Duties

Summary

The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

This is a Recent Graduates position in the Pathways Program which is initially located in the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET). Position may be rotated and reassigned throughout the agency.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

The incumbent of this position will receive on-the-job-training, will be a bargaining unit employee and be a part of the Federal Communications Commission's Office of Engineering and Technology. The incumbent will receive training on the agency's policy and rulemaking processes and other administrative processes for government agencies. The incumbent will receive technical training covering a wide variety of telecommunications services and technologies. The incumbent will receive training on engineering and policy principles relevant to the fast paced telecommunications industry. In this position, the incumbent may conduct and analyze basic engineering studies, telecommunication system proposals and/or telecommunications technology proposals in order to authorize new and innovative services. The incumbent will assist more senior staff in the analysis of petitions, requests for proposals before the FCC to determine viability and the need for FCC action. The incumbent may conduct studies and perform summaries and/or communicate findings with senior staff. The incumbent may prepare written material, including summaries, memorandum letters, E-mail correspondence and other written documents to individuals within and outside the agency.

The incumbent will be trained and may be tasked with performing propagation analysis of terrestrial, satellite and/or airborne systems or evaluating the emission characteristics of various transmitters to validate the co-existence with neighboring systems. Projects may also involve various computer software engineering and scientific applications. The incumbent will be required to effectively communicate with individuals within and outside the agency on a variety of topics related to the FCC and engineering principles. The incumbent will be required to assist and work with other FCC staff.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
11

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Education-Transcripts Required
• US Citizenship.
• Must have received qualifying degree within 2 years of appointment
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
• Position has educational/degree requirement. (See Qualifications Section)

Recent Graduates who obtained a qualifying associate, bachelors, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution, within the previous 2 years. (In support of Veterans Recruitment efforts, some exceptions to the 2-year window apply to veterans whose military service obligation precluded application during any portion of the 2-year application window.)

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must within the previous 2 years, have completed a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.

Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed 6 years from the date on which they completed their degree or certification.

If applying for consideration under a non-competitive appointment such as Schedule A, Excepted Service, all documentation establishing your eligibility must be provided.

College Transcripts (For Positive Education Required positions and if qualifying based on education and or experience and education.), if applicable.

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.

Preference eligible veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation may apply up to six years after degree or certification.

This is a Recent Graduates position in the Pathways Program. This program provides an entry-level developmental experience with the potential to lead to a career in the Federal Government after successfully completing the Program. Upon completion of the developmental program, Recent Graduate appointees may be non-competitively converted to a term or permanent position without further competition.

More information about the Recent Graduates Program can be found here: http://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads .

Qualifications

To qualify at the GS-5 Level: applicant must meet the basic requirements described in the individual occupational requirements to fully qualify for the specified entry grade GS-5 click on the following link:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf

To qualify for positions at the GS-7 level: in addition to meeting the basic requirements listed on the link above, you must also meet one of the following:

A. One year of professional experience in an appropriate field comparable in difficulty and responsibility to GS-5 level work in the Federal service. Applicants with an engineering degree who have appropriate experience as a technician equivalent to the GS-5 level or higher may have such experience credited for grade GS-7 only on a month-for-month basis up to a maximum of 12 months.

B. One full academic year of graduate education in an appropriate field. An academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. If that number cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered an academic year of graduate study. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.

C. Successful completion of a 5-year program of study of at least 160 semester hours leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering in an accredited college or university.

D. Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree that is fully qualifying for the position which meets the eligibility requirements under the Superior Academic Achievement provision. Superior Academic Achievement is based on: (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. 1. Class Standing: A standing in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses. 2. Grade-point average: a. A grade-point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on four years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; or b. a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field of study or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two years of the curriculum. 3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (other than freshman societies) that meet the requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies.

To qualify for positions at the GS-9 level: in addition to meeting the basic requirements listed on the link above, you must also meet one of the following:

A.One year of professional experience in an appropriate field comparable in difficulty and responsibility to GS-7 level work in the Federal Service. B. Two full academic year of graduate education leading to a master's degree in an appropriate field.

To qualify for positions at the GS-11 level: in addition to meeting the basic requirements listed on the link above, you must also meet one of the following:

A.One year of professional experience in an appropriate field comparable in difficulty and responsibility to GS-9 level work in the Federal Service.

B. Three full academic year of graduate education leading to a Ph.D degree in an appropriate field.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: To receive credit for education outside the U.S., you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.

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.

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the postion.

For the GS-7, specialized experience includes the following:

1. Assisting more experienced engineers

2. Conducting and analyzing basic engineering studies; and

3. Performing computer based projects using various software applications.

For the GS-9, specialized experience includes the following:

1. Assisting more experienced engineers

2. Conducting, analyzing, and write basic engineering studies; and

3. Performing computer based projects using various software applications.

For the GS-11, specialized experience includes the following:

1. Assisting more experienced engineers

2. Independently Conduct and analyze, and write basic engineering studies; and

3. Performing computer based projects using various software applications.

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.

Education

Degree Professional Engineering. To view qualifying educational requirements and/or combination of education and specialized experience click on the following link:

http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800

If you are qualifying based on positive education, 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.

Additional information

EEO Policy Statement Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement Veterans Information Legal and Regulatory Guidance

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

All applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position. 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 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.

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.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

***Your resume must clearly document how you meet the specialized experience in order to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this vacancy. Some positions require supplemental document(s). All required supporting documents MUST be received in the FCC'S Human Resources Office by midnight U.S. Eastern Time of the closing date of the announcement, as specified in this announcement. If you do not submit a required document (e.g. transcripts, etc.) your application will be considered incomplete and you will not receive further consideration. Additionally, you may not receive the special consideration, e.g. Vet's Preference, for which you may be eligible without the appropriate supporting documentation. Once you apply to this vacancy you will be prompted by the system to either upload the documents or print fax coversheets to fax the documents. The fax number will be listed on this sheet. If faxing, supplemental document(s) required should be faxed separately on the fax coversheet provided. Once faxed, you should receive an email confirmation within an hour. If you do not receive an email confirmation, your fax has not been successfully received and you should fax again. If you are unable to fax the required documentation, contact the Human Resources Office at 202-418-0130 prior to 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.***

Hardcopy Supplement Documents Required:

1. When the area of consideration is "Government-Wide" or "All U.S. Citizens." current Federal employees, including those eligible for noncompetitive transfer or reassignment, must provide a legible hardcopy of Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade along with your most recent annual performance appraisal.

2. ICTAP eligible candidates must submit a copy of their most recent annual performance appraisal (at least "Meets or Exceeds" or equivalent) and proof of eligibility such as a RIF separation notice or letter from OPM, or your agency documenting your priority consideration status. You must be rated fully qualified (a score of 80 or above) for the position.

3. If applying for consideration under a non-competitive appointment such as Schedule A, Excepted Service, all documentation establishing your eligibility must be provided.

4. Veterans MUST submit form DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," or an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form.

5. College Transcripts (For Positive Education Required positions and if qualifying based on education and or experience and education.), if applicable.

Preference eligible veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree due to military service obligation may apply up to six years after degree or certification.

This is a Recent Graduates position in the Pathways Program. This program provides an entry-level developmental experience with the potential to lead to a career in the Federal Government after successfully completing the Program. Upon completion of the developmental program, Recent Graduate appointees may be non-competitively converted to a term or permanent position without further competition.

More information about the Recent Graduates Program can be found here: http://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads .

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.