Duties

Essential duties of this position include:

• Providing IT solutions including, installing, and maintaining various classified and unclassified telecommunications and computer networks in order to provide reliable, modern digital and voice information processing, distribution, and storage for formal and informal communications.
• Providing applications support including remote and on-site IT support for Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) applications and Department of State and post-specific applications.
• Supporting the Department's IT projects involving its global IT infrastructure (e.g., Enterprise Integration & Remediation, telecommunications circuit upgrades, IT Modernization, etc.) in order to meet the IT demands of the Department.
• Serving as technical advisor to the IT management and other offices and bureaus concerning technical specialty, equipment selection, installation, and maintenance programs to provide cost-effective, user-friendly communications solutions to the Foreign Affairs community abroad.
• Performing frequent, intensive international travel to provide regional support, VIP travel support, and global crisis support, including planning travel, filing trip reports, and escorting classified equipment.
• Supporting building, moving, and renovation of diplomatic posts, including gathering requirements, performing site surveys, producing a statement of work, generating cost estimates, developing Bill of Materials, and supporting or installing communications infrastructure backbone.
• Deploying new communications solutions such as communications products and support worldwide connectivity, including leading installation teams and training IT professionals and end users.
• Providing on-going technical support by maintaining resource kits, maintaining parts inventory, performing preventative maintenance, maintaining standard operating procedures, identifying and resolving problems (including both initial and in-depth support), replacing equipment and parts, and tracking problems.
• Providing customer/post support including upgrading communications, coordinating circuit restoration, maintaining correct operating environment, promulgating best practices, negotiating contracts, performing acceptance testing, monitoring communications contracts, and assisting local procurement.
• Monitoring and implementing security controls including protecting classified material, auditing, assessing information security, reviewing telecommunications security, maintaining internal controls, reporting incidents, counseling users, and researching incidents.
• Serving as a member of the information management team including supporting organizational performance, managing individual performance, maintaining inventory, keeping records, instructing junior staff, and representing the Department.
• Performing other duties such as observing safety regulations and gaining and maintaining certifications in the specialty.

Physical Requirements:

Some of the essential functions of the job have a physically demanding component. IMTS-UCs periodically may perform work that requires regular and recurring periods of prolonged standing, bending, and stretching. At times, they may perform work at construction sites with ambient noise and other environmental factors. They may frequently be required to:

• Work in confined areas such as crawlspaces, attics, utility pits, tunnels, manholes and other confined spaces.
• Work from heights to include rooftops, ledges, bucket trucks, scaffolding, and extension ladders.
• Perform manual installation operations to include hammer drilling, core drilling, pulling wire and cable, running and installing conduit and terminating various cables.
• Move and handle heavy objects such as crates, equipment racks and other building materials as required.
• Open shipping crates; perform proper inventory of the contents while noting/reporting deficiencies.
• Follow established safety regulations, and NEC electrical codes work in and around electrical service panels and Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS) units. These duties include changing batteries, taking electrical measurements, and making appropriate electrical connections.
• Withstand challenging physical stress involved with lack of sleep, extremes of heat or cold, and extensive travel.

IMTS-UCs must be able to work independently without supervision, often act as their own technical engineers and be innovative, especially at isolated overseas posts. Frequently, they make on-site repairs or devise novel solutions to equipment problems in the field. They may be required, to work on equipment outside their area of specialty, such as radio equipment, and are required to travel frequently, often on short notice. They may be required to travel more than 50 percent of the time from a regional office to constituent posts and may also be required to travel to locations where hazardous conditions exist.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service.*
• Be able to obtain a Top Secret - SCI Security Clearance.
• Be able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance.
• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
• Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
• Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***

Foreign Service Information Management Technical Specialists - Unified Communications (IMTS-UC) are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of a wide range of digital and telephone equipment, circuits and datacryptors.

After a two-month orientation and broad training in Washington, D.C., an IMTS-UC can be assigned to one of the core or satellite overseas locations, as well as domestically in places such as Washington, D.C. or Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, from which they travel extensively and often on short notice.

Qualifications

* U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States - either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization.

**The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/ .

***For more information about Veteran's Preference and how it is applied in the Selection Process, please visit: http://careers.state.gov/faqs/faqs-wiki/are-veterans-given-hiring-preference-

Specialized Technical Experience includes the following:

Individuals in these positions need to have specialized experience in applying broad technical knowledge and have hands-on experience in one or more areas on specific systems or applications. The work requires knowledge of customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate in evaluating, analyzing, planning, installing, operating, maintaining, managing, or improving one or more of the following: LAN/MAN/WAN environments, WIFI, communications protocols to include comprehensive technical experience with cellular/mobile networks, substantial IT help desk/customer service experience, TCP/IP, VPN, VoIP and Ethernet, high-speed circuits (T1, E1), commercial satellite terminal, Cisco and Juniper switches and routers, CSU/DSU, modems, fiber optics, peripheral devices and associated cryptographic systems, and traditional telephone PBX systems. These include Avaya/Nortel PBX systems, VoIP systems and peripherals (call accounting, voice mail and threat recording systems). Individuals must be knowledgeable in the use of associated test equipment for testing and trouble resolution.

IMTS-UC must have in-depth technical knowledge of VoIP and other computer-based, office telephone exchanges and systems, an understanding of fiber optical cables, media cables such as CAT5 and CAT6, and familiarity with installing and terminating all in accordance with building industry standards.

