Summary This position provides technical support for the Division Chief in delivering and sustaining MARAD’s secure communication assets (afloat and ashore) with reliable means of secure communications. The work of the position involves planning, direction, coordination, and oversight duties to accomplish delivery, accountability and maintenance of critical secure Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems (C4S) capabilities. Responsibilities The Telecommunications Specialist: Is responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and security of the MCC. Maintains all MCC telecommunications equipment in readiness for immediate use. Conducts weekly full operational tests of all MCC equipment. Coordinates access and maintenance of MARAD Homeland Secure Data Network (HSDN) accounts. As directed, serves as the MARAD Alternate Communications Security (COMSEC) Manager administering COMSEC resources in support of MARAD operations. Assists in administering MARAD’s COMSEC Equipment Life Cycle Management (LCM) requirements which is comprised of configuration management, firmware upgrades, software updates, IAVA patches, and battery management for all COMSEC equipment held and deployed across MARAD and the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF). The ideal candidate will have a background in telecommunications, with several years’ experience managing and providing direct support for secure communications equipment for a large organization with assets dispersed globally. The candidate will know the national communications security (COMSEC) policies and have experience monitoring COMSEC processes and procedures to ensure compliance with federal guidelines at all levels of the organization. The candidate will have experience working with personnel of various backgrounds and levels of experience, presenting information both orally and in writing, writing reports, giving briefings and presentations, and working with standardized processes and process improvement techniques. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S.Citizen and eligible for consideration. You must meet specialized experience to qualify. Required documents must be submitted by the closing date. Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You must complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). DRUG TESTING: Varies by position. Tentatively selected candidates are required to undergo urinalysis in accordance with DOT 3910.1D entitled "Drug and Alcohol-Free Departmental Workplace", which includes testing for marijuana. Marijuana is legal in some states, however it’s still illegal at the federal level. Therefore, if selected for the position you will be required to submit to a pre-employment/pre-appointment drug test, you will also be subject to Random Drug Testing. TIME-IN-GRADE: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. DEU REQUIREMENTS: Applicants selected under delegated examining procedures may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed). Qualifications To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements. To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include: Experience assisting with the operation of a communications security program in an organization with dispersed assets (ashore and afloat), including managing local element/hand receipt holders, developing, and implementing communications security (COMSEC) procedures, ensuring adherence to national COMSEC policy, and supporting COMSEC equipment maintenance. Experience assisting with the preparation of written material for internal and external use, maintaining living documents, preparing and presenting briefs, and recommending courses of action for agency decision making. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. Organizational Awareness - Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization. Security Clearance - Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and guidelines related to securing information, including the requirements for protecting classified information. For all types of consideration, 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. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education Additional Information The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, FairChanceAct@dot.gov. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.