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Electronics Technician

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our greatest natural resource.

This position is located with the BLM Fire & Aviation Directorate, Division of Support Services, Remote Sensing Branch, located at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), in Boise, Idaho. Information about the area can be found at https://www.boisechamber.org/

We expect to fill several positions at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
06/14/2024 to 06/21/2024
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$59,966 to - $94,317 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 11
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Boise, ID
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Travel may be extensive to provide support to field resources or to attend training, conferences, workshops and/or field visits.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
FADE-24-12447076-LAS
Control number
795923400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens - No previous Federal Service is required. CTAP and ICTAP candidates in the local commuting area.

Duties

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  • Performs in-depth maintenance, repair and modification on complex Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS) and electronic and electro-mechanical sub-systems in association with RAWS.
  • Performs every aspect of depot level troubleshooting, maintenance, technical systems analysis and operational readiness certification for all components in association with Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS).
  • Performs technical applications analysis of systems and equipment, based on operational results, for the purpose of determining and performing redesign, modification, development, and design work to meet operational requirements.
  • Develops and implements depot level troubleshooting, maintenance, operational, and certification standards and procedures to meet systems performance characteristics necessary to meet the operational standards of the system.
  • Utilizes test equipment including service monitors, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, digital multi-meters, signal generators, meg-ohm-meters, watt meters, and/or other specialized equipment for the purpose of troubleshooting and maintaining RAWS.
  • Maintains inventory control of Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) systems, sub-systems, and components.
  • Researches technical specifications, equipment configuration and installation plans to identify equipment and service requirements; and procures equipment and services.
  • Assists in the design of Remote Automatic Weather Station (RAWS) used in support of "all-risk" incidents.
  • Performs testing, acceptance, and user training for Remote Automatic Weather Stations (RAWS).

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Be sure to read the How to Apply and Required Documents Sections.
  • You cannot hold an active real estate license: nor can you have an interest or hold stocks in firms with interest in Federal Lands.
  • Direct Deposit Required.
  • Appointment will be subject to a favorably adjudicated background/suitability investigation/determination.
  • Your resume must contain enough information to show that you meet the qualification requirements as defined in the announcement. In addition, your responses to the questions must adequately reflect in your resume.
  • You must pass a pre-employment physical.
  • An applicant appointed to this position must possess (or obtain within 30 days of entrance on duty) and maintain a valid state driver's license while employed in this position.
  • May require completion of a one year probationary period.
  • Performs wildfire suppression support as directed, within training and physical capabilities.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience
In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the minimum qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience.

For GS-09: You must possess one year specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-8 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Experience in applying a wide range of technical methods, techniques, and principles of electronics and equipment sufficient to work with complex systems and/or subsystems; OR Experience and ability to interpret readings from diagnostic equipment to identify potential problem areas of remote sensing parameters and be able to troubleshoot moderately complex problems and apply corrective actions; OR Experience in computer application theory and programming characteristics, computer communications and the use of fault isolation software programs to assist in troubleshooting techniques. OR Experience in applying a wide range of technical methods, techniques, and principles of electronics and equipment sufficient to work with complex systems and/or subsystems.
OR
Education - Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electronics technology or a related field that is directly related to the work of the position.
OR
Combination of Education and Specialized Experience as described above.

For GS-10: You must possess one year specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-9 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Experience in performing maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, testing, calibration, installation, and design modification of a variety of electronic systems, equipment, and components AND Experience in coordinating internally and externally with other departments or agencies.

For GS-11: You must possess one year specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-10 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Experience in performing complex maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, testing, calibration, installation, and design modification of a variety of electronic systems, equipment, and components AND Experience in leadership duties, such as directing work to be accomplished and coordinating internally and externally with other departments or agencies.

Salary Information:
GS-9: $59,966 to $77,955
GS-10: $66,036 to $85,844
GS-11: $72,553 to $94,317

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 within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade requirement in accordance with 5 CFR 300.604. If you are a current Federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level.

If selected at the lower grade, subsequent promotion to the next grade level will be processed without further competition dependent upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.

Physical Demands: Duties involve routine and recurring lifting of moderately heavy items weighing up to 50lbs., occasionally, requires heavy lifting (75 lbs. or more), moving of equipment, installation of RAWS equipment. The incumbent will also be required to remove and replace intricate electronic and electro- mechanical components while looking through a magnifying glass.

Work Environment: The incumbent works primarily in an indoor electronics repair environment. Field work on occasions is hazardous requiring the incumbent to work in difficult operating conditions such as mountainous terrain or desert environments. Incumbent may be required to fly in helicopters to remote areas often under adverse weather conditions. Incumbent may also be exposed to severe
environmental conditions such as extremely hot or cold temperatures, along with rain, snow, wind, etc. The incumbent will carefully adhere to all safety procedures to mitigate hazards encountered.

Concurrent Announcement: This announcement is being advertised concurrently under number FAMP-24-12447076-LAS for status candidates and special hiring authority eligibles. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Incentives:
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment.

Education

Proof of Education:
All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name.
If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.

Pass/Fail Courses:
If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

Graduate Education:
One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

Foreign Education:
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

Verify Employment Eligibility (E-Verify):
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program(ICTAP):
CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources website at CTAP or ICTAP. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration or that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) This vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) You are found well qualified for this vacancy. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form.

CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they receive a minimum score of 90 based on the rating criteria used for this position.

Permanent Change in Station (PCS):
Travel and relocation expenses will be paid consistent with the Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302, and Departmental policy. Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. See "Other" section for additional information on 2017 Tax Cuts as related to Permanent Change in Station (PCS).

  • Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made taxable certain reimbursements and other payments, including driving mileage, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of those items. The Federal Travel Regulation Bulletin (FTR) 18-05 issued by General Services Administration (GSA) has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) and Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) to pay for "substantially all" of the increased tax liability resulting from the "2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" for certain eligible individuals. For additional information on WTA/RITA allowances and eligibilities, please visit:

https://www.gsa.gov/policy-regulations/regulations/federal-travel-regulation-ftr/i1182168#i1180710

Telework:
The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis. The selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

Alternative Application:
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document, you do not have in electronic form; view the following link for information regarding an Alternative Application

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be evaluated based on how your application materials reflect the qualification requirements of this position.

Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made. Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to measure the degree to which your background matches the requirements for this position. Qualified applicants will be placed in one of three predefined categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. However, your resume must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Candidates placed in the Best Qualified category will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be contacted for an interview.

Your responses to the online questionnaire will be used to evaluate your competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics) in the following area(s):

  • Electronics - Knowledge of electronic theory, circuits, components, and material properties (excluding computers).
  • Technology Application - Uses machines, tools, instruments or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format.
  • Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
  • Quality Assurance - Knowledge of the principles, methods, and tools of quality assurance, quality control, and reliability used to ensure that a project, system, or product fulfills requirements and standards.

The critical competencies listed above are required to successfully perform the job. Therefore, an additional assessment will be conducted to ensure they are met; a resume review panel of subject matter experts will review your application package and determine if you are best qualified or not. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be contacted for an interview

Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s).

You are welcome to submit an optional cover letter.

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