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Interdisciplinary Position

Federal Communications Commission
This job announcement has closed

Summary

IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST PROVIDE A COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS (UNOFFICIAL).

This position is located in the Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, Electromagnetic Compatibility Division, Technical Analysis Branch in Washington, DC.

This is an Interdisciplinary announcement and may be filled in one of the following series:  0855 (Electronics Engineer) or 1301 (Physical Scientist).

RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
06/02/2022 to 06/23/2022
Salary
$106,823 to - $176,300 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13 - 15
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
1 vacancy
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - This is a full-time position. Work schedules, including telework, are at the discretion of the supervisor, consistent with agency policy and reentry planning.
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
15
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
High Risk (HR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
DEU-OET-2022-003
Control number
657830900

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

DELEGATED EXAMINING (DE) - ALL U.S. CITIZENS and MERIT PROMOTION (MP). Individuals who typically apply for positions under other authorities may also apply under DE (e.g. VRA, Schedule A, Peace Corps, Students, Recent Graduates, Military Spouses, National Guard, Indian Preference, Land Management, Family of Overseas Employees, Excepted Service). MP candidates include Federal Employees, Agency Employees, VEOA, ICTAP, etc. Indicate how you wish to be considered.

Duties

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Serves as an expert, consultant and advisor on methods for evaluating the potential exposure hazards associated with RF electromagnetic fields emitting from wireless transmitters. Advises the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) and the Commission on the development of new standards and policies on RF exposure requirements addressing the Commission’s statutory responsibilities including under the National Environmental Policy Act on RF exposure limits and procedures.  Performs high-level analyses and develops fully supported conclusions in support of rulemakings and policy recommendations regarding Radio Frequency exposure.  Prepares work statements and monitors contract studies.  Evaluates human exposure to RF electromagnetic fields.  Develops new computational and measurement methods for the analysis of the potential exposure hazards associated with RF electromagnetic fields.  

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Education-Transcripts Required
  • US Citizenship.
  • Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
  • Serve a probationary period of one year, if applicable.
  • Must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Please note your resume must thoroughly support your responses to the vacancy questions.  Your resume is an integral part of the process for determining if you meet the basic qualifications of the position and determining if you are to be among the best qualified.

As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee’s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021 or before appointment or onboarding with the agency, if after November 22. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements as outlined below by the closing date of this announcement.  Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.  In order to qualify for this position candidates must meet the basic requirements in addition to the specialized experience requirements as outlined below.

A. Basic Requirements

Candidates must meet the following OPM basic requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/electronics-engineering-series-0855/.pdf

AND

B. Specialized Experience

GS-13 Specialized Experience:  For this position, applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service performing the following tasks: 

  1. Performing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) measurements and calculations;

  2. Analyzing risks associated with human exposures and equipment operating parameters to develop technical standards; 

  3. Conducting and/or evaluating measurement procedures for compliance of equipment subject to Commission regulations for RF exposure;

  4. Providing advice and/or supporting industry standards activities concerning Radio Frequency (RF) exposure requirements and measurement procedures;

  5. Supporting a variety of RF spectrum management and telecommunications systems studies, analyses and computational modeling, for example, RF exposure, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), RF interference, operating frequencies, power and emissions;

  6. Researching RF technology advancements and applying technical and policy judgments contained in government rules and regulations, industry standards, and international agreements regarding RF equipment and services.

GS-14 Specialized Experience: For this position, applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service performing the following tasks: 

  1. Performing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) measurements and calculations;
  2. Determining risks associated with human exposures and equipment operating parameters to develop technical standards; 
  3. Developing measurement procedures for compliance of equipment subject to Commission regulations for RF exposure;
  4. Supporting industry standards activities concerning Radio Frequency (RF) exposure requirements and measurement procedures;
  5. Performing a variety of RF spectrum management and telecommunications systems studies, analyses and computational modeling, for example, RF exposure, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), RF interference, operating frequencies, power and emissions;
  6. Interpreting and applying technical and policy judgments contained in government rules and regulations, industry standards, and international agreements regarding RF equipment and services.

