Job Opening: 55595
Open to ALL U.S. Citizens
Opening Date: June 17, 2024
All Resumes should be submitted to RSUresume@fbi.gov and for questions, please contact Denise Epperson at depperson@fbi.gov
Job Summary
Position: Telecommunications Specialist (Tactical Communicator), GS-12/13
Division: Critical Incident Response Group
Unit: Render Safe Readiness Unit
Location: Quantico, Virginia
Working Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Salary: GS-12 - $99,200.00 - $128,956.00
GS-13 - $117,962.00 - $153,354.00
Full Performance Level: GS-13
Number of Positions Available: Unlimited Number of Vacancies
Duration: Full Time/Permanent
PLEASE READ THIS JOB POSTING IN ITS ENTIRETY
This vacancy is a highly technical and specialized communications position responsible for dedicated communications support to the Render Safe Unit. The Render Safe Unit’s operations are designed to locate, diagnose and subsequently disable or destroy improvised explosive devices, and weapons of mass destruction. The Render Safe Readiness Unit (RSRU) Selection will consist of a 5-day testing period conducted at Quantico, VA. During this Selection, each candidate will be extensively evaluated in a number of scored areas. The Selection process is designed to replicate conditions which have occurred during RSRU training and deployments. This is a comprehensive assessment to identify the most desirable candidates for hire based on technical and non-technical knowledge, skills and abilities as well as physical readiness for the mission. In addition to the core technical evaluations, practical problem solving testing and fitness evaluation on which all candidates will be evaluated, candidates will undergo skill-specific testing specifically related to communications systems supporting the counter-IED and WMD problem set. Skill-specific competencies, knowledge and trainability will be evaluated through scenario-based and written evaluations.
Only the most competitive candidates who achieve the highest scores in these areas will be retained. Candidates must achieve preferred or acceptable ratings in all assessed events. As a condition of the job offer, candidates who receive ANY unacceptable ratings during this assessment and those with the lowest scores will have their offer rescinded. A candidate who fails to pass the strength and mobility assessment, the swim test, or the interview panels may be removed from the selection process.
Key Requirements
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be able to pass a U.S. Government physical exam and HAZMAT exam
- Must be able to obtain a Top Secret-SCI clearance
- Some travel required
- Must pass a strength and mobility assessment and swim test
- Able to operate in all environments and cleared for world-wide deployment's
Mission Statement:
The mission of the FBI is to protect the American People and uphold the Constitution of the United States.
Major Duties:
- Respond as part of a multi-agency team to actual and potential incidents to provide secure, robust communications (voice and data) from any domestic site back to FBIHQ and the highest levels of the US Government
- Serve on a rotational duty roster remaining mission ready for rapid recall and deployment
- Operate in any environment including WMD, high angle, confined space, maritime and potentially extreme environmental conditions
- Maintain responsibility for Communications Security (COMSEC) including Transmission Security, Physical Security, Emission Security, and Cryptographic Security to protect against compromise
- Ensures operational readiness of communication equipment and systems, install systems, establish connectivity and monitor system performance
- Develops plans for communications, and provides training on communications planning and development Testing, evaluating, analyzing, researching, acquiring, managing and improving communications systems and procedures
- Assesses resources required to support a given mission, through knowledge of operations and expertise with specialized communications equipment
- Provides advice and guidance in the field of tactical communications to FBI Management, other federal agencies and state and local law enforcement during operations and daily functions
Qualifications and Evaluations
Please make sure your specialized experience/requirement(s) can be identified in your resume. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under the FBI’s Candidate Rating Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement and will be compared to your responses to the online assessment questionnaire. High self-assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume, and/or supporting documents may eliminate you from Most Competitive status.
Your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Most Competitive, Competitive, or Least Competitive. Names of candidates in the Most Competitive category will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. Veterans’ preference will be applied.
All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies:
- Telecommunications
- Technology Awareness
- Collaboration
- Problem solving/Judgment
- Communication
- Public Safety and Security
Specialized Experience (SE):
GS-12: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. SE is defined as follows:
- Knowledge of electronic tactical and technical communications systems.
- Knowledge of the capabilities and operating characteristics of electronic communications systems and services.
- Knowledge of local and wide area networking.
