U. S. Customs and Border Protection: Telecommunications Specialist

* Duties Help Duties Summary As our nation navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, CBP is committed to delivering our mission to safeguard America’s borders and enable legitimate trade and travel.

Staffing mission critical positions remains a high priority.

Be reassured that CBP is still hiring, despite potential hiring process step delays due to restrictions to in-person activities.

Learn more about this agency Responsibilities Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S.

Customs and Border Protection, Office of Information and Technology, Field Support Directorate, East Texas Region, located in Rio Grande City, TX.

Salary: Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S.

scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection.

Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Information and Technology will allow you to use your communication skills to design, develop, and monitor voice, data, and video surveillance systems.

This position starts at a salary of $64,649.00 (GS-11, Step 1) to $100,739.00 (GS-12, Step 10) with promotion potential to $100,739.00 (GS-12 Step 10).

In this position, you will become a key member of Homeland Security professionals by coordinating and conducting performance measurements on new and advanced wireless telecommunication equipment and techniques.

Typical work assignments include: * Installing, troubleshooting, repairing, redesigning, and maintaining telecommunications systems.* Configuring and maintaining telecommunication networks and applications, such as intrusion detection systems, land, mobile radio communication, and video surveillance.* Resolving telecommunication equipment failure and unsatisfactory performance problems.* Making recommendations and proposals on new and advance equipment and techniques based on performance capabilities, limitations, and cost.

Travel Required 25% or less You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status No Promotion Potential 12 * Job family (Series) 0391 Telecommunications * Requirements Help Requirements Conditions of Employment * You must be a U.S.

Citizen to apply for this position* Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service* Primary U.S.

residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)* You may be required to pass a background investigation* CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures* As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards.

Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes.

Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties.

Please review further details via the following link.

Qualifications Experience: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: * Maintaining telecommunication system performance through use of established tools and instructions.* Installing, configuring, troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining and operational testing of telecommunications systems including, but not limited to: voice communications, telecommunications, stationary and mobile video and radar surveillance systems, microwave systems, fiber optic equipment, wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), switched equipment, intrusion detection and access control systems.* Assisting with the installation of permanent and temporary tower related equipment, ie Antennas, transmission lines, emergency generators, RF/Wireline and AC polyphaser (lightening protection) grounding rods and other peripheral site equipment as required.* Monitoring and alerting telecommunication managers regarding deterioration in system performance.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: * Inspecting newly installed telecommunication equipment for conformance to performance requirements.* Revolving telecommunications equipment failure or unsatisfactory performance problems.* Installing, configuring, troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining and operational testing of telecommunications systems including, but not limited to: voice communications, telecommunications, stationary and mobile video and radar surveillance systems, microwave systems, fiber optic equipment, wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), switched equipment, intrusion detection and access control systems.* Configuring and maintaining the telecommunications network to service applications such as intrusion detection systems, encrypted voice land/mobile radio communication systems, and the local area network (LAN).* Overseeing the installation of permanent and temporary tower related equipment, ie Antennas, transmission lines, emergency generators, RF/Wireline and AC polyphaser (lightening protection) grounding rods and other peripheral site equipment as required.

Education Substitution: GS-11: Successful completion of a Ph.D.

or equivalent Doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in an accredited college or university, or an LL.M.

(if related), may be substituted for experience at this grade level.

Such education must demonstrate the skills needed to do the work.

Major study must be in 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.

One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent one year of full-time study.

If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 54 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 3 years of full-time study requirement.

Combining Experience and Education (GS-11):To combine your education and experience, you must convert each to a percentage, and then add the percentages.

The combined total of your percentage of education and experience must equal at least 100% in order to qualify.

If your education is currently described in quarter hours, convert the quarter hours into semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by the fraction 2/3.

To calculate your percentage of graduate education, divide the number of graduate semester hours by 18.

To determine your percentage of qualifying experience, you must divide your total number of months of qualifying experience by the required number of months of experience.

Add your percentages of education and experience.

The two percentages must total at least 100%.

There is no education substitution at the GS-12 grade level for this position.

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.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 03/03/2021.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.

If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation: U.S.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency’s core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity.

During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.G., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances.

For more information visit this link.

Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP.

Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years.

If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: * Working for the U.S.

Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military* A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S.

government* Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S.

affiliated college or university* Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S.

government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment.

Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Education Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Additional information Bargaining Unit: This position is covered under the bargaining unit.

Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid state driver’s license at the time of appointment.

This position May be required to maintain a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Overtime: This position may require uncontrollable, unscheduled overtime in excess of the 40-hour work week.