GS-15 Specialized Experience: For this position, applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service performing the following tasks: 

  1. Performing and directing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) measurements and calculations;
  2. Developing and managing measurement procedures for compliance of equipment subject to Commission regulations for RF exposure;
  3. Participating and supporting industry standards activities concerning Radio Frequency (RF) exposure requirements and measurement procedures;
  4. Performing and directing a variety of RF spectrum management and telecommunications systems studies and analyses, for example, RF exposure, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), RF interference, operating frequencies, power and emissions;
  5. Interpreting and applying technical and policy judgments on RF exposure contained in government rules and regulations, industry standards, and international agreements regarding RF devices and services;
  6. Analyzing RF technologies or applications to identify issues regarding their impacts on use of the radio spectrum and safety; and
  7. Reviewing, advising and resolving problems related to regulatory matters associated with RF exposure.

You will be evaluated for this position on the following Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other characteristics (KSAOs):

  • Knowledge of radio frequency exposure, computational electromagnetics, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), and spectrum engineering telecommunications technology issues.
  • Skill in leading high-profile standards advancement organizations (e.g., Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Telecommunications Industry Association, and the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission).
  • Knowledge of how electromagnetic waves interact with biological systems or materials.
  • Ability to prepare bulletins, guidance documents and public notices, give speeches and serve on panels at public and industrial forums.
  • Ability to develop measurement techniques for determining Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Power/Energy Density of various devices including mobile/portable wireless user equipment and IEEE 802.11 wireless network devices.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.  You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.  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.

EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION-UNOFFICIAL OR OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED.  CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT SUBMIT THEIR TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE DEEMED AS INELIGIBLE.

Education

Degree Professional Engineering.   To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and specialized experience click on the following link:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/electronics-engineering-series-0855/.pdf

Degree for Professional Physical Scientist.  To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and specialized experience click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/general-physical-science-series-1301/.pdf

Please provide a copy of your college transcript.  The transcript may be unofficial or photocopy at time of application, but MUST provide the original if selected.

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to receive credit towards qualifications. Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html


All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.  If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

As this position is being advertised under DEU and Merit Promotion hiring procedures, applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position using the hiring procedures outlined below.

How You Will Be Evaluated-DEU Hiring Procedures

The FCC determines the BEST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES based on the major job related competencies and evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and abilities reflected in your application and supporting documents using the CATEGORY RATING PROCESS.

All eligible applicants under Delegated Examining (DEU) will be placed in one of the following three categories:

1. Highly Qualified (Score 90-100) - the applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of major job related competencies and possession of all evaluation criteria;

2. Fully Qualified (Score 80-89) - the applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of major job related competencies and possession of the evaluation criteria; and

3. Minimally Qualified (Score of 70-79)- the applicants possessing only the specialized experience described in the vacancy announcement. An automated score is administered based on the on-line application process used.

Eligible applicants will receive a numerical rating based on their responses to the job specific questions for this position. Application of Veterans Preference: The category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have compensable service-connected disability at least 10 percent MUST be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.

A selecting official may make selection from the highest quality category ("HIGHLY QUALIFIED") provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in the same category. Qualified disabled veterans (30% disabled veterans and at least 10% disabled veterans) who meet the qualification criteria float to the top of the Highly Qualified category and by law must be referred over non-veterans. Non-veterans are strictly prohibited from being referred or selected over qualified disabled veterans.

There are several parts to the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application including:

1. the core questions
2. the vacancy questions
3. supplemental documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-50, SF-15, transcripts), if applicable; and
4. your resume.

Applicants will be rated ineligible, if they do not respond to job specific questions, provide supplemental documents and submit resume.  For more information, please click on Rating Process.

Merit Promotion Procedures

Applicants under Merit Promotion will be considered in accordance with the agency's merit promotion plan and union agreement.

Under Merit Promotion procedures, applicants must meet the qualifications criteria and receive a score of 90 in order to be deemed as BEST QUALIFIED.  Candidates who ask to be considered non-competitively only have to receive a score of 70.


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