Lead Electronics Technician, GS 13 / Chicago Field Office (FBI Only)

Open to current , permanent FBI employees in all locations.
Opening Date: December 20, 2023
Closing Date: January 3, 2024 @ 11:59 pm (EST)
Questions regarding this opening should be directed to HR Specialist Crystal Gissy at CHaught2@fbi.gov .
Job Summary
Position:Lead Electronics Technician, GS 13
Division: Chicago Field Office
Location: Chicago, IL
Working Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (subject to change*)
* May be requested to work hours other than those to which normally assigned.
Salary:
GS 13: $109,732.00 - $142,650.00
Full Performance Level: GS 13
Number of Positions Available: 1
Duration: Full Time/Permanent
Additional selections may be made from this announcement to fill positions within the same division when the position includes substantially the same duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.
In the event selection(s) are made from this job announcement, job offers will be contingent upon the position becoming vacant.
Key Requirements

• Must be a current, permanent FBI employee.
• Must be able to obtain an SCI clearance.
• Must be able to pass a Fit for Duty physical exam.
• Selectee will be required to complete form FD-887, Request for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
• Must have (or be able to obtain) a valid driver's license.
• Some travel may be required.

Physical Demands
Work requires strenuous physical exertion such as climbing tall ladders or towers, long periods of standing, recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities; and recurring lifting heavy objects in excess of 50 pounds such as radio and related communications systems.
Work Environment
Work involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations such as electrical shocks, falls from high towers, inclement weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, and high winds), requiring a range of safety and other precautions, including accompaniment by another technician when performing duties considered hazardous to life and limb. Work under conditions of extreme stress and tension resulting from need to maintain equipment in optimum working condition.
Major Duties

• Assists in the selection and application of appropriate problem solving methods and techniques, provides advice on work methods, practices and procedures, and assists in identifying possible solutions.
• Maintains and provides upon request, program and administrative reference materials, project files, and relevant background documents; keeps current and provides advice on the procedures, policies, and directives; advises associates of policies, procedures, and written instructions received from the supervisor.
• Prepares reports and maintains records of work accomplishments and various administrative information; coordinates the preparation, and communication of work-related information to the supervisor.
• Estimates and reports to associates on progress towards meeting established milestones and deadlines for completion of assignments, project, and tasks. Ensures associates are aware of and participates in planning for achievement of goals and objectives.
• Monitors work conditions and ensures the appropriate safety measures are taken at all times.
• Assists in planning, organizing and managing the Field Office preventive and corrective maintenance programs. Routinely inspects and tests equipment/systems to ensure technical integrity, taking appropriate corrective action as required.
• Provides guidance to lower grade Electronics Technicians and has responsibility for their personal safety when working on high-voltage equipment. Inspects completed work, furnishes advice and assistance on technical equipment problems, and conducts on-the-job training in more complex technical work. Conducts training programs as necessary and affords instruction to Special Agent and support personnel on various types of equipment.
• Continuously reviews pertinent technical manuals to remain current with technology. Attends government-sponsored training classes.
• Coordinate with the Field Office SWAT team leader to ensure that communications equipment and needs for SWAT operations are addressed.

Additional Duties

• Diagnoses and troubleshoots problems involving all aspects of radio systems operations.
• Provides guidance/direction and/or instructs personnel within the Field Office or other agency.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with management, other Telecommunications Managers, OTD, Telecommunications Specialists, and Information Technology
• Specialists involved in related activities.
• Install and maintain different types of radio equipment used in radio networks, including base station equipment and portable transceivers installed at Field Offices and radio sites across the Division.
• Oversees preventive maintenance and repair.
• Monitors deployed systems to ensure that they are operating according to specifications and meet requirements.
• Writes code plug for conventional and trunk radio systems.

