Telecommunications Specialist

Bonneville Power Administration • Vancouver, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Network and Support Engineering (TENN), Systems Engineering (TEN), Engineering and Technical Services (TE), Transmission Services (T). The Telecommunications Specialist performs database support and analytical work, including data management, maintenance, validation, conversion, and populating relational databases. The position is responsible for maintaining accurate telecommunications and radio-frequency records and supporting frequency licensing and spectrum-management activities.

The specialist coordinates with representatives from various agencies to resolve frequency licensing issues, including under adverse conditions. The role uses Spectrum XXI (SXXI) and Radio Frequency Management (RFM) software to create, update, and submit BPA Radio Frequency Authorization (RFA) requests. In collaboration with the BPA Frequency Manager, the specialist reviews and modifies frequency-management processes and procedures to keep them aligned with Department of Energy (DOE) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) requirements.

The position also reviews frequency-license database proposals and proposed coordination, process, and procedural changes; interprets and follows frequency-allocation guidelines and procedures; and may recommend alternative approaches consistent with federal communications laws. As a systems data steward, the specialist maintains database accuracy, integrity, and consistency, and compiles and manages data under applicable standards and procedures for internal or external reporting.

The position requires reporting in person to the official duty location and has been designated as requiring a Public Trust background investigation. The announcement describes GS-9 and GS-11 qualification paths, including specialized experience and qualifying graduate education substitutions. Applicants must provide college transcripts to be rated as qualified.

Requirements

• United States citizenship is required.
• Must report in person to the official duty location.
• Must complete a preliminary Public Trust background check before beginning work, unless an existing completed investigation means another check is not required.
• GS-9 qualification: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, applying basic telecommunications principles and practices to database support and data-management tasks, such as inputting, tracking, and maintaining RF licenses and authorizations or similar telecommunications records.
• GS-11 qualification: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, applying telecommunications principles and practices to manage RF spectrum request data, including tracking frequency assignment requests, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• For GS-9, qualifying education may substitute for experience: two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree, a master's degree, or an equivalent graduate degree demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A qualifying combination of education and experience may also be used.
• For GS-11, qualifying education may substitute for experience: three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., a Ph.D., or an equivalent doctoral degree demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A qualifying combination of education and experience may also be used.
• Education used to qualify must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized organization.
• Copies of college transcripts must be provided for the applicant to be rated as qualified.
• Must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the announcement's closing date.
• Males must comply with Selective Service registration requirements where applicable.
• Applicants must answer all eligibility and qualification questions completely and truthfully.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with representatives from various agencies to address and resolve frequency licensing issues, including under adverse conditions.
• Create, update, and submit BPA Radio Frequency Authorization (RFA) requests using Spectrum XXI (SXXI) and Radio Frequency Management (RFM) software.
• Collaborate with the BPA Frequency Manager to review and modify frequency-management processes and procedures to reflect DOE and NTIA requirements.
• Review frequency-license-related database proposals and coordinate proposals, process changes, and procedural changes.
• Interpret and follow frequency-allocation guidelines and established procedures; recommend alternative approaches when appropriate and consistent with federal communications laws.
• Serve as systems data steward, maintaining database accuracy, integrity, and consistency.
• Manage and compile data according to standards, procedures, or direction for reporting to internal and external groups.
• Perform database support and analytical work, including data management, maintenance, validation, conversion, and population of relational databases.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• BPA programs and policies intended to support work/life balance and flexible, responsive work environments.
• Be Well wellness program supporting career, community, financial, physical, and social well-being.
• Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate, subject to budget availability and federal regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level