Duties

Summary

This position is located in the Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, Washington, DC or Various locations throughout the US.

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

Multiple vacancies: Washington, DC and Columbia, MD

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

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.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
15

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Education-Transcripts Required
• Must submit a financial disclosure statement upon assuming the position.
• Serve a probationary period of one year, if applicable.
• US Citizenship.
• Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
• 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.

A writing sample may be requested.

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.

Specialized Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade level in the Federal service. For this position, specialized experience includes the following:

GS-14 Specialized Experience: You must have one year specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level, 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 position. Specialized experience includes:

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

Determining risks associated with human exposures and equipment operating parameters to develop technical standards;

Developing measurement procedures for compliance of equipment subject to Commission regulations for RF exposure;

Supporting industry standards activities concerning Radio Frequency (RF) exposure requirements and measurement procedures;

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: You must have one year specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-14 grade level, 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 position. Specialized experience includes:

Performing and directing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) measurements;

Developing and managing measurement procedures for compliance of equipment subject to Commission regulations for RF exposure;

Participating and supporting industry standards activities concerning Radio Frequency (RF) exposure requirements and measurement procedures;

Performing and directing a variety of radio frequency (RF) spectrum management and telecommunications systems studies and analyses, for example, RF exposure, operating frequencies, power and emissions;

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;

Analyzing RF technologies or applications to identify issues regarding their impacts on use of the radio spectrum and safety;

Reviewing, advising and resolving problems related to regulatory matters associated with RF exposure.

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.

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

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/
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 or Those with Foreign education, click here .

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

THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSITIONS WITHIN 90 DAYS.

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 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.

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

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.

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

• Knowledge of radio frequency exposure 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) of cellular/PCS handsets and IEEE 802.11 wireless network devices.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
Yes

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.

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.