Qualifications and Evaluations
Please make sure your specialized experience/requirement(s) can be identified in your resume. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under the FBI's Candidate Rating Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement and will be compared to your responses to the online assessment questionnaire. High self-assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume, and/or supporting documents may eliminate you from Most Competitive status.
If you are deemed Most Competitive, you will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies:

• Communication
• Electronics
• Flexibility/Adaptability
• Initiative
• Organizing and Planning
• Problem Solving/Judgment

Specialized Experience Requirements
GS 13: Applicants must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS 12 grade level. Specialized Experience is defined as follows:

• Utilized test equipment and advanced techniques to perform installation, maintenance and repair tasks, and operational testing in each of the following areas: FM radio systems, data networks, and electronic physical security systems.
• Performed technician work involving AC and DC circuits that involve interpreting schematics, and the utilization/integration of various electronic components.
• Installed, maintained, repaired, and conducted operational testing of radio systems and related components, utilizing regular and highly specialized test equipment.
• Carried out the installation, replacement, and analysis of electronic security systems; making recommendations on design or alteration based on data collected through testing or other analytical methods.
• Provided physical installation and configuration of network devices (routers, switches, and encryption devices) that involve an understanding of IP network protocols, Virtual Private Networks, and sub-netting.
• Conducted a competent inspection, maintenance, and repair program to insure optimum operational capability of all electronic and electro-mechanical systems and equipment including stand-by and emergency equipment and/or systems.
• Provided advice and guidance to various levels of subordinate technical personnel regarding policy and regulations matters related to technical systems, operations and services.
• Created and delivered technical briefings and information, in both written and oral formats, to technical and non-technical personnel.

In addition to the above, must also possess leadership experience.
Education
Education may not be substituted for specialized experience.
How to Apply
For detailed instructions related to applying, uploading documents, withdrawing an application or updating your application, please review instructions on How to Apply. If applying online is a hardship, please use the contact information listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.
Required Documents
To apply to this position, interested applicants must provide a complete application package by the closing date which includes:

1. Your resume, specifically noting relevant work experience and associated start and end dates
2. A complete assessment questionnaire
3. Other supporting documents (if applicable):
   • Memorandum for Record (MFR)

Documents that were uploaded one or more years ago will need to be uploaded again. Although an applicant may see these documents within their current profile, the HR Specialists may not have access to view them. All applicants are being asked to upload another copy (if applicable) to ensure the staffing units can review the complete application.
You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. If applying online is a hardship, please contact the HR Specialist listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.
What to Expect Next
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your status throughout the process.
Additional Information

• Failure to provide necessary and relevant information required by this vacancy announcement may disqualify you from consideration. Additional information will not be requested if your application is incomplete. Your application will be evaluated solely on the basis of information you have submitted.
• As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
• Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing the other workplace safety protocols. Positions with fitness for duty requirements or those that require international travel may require proof of certain vaccinations.
• Limited Movement: Policy has been implemented wherein support employees entering a position through a competitive OR non-competitive action may be precluded from moving to another position within the Bureau by means of reassignment or change to lower grade for a minimum of 12 months. HRD will waive this limited movement policy for qualified employees, who have received an official notification letter that their current position is being relocated to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama by 2024, so those employees can compete for a position elsewhere.
• Probationary employees are precluded from being considered for all job opportunities until 12-months of their 24-month probationary period has concluded. Probationary employees may be considered for competitive vacancies that are advertised within their respective division or Field Office after serving 90 days within the FBI.
• Candidates will not be considered if currently on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP); a Letter of Requirement (LOR); or have failed a PIP or LOR and are currently awaiting the final action by HRD.

a. A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a 90-day written developmental plan for an employee whose performance on one or more critical elements is rated "Inconsistent."
b. Letter of Requirement (LOR) is issued when a supervisor identifies leave abuse and/or when frequent absences negatively impact operations of an office.

• Relocation expenses will be borne by the selectee, except FBI employees returning from LEGAT assignment. Employees returning from LEGAT assignments must advise the Staffing and Administrative / International Operations Division of their application for this position.
• Current tax law impacts your transfer by making your moving expense reimbursements taxable. Please contact HQ_DIV12_Online_Transfer_Issues for information regarding taxable expenses. For additional insight on the personal impact of the IRS tax rules, you may wish to contact the IRS or a tax professional. Federal Travel Regulation provides that the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) plus the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) are designed to "substantially reimburse" an employee for the additional Federal, State, and Local taxes associated with a change of duty station and the FBI has the authority to compensate employees through the WTA and RITA.
• Candidates receiving a transfer of physical location, whether at the expense of the FBI or not, will be required to complete a one year commitment to the assignment, prior to moving to a new position at the FBI. The 12-month waiting period begins the day an employee reports for duty at the new location.
• Employees selected for positions at the GS 12 level or higher, as well as employees selected for positions where a transfer of location is required, will be processed through the name check program prior to being notified of their selection.
• Memorandum for Record: Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on a SF-50, i. e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an i...