- Knowledge of network fundamentals and architecture, i.e. physical connectivity, Internet Protocol (IP) schemes, network services.
- Knowledge of electronic communications concepts, electromagnetic frequency spectrum fundamentals, antenna theory, wave propagation.
(IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE)
GS-13: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of Specialized Experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. SE is defined as follows:
- Knowledge of and experience in communications project or program management.
- Experience in creating and presenting communications concept briefings to senior leadership.
- Knowledge of communications planning and collaboration with external government agencies.
Work Conditions:
The position often requires physical exertion while loading, transporting, installing and operating communications equipment. Responsible for other non-communications related tasks including Tactical Crew Chief for UH-60 Helicopters, operating and maintaining communication vehicles and operating communications equipment onboard FBI Boeing 757 Aircraft.
How to Apply
For detailed instructions related to applying, uploading documents, withdrawing an application or updating your application, please review instructions on How to Apply. If applying online is a hardship, please use the contact information listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.Required Documents
To apply to this position, interested applicants must provide a complete application package by the closing date which includes:
- Your resume, specifically noting relevant work experience and associated start and end dates
- A complete assessment questionnaire
- Other supporting documents (if applicable):
- College transcripts, if qualifying based on education or if there is a positive education requirement
- Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50; not applicable to current FBI employees
- Memorandum for Record (MFR), Please see Additional Information
- Most recent Performance Appraisal; not applicable to current FBI employees
- Veterans: DD 214; Disabled Veterans: DD 214, SF-15, and VA letter dated 1991 or later
Documents that were uploaded one or more years ago will need to be uploaded again. Although an applicant may see these documents within their current profile, the HR Specialists may not have access to view them. All applicants are being asked to upload another copy (if applicable) to ensure the staffing units can review the complete application.
You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. If applying online is a hardship, please contact the HR Specialist listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.
What to Expect Next
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your status throughout the process.
Additional Information
- Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols. Positions with fitness for duty requirements or those that require international travel may require proof of certain vaccinations.
- The FBI is in the Executive Branch of the federal government. It is one of the components of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The FBI is the principle investigative arm of the DOJ. All FBI positions are in the excepted service.
- As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice 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.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens and consent to a complete background investigation, urinalysis, and polygraph. You must be suitable for Federal employment; as determined by a background investigation.
- Failure to provide necessary and relevant information required by this vacancy announcement may disqualify you from consideration. Additional information will not be requested if your application is incomplete. You application will be evaluated solely on the basis of information you have submitted.
- Management may select any grade for which this position has been announced.
- Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.
- If you are hired, you will be required to serve a two-year probationary period. Probationary employees are precluded from being considered for all job opportunities until 12-months of their 24-month probationary period has concluded. Probationary Employees may be considered for competitive vacancies that are advertised within their respective division or field office after serving 90 days within the FBI.
- Memorandum for Record: Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on an SF-50, i. e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished no credit will be given for time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum for Record):
a. Percent of time worked in the particular position (cannot conflict with main duties)
b. The month/year work began
c. Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.)
d. Specific duties performedAttach the Memorandum for Record to your application in the “Cover Letters and Attachments” section of My Career Tools on the Careers Home page. Please upload the attachment as type “Other.”
Veterans' Preference
If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume and application. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
Nepotism
Nepotism is the act of favoring relatives in the hiring process, and is prohibited by law. Public officials are prohibited from hiring or promoting relatives or relatives of officials in their chain of command, as well as actively or indirectly endorse a relative’s appointment or promotion.
During the hiring process, all selected candidates and FBI hiring managers will be required to certify they are not related to anyone involved in the hiring process.
Reasonable Accommodation Request
The FBI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please notify the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Affairs (OEEOA) Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Program by either e-mail at REASONABLE_ACCOMMODA@fbi.gov, telephone at 202-324-2158, or FAX at 202-324-3976. Your request will receive an individualized assessment.
This e-mail address is only for reasonable accommodation requests. Please do not submit your application and/or any questions unrelated to reasonable accommodations. Should any applications be received, they will not be forwarded for consideration during the hiring process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The FBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this vacancy. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other non-merit factors.
Benefits
The FBI offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees: http://www.opm.gov/insure/new_employ/index.asp