health professionals to determine if deployability criteria are met. The incumbent must meet the medical requirements for deployment before and throughout employment.
  • This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922 (g) (91). Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not qualified for this position. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment (Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001). Incumbent must be able to qualify with a pistol according to U.S. Army standards.
  • Incumbent will participate in specialized classroom and field training related to the position.
  • Subject to rotational assignment to locations in the U.S. and to locations outside the continental U.S..
  • This position may require the incumbent to be exposed to ionizing radiation. Radiation monitoring may be required IAW DoDI 6055.08 Occupational Ionizing Radiation Protection Program to ensure compliance.
  • Certification as a radiation worker level II or be able to obtain such certification within six months of employment.
  • Certification as a shipper of Dangerous and Hazardous Materials and as a driver of vehicles transporting dangerous and hazardous materials or must be able to obtain such certifications within six months of employment.
  • This position may be exposed to high levels of noise. Individual will be required to comply with all aspects of a hearing conservation program to include completing training, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and receiving audiograms IAW DODI 6055.12 Hearing Conservation Program.
  • This position may require the use of personal protective equipment which may include chemical protective gear and a protective mask or other respiratory protection. Respiratory protection will include a medical exam to qualify on use and wear IAW 29 CFR 1910.134.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Passport.
Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf

All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

Benefits

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.

Review our benefits

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.

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position.

Competencies:

  • Computer Literacy
  • Education and Training
  • Electronics Engineering
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Oral Communication
  • Telecommunications
  • Written Communication


Based on the results of this evaluation, you will be placed in one of the following quality categories:

Best Qualified: This highest category will be used for those candidates who possess the type and quality of experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective placement factors and/or appropriate quality ranking factor(s), as determined by the job analysis.
Highly Qualified: This higher category will be used for those candidates who possess the type and quality of experience that exceed the minimum qualifications of the position, including any selective placement factors and/or appropriate quality ranking factor(s) as determined by the job analysis.
Qualified: This lowest category will be used for those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications of the position, including all selective placement factors and appropriate quality ranking factor(s) and are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the position. Candidates may require extensive training and/or orientation in order to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=Category-Rating

Names of the candidates in the Best Qualified category will be sent first to the hiring manager for employment consideration. Applicants in other categories will be referred in accordance with category rating procedures.

Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. If you are entitled to veterans' preference and qualified for the position, your name will be placed above non-preference candidates on a list sent to the hiring manager for employment consideration. Qualified veterans' preference eligible with a service-connected disability of 10% or more will be listed at the top of the highest quality category depending on the position and grade level of the job.For information on entitlement seeFeds Hire Vets - Job Seekers - Veterans.

Military Spouse Preference: If you are entitled to military spouse preference, in order to receive this preference you must choose the spousal eligibility in your application package referencing MSP Military Spouse Preference. Your preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. If you are claiming military spouse preference and qualified for the position, your name will be placed below preference eligible veteran candidates and above non-preference candidates on a list sent to the hiring manager for employment consideration. To claim Military Spouse Preference (MSP) please complete the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist, save the document and attach it to your application package.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc).

Your complete application includes your COMPLETE resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

The following documents are REQUIRED:
1. Your resume:

  • Your resume may be submitted in any format. It must include your name and contact information and support the specialized experience described in this announcement.
  • For qualifications determinations your resume must contain the number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e.," HRS per week and month/year" or "HRS per week and month/year to present").
  • For additional information see: What to include in your resume.
2. Transcripts
  • This position has a degree or education requirement so you are required to submit a copy of your transcript if using education to meet the Individual Occupational Requirement
  • College transcript(s), required if qualifying based on education for the GS-11. We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded, and the lists of classes and credits earned.
3. Veteran's Documents
  • If applying using veteran's preference or under a Veteran's hiring authority you must submit the following documents:
  • DD214 showing character of service, SF-15 Form and VA letter showing final percentage, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty.
4. SF 50
  • Overseas Employees: please supply your last competitively appointment SF-50 (100, 101, 500 or 501 action).
PLEASE REVIEW THE BELOW LINK FOR OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS needed for proof of eligibility:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

If you are claiming Military Spouse Preference, you must submit supporting documents with your application package. These documents must provide acceptable information to verify: you reside within the commuting area of your sponsor's permanent duty station (PDS); proof of marriage to the active duty sponsor, proof of military member's active duty status, and other documentation required by the vacancy announcement to which you are applying; and must meet all pre-employment criteria and be eligible for immediate noncompetitive appointment to a position in the competitive service. Documentation required: Marriage Certificate or License, Signed Self-Certification Checklist, Veterans' Preference documentation (e.g., DD-214, VA Letter, Statement of Service, if applicable), Transcripts (if applicable). Additional documentation required if previously held a federal position: SF-50s (e.g., LWOP, highest grade held, overseas appointments, etc.), SF-75 Information, and documentation of performance rating of record (dated within the last 12 months)

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the "Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP)" eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant. Information and required documentation for claiming MSP may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. To be eligible as a RGP, you must submit the following supporting documents with your application package: a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 (whs.mil)); a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.

For More Information: www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/PPP_SELFCERTIFICATIONCHECKLIST_1119.pdf?ver=WZ-PFkneJHelyB0dSlBi5g%3d%3d

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.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12606154.

Agency contact information

DE Applicant Inquires
Address
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
8725 JOHN J KINGMAN ROAD
MSC 6201
FT BELVOIR, VA 22060-6201
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive a notification of receipt. Your application package will be reviewed to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and qualifications requirements, and you will receive a notification. A review will be made of your online questionnaire and the documentation you submitted to support your responses. A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.

A list of qualified applicants will be created and sent to the selecting official. All applicants reviewed and/or referred will receive a notification letter.

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.

Please review the General Application Information and Definitions at: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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