Telecommunications Specialist

Federal Emergency Management Agency•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Office of Response and Recovery (ORR), Disaster Emergency Communications Division (DECD), in Washington, D.C. The Telecommunications Specialist serves as a technical authority on telecommunications issues and is expected to maintain expertise in general telecommunications technologies and communications policy requirements. The ideal candidate has subject-matter-expert-level knowledge of National Emergency Communications Preparedness (NECP), including systems such as Gold and CLAN, and Communications Security (COMSEC) systems and algorithms. The role applies new theories, concepts, and developments to communications problems that cannot be addressed through accepted methods, technology, or procedures. The specialist keeps senior management informed about changes and emerging technologies, serves as a subject matter expert on project integrated product teams (IPTs), and draws on scientific and technological advances in electronics and automation. FEMA employees have regular and recurring emergency management responsibilities. This position is subject to recall around the clock for emergency operations, which may involve irregular hours, work away from the official duty station, and duties outside the usual position description. Emergency travel may be extensive, last weeks or months, and occur with little advance notice. Deployment may involve relocation to emergency sites with physically austere and operationally challenging conditions. The employee must be able to deploy within the United States and its territories for extended periods with little or no advance notice. The position requires successful completion and maintenance of a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information background investigation. If selected, the employee must attend a three-week, in-person training course in Emmitsburg, Maryland, within six months of onboarding; FEMA covers travel expenses.

Requirements

One full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal government, or comparable experience in federal, state, or local government or the private sector.
Experience providing technical expertise in the installation, operation, or maintenance of telecommunications systems.
Experience serving as a technical advisor in evaluating telecommunications systems and recommending technical solutions or system improvements.
Experience interpreting and applying telecommunications policies, standards, and technical requirements to guide telecommunications planning, system capabilities, or operational procedures.
U.S. citizenship.
Successfully pass and maintain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information background investigation.
Register with Selective Service, if required.
Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Government credit card.
Ability to deploy with little or no advance notice anywhere in the United States and its territories for an extended period.
Attend a three-week, in-person training course in Emmitsburg, Maryland, within six months of onboarding if selected.

Nice To Haves

Subject-matter-expert-level knowledge of National Emergency Communications Preparedness (NECP), including systems such as Gold and CLAN.
Knowledge of Communications Security (COMSEC) systems and algorithms.

Responsibilities

Maintain mastery of general telecommunications technologies.
Maintain comprehensive knowledge of communications policy requirements and serve as a technical authority on communications assignments.
Apply new theories, concepts, and developments to communications problems that are not susceptible to accepted methods, technology, or procedures.
Keep senior management informed about changes and new technologies.
Serve as a subject matter expert on project integrated product teams (IPTs).
Use knowledge of scientific and technological advances in related fields of electronics and automation.
Perform recurring emergency management duties and deploy to emergency operations as required, potentially with little advance notice and for extended periods.