On Call: This position may require the incumbent to be on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Passport: You may be required to obtain and maintain an official passport.

Physical Demands: * You will be required to perform lifting and/or moving of equipment in excess of 50 pounds.* You will be required to climb tall ladders, towers, and other structures.* The work may be performed in an electronics shop, remote sites (which may require alternative modes of transportation), and/or in outlying and remote stations.* You must be able to work under conditions of extreme stress and tension as a result of the need to maintain equipment in optimum working conditions.

Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion, nor is the promise of promotion implied.

Telework may be available on a regular recurring or situational basis.

DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.

Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.

Follow U.S.

Customs and Border Protection on Twitter @CustomsBorder The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707.

Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission.

If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs.

To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Read more 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 documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.

If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use an assessment questionnaire to place you in one of three categories based on your experience, education, and training.

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories: * Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF), and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.* Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPF’s and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.* Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.

The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are: * Ability to communicate orally to deliver and present reports.* Skill in resolving difficult and complex telecommunication problems.* Skill in resolving telecommunications equipment failure.* Knowledge of a wide range of communications concepts, principles, procedures and practices.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.Usastaffing.Gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11035256 Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher.

This position is not considered scientific/professional.

Other 10 point preference eligibles and veterans with 5 point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify.

View information on veterans’ preference.

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible.

View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibilityon OPM’s Career Transition Resources website.

To be considered eligible under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be placed in the Well-Qualified category for this position, as described above.

In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this job announcement.

Read more Background checks and security clearance Security clearance Not Required Drug test required Yes * Required Documents Help Required Documents * Your resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed.

A resume in English is required.

It must contain your full legal name, address, phone number, complete work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable).

For additional required items, see the link above.* Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.Usastaffing.Gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11035256* Are you qualifying based on education?

Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable at this time; however, official copies will be required prior to entrance on duty) or a list of coursework with hours completed provided from the institution.

Education must be from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education.

Education obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable unless it has been evaluated by an organization that specializes in interpretation of education credentials.

For a listing of accrediting agencies see www.Naces.Org* Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)?

You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a copy of your most recent performance rating; an agency certificationthat you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C.

8337(h) or 8456.* Are you a veteran?

To apply veterans’ preference you must submit proof of eligibility as appropriate for your preference type:* Five Point Preference: DD 214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period.* Ten Point Preference: DD 214 showing character of service and supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15 (application for 10 Point Veterans’ Preference).

Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged.

Veterans with a service-connected disability must also submit a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, OR supporting documentation as listed in the SF-15.* If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, rank, expected character of service, and anticipated date of separation.

If you apply with a written statement at this stage, your preference will be verified by a DD 214 upon separation from the military.* View more veterans’ information.

* Are you a current or former federal employee?

If yes, it is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience.

Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.* Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee?

Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:* Position title* Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)* Agency* Beginning and ending dates of appointment 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.

* Benefits Help 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.

Learn 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 to Apply Help How to Apply To begin your online application, click ” Apply Online” to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account.

Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation.

Please see the ” Required Documents” section below for additional information.

All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an Alternate Application process.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email.

You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used.

You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 03/03/2021.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate.

Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.

Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration.

If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date.

Please upload your resume under ” Resume” and anyother applicable supporting documents mentioned above under the appropriate Document Type.

If your Document Type is not listed, upload as ” Other.” DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.

Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance;health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.

DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities.

For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select ” Benefits.” Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

View common definitions of terms in this announcement.

Read more Agency contact information CBP Hiring Center Phone 952-857-2932 Email cbphiring-applicantinquiry@cbp.dhs.gov Address Office of Information and Technology Please read entire announcement Please apply online Washington, DC 20229 US Learn more about this agency Next steps GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area.

If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the ” Rest of United States” pay table.

The open period for this job opportunity announcement may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.

Once the job opportunity announcement has closed, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews.

You will be notified by email after each of these steps has been completed.

Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts with your USAJOBS account.

If you are referred, you will receive a final notification of the disposition of the announcement.

We expect to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the close of the announcement.

If you are selected, we may conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement.

Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty.

False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring.

These authorities are subject to change.

Read more * Fair & Transparent Fair & Transparent The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent.

Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants Read more Reasonable Accommodation Policy Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement.

For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly.

Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when: * An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.* An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.* An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job.

Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.

Read more Legal and regulatory guidance * Financial suitability* Social security number request* Privacy Act* Signature and false statements* Selective Service* New employee probationary period This job originated on www.Usajobs.Gov.

For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.Usajobs.Gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/592581100.

Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.Usajobs.Gov will be considered.