Desired Experience: Experience on AT&T, Avaya/Nortel, CISCO, or similar digital telephone switching equipment is desirable. Experience installing and repairing cryptographic equipment, and knowledge of Tempest Standards and Red/Black installation criteria. Applicants should possess a working knowledge of current Windows Server and Windows 10 client technology, MS Office Suite MS Exchange (Outlook), SharePoint administration, Linux, SQL, Oracle and Citrix experience. Microsoft certified professionals (MCSA, MTA) are preferred. Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Installer Level 2, BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer, and familiarity with EIA/TIA grounding systems standards is also desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Expert knowledge of complex digital and voice communications systems to include classified and unclassified computers, printers, modems, multiplexers, fiber optic isolation devices, Local and Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN) systems, satellite communication systems, cryptographic systems, and building electrical wiring, power distribution boxes, and electrical codes.

Knowledge of information technology, including processes, design, technical specifications, diagnostic tools, repair techniques, safety principles, security, problem/resolution tracking procedures, customer service techniques, laws and regulations, and instruction techniques.

Specialized skill in problem recognition, rule application, troubleshooting and problem solving, providing technical assistance over a variety of media, customer service, self-management, stress tolerance, learning and keeping abreast of a rapidly changing field, electrical work, inductive reasoning, and deductive reasoning.

General skill in systems evaluation, equipment selection, installation, repairing, equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, systems analysis, operations analysis, operations monitoring, quality control analysis, mathematics, science, technology design, active listening, speaking, reading comprehension, writing, active learning, critical thinking, complex problem solving, judgment and decision making, instructing, persuasion, coordination, time management, service orientation, management of material resources, and management of personnel resources.

Ability to maintain attention for extended periods or work long hours; tolerate heat, cold, noise, or pollution; bend, stretch, stoop, twist, or reach; lift, push, pull, carry, climb ladders, or balance; perform movements repeatedly or continually, including the ability to stand for extended periods or take frequent extended trips by plane or car; and hear speech or other sounds at construction sites with ambient noise and other environmental factors that are typical for such sites.

Other requirements include: the ability to adapt to changing physical environments, work with differing levels of technology, and keep abreast of the latest developments and innovations in the IT field, cross-cultural awareness, tolerance of intensive world travel, tolerance for working overseas, worldwide availability, tolerance of living away from family, tolerance of varying work environments, attention to detail, dependability, teamwork and cooperation, flexibility in changing work team roles, and integrity.

Successful Foreign Service Specialists must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity and succinctness).

Education

At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-05 grade:

• HS Diploma or GED Certificate and 5 years of Specialized Experience; or
• AA or AS in an IT field and 2 years of technical experience or IT work experience; or
• BA or BS or higher degree in an IT field and 1 year of technical communications experience or IT work experience; or
• BA or BS or higher degree in non-IT field and 3 years of technical communications experience or IT work experience; or
• Served in a US Military IT Specialty Code, or Civil Service IT specialty, or as an IT contractor to the USG, and 2 years Specialized Experience. At the time of application, you must provide your DD-214 clearly showing one of the U.S. military branches specialty codes or designators and specialty title, and your Military training report with the title of training. A list containing U.S. military occupational specialty codes or designators is provided for your reference only - please note that this list is not all-inclusive.

At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-04 grade:

• HS Diploma or GED Certificate and 5 years of Specialized Experience; and 1 current certification in an IT-related field (for example: BICSI/INST*, BICSI/RCDD, Avaya CS1000, Aura, CISCO Collaboration, CISCO ICND*, Nortel, LAN/WAN industry-standard certification); or
• AA or AS in an IT field and 4 years of technical experience or IT work experience; or
• BA or BS in an IT-related field and at least 3 years of Specialized Experience; or
• BA or BS or higher in a non-IT field and 5 years of specialized experience, and 1 current certification in an IT-related field (for example: BICSI/INST*, BICSI/RCDD, Avaya CS1000, Aura, CISCO Collaboration, CISCO ICND*, Nortel, LAN/WAN industry-standard certification); or
• MA or MS or higher in an IT-related field and at least 1 year of Specialized Experience; or
• Served in a US Military IT Specialty Code, or Civil Service IT specialty, or as an IT contractor to the USG, and 3 years of Specialized Experience. At the time of application, you must provide your DD-214 clearly showing one of the U.S. military branches specialty codes or designators and specialty title, and your Military training report with the title of training. A list containing U.S. military occupational specialty codes or designators is provided for your reference only - please note that this list is not all-inclusive.

IT-related degree must be in the following: Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Science, IT Management, Telecommunications Management, Information Systems, Information Security, or other related fields.

You must submit a copy of your university transcript(s), your U.S. military training certification/training report and DD-214, and/or your technical/product certificates . If you do not submit this documentation to demonstrate your educational achievements your candidacy will not continue.

Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application. Transcripts must include your name, the school's name, the degree and date awarded and have no missing pages. A transcript missing any of these elements or missing any pages will not pass the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level .

Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.

Education completed in foreign high schools, colleges, or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue.

For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education . The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.

OPM: www.opm.gov
U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov

Additional information

*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) - Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.

U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States - either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee's information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.

**The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/ .

***For more information about Veteran's Preference and how it is applied in the selection process, please visit: http://careers.state.gov/faqs/faqs-wiki/are-veterans-given-hiring-preference-

No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.

A Foreign Service Specialist separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 may not re-apply to be a Foreign Service Specialist in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.

The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department at ReasonableAccommodations@state.gov, within one week of receiving their invitation to the oral assessment. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.