Clarification from the agency

Open to the Public-All US Citizens

As the Chief of the Spectrum Policy Branch, the incumbent is responsible for planning and directing spectrum management and equipment authorization security-related activities to ensure compliance with major Commission policy decisions.

Plans and directs the Branch functions. Determines, within overall mission, the proportion of total Branch resources to be devoted to individual activities. Considers Commission and Office policies and objectives, and branch workload, to establish Branch priorities. Evaluates need for and develops justification for funding, personnel, and other resources. Continually evaluates progress through discussion with subordinates and review of reports and presentations and takes necessary action to redefine goals, reallocate resources, or otherwise expedite progress. Identifies actions to improve efficiency and economy of operations. Directs daily work operations.

Stays abreast of engineering, technical, and legal developments affecting spectrum allocation and equipment authorization security matters by reviewing court and Commission decisions, legislation, professional publications, and trade press. Researches legislation, decisions, opinions, and regulations. Recommends spectrum allocation and rulemaking priorities and strategies to the Division Chief and coordinates activities with other affected Bureaus and Offices to ensure consistent application of relevant provisions of the Communications Act and the Commission's rules, policies, and orders. Keeps apprised of developments throughout the Commission having potential impact on the Office of Engineering and Technology and the Policy and Rules Division and changes in Commission policy and administrative requirements. Advises the Division Chief on matters having policy implications or significant impact on Division or Office activities.

Plans, directs, and supervises the conduct of special and highly complex projects of major technical and regulatory significance, as assigned by the Division Chief. Such projects include preparation of reports for Congressional committees and the review of legislation uniquely related to the functions of the Division, review and development of recommendations concerning the disposition of matters arising under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Privacy Act, and the Commission's implementing rules. Oversees the preparation of periodic information bulletins to illuminate issues and regulatory alternatives, providing procedural assistance to the public for complaint resolution matters before the Commission, and alerting the private sector of technical activities affecting their interests.

Prepares written product suitable for review, adoption, and release by the Division, Office, and/or the Commission. Ensures that such items are legally and technically sound, are well organized, and comply with accepted grammatical and writing conventions. Directs Branch staff in the preparation of such work product, providing
guidance and editing as necessary, but also engages in independent drafting as necessary to accomplish this objective.

Performs day-to-day supervisory functions including the establishment of performance standards, the review of work performance, and initiation of action for promotions, reassignments, disciplinary action, and awards. Interviews and selects candidates to fill Branch vacancies. Counsels employees on human resources
management issues. Identifies the requirement for and schedules formal training and ensures that orientation and on-the-job training is provided when needed. Applies equal employment policies in all phases of human resources management and takes affirmative action in accordance with Commission and Bureau goals. Keeps employees advised on all matters affecting their employment, consulting with staff offices and union officials for engineering and technical assistance when required.

Conditions of employment

• Bar Membership Documentation Required Upon Selection.
• Education-Transcripts Required Upon Selection.
• US Citizenship.
• Ability to pass background check for security clearance required.
• Serve a probationary period of one year, if applicable.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Financial disclosure statement may be required upon assuming the position.
• Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status
• SF-50 Documenting One Year of Time in Grade Required
• Drug Testing Required

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.

SF-50 Required: ALL FCC EMPLOYEES AND CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade.  If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible. To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov

Qualifications

Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Professional law experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

In order to be deemed as "BEST QUALIFIED" candidates must meet both the educational requirements AND the Specialized Experience.

A. Education

You must meet the minimum basic educational requirements for Attorney positions. Education requirements include:  a professional law degree JD, LL.B., and/or LL.M. 

NOTE-If you do not provide a transcript at the time of application, a transcript will be required to be provided at the time of selection.

AND

B. Specialized Experience

GS-15

Applicants must have a minimum of 4 years of professional law experience, including one year of specialized experience which must be equivalent to at least the GS-14 in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following:

• Experience leading staff/teams.
• Experience planning and directing spectrum management and equipment authorization security-related activities.
• Experience recommending spectrum allocation and rulemaking priorities and strategies.
• Experience preparing legally sound, written work product, providing guidance and editing as necessary.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE:  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.

How you will be evaluated

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

All candidates will be considered without regard to political or religious affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap, age, or any other non-merit factor.  THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

All applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position.  Applicants who do not submit a supporting resume will be rated ineligible. 

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

1.  the core questions
2.  supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, transcripts, bar membership); 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

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

• Ability to plan and direct spectrum management and equipment authorization security-related activities.
• Ability to lead a team.
• Ability to prepare written, legally sound documents.
• Ability to recommend spectrum allocation and rulemaking priorities and strategies.
• Ability to plan and oversee complex projects.