Job Details
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
2026-04-01 Air National Guard Knoxville,TN
Description:
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Conditions of employment
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0391, Telecommunications Series.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: Experience in telecommunications theories, concepts, principles, and practices, procedures, policies, standards, operational requirements; and of operational and performance characteristics of satellite telecommunications and broadcast technologies to develop procedures, policies, and practices, including the theory of electronics, fiber optics, amplifiers, principles of computers, interpreting publications, blueprints, wiring and logic diagrams, and schematics; communications theory; principles of fixed and transportable wideband and earth terminal communications systems and equipment, and their operational procedures; satellite orbital mechanics; data analysis procedures; test equipment and circuit analysis; principles of multiplexing, analog to digital conversion, digital data transmission; networks associated with multichannel equipment; installing and testing practices; voice and data communication equipment; and Defense Communications Agency technical and satellite control and testing procedures. Experience with performance characteristics of telecommunications equipment, systems, services, and transmission media to evaluate new devices, proposals, and approaches. Experience with television production, broadcast operations, television programming principles, remote delivery of audio-video input, audio & video conferencing operations, as well as computer hardware and software networking principles, including knowledge in design, development, and construction of interactive television classrooms.
OR
EDUCATION: Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. with a major study in electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, public utilities, statistics, computer science, telecommunications management, information systems management, business administration, industrial management, or other fields related to the position to be filled.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Extensive knowledge of a wide range of telecommunications theories, concepts, principles, practices, procedures, policies, standards, operational requirements and of operational and performance characteristics of satellite telecommunications and broadcast technologies to gather and analyze and present data to make effective recommendations, procedures, policies, and practices changes. In addition, have an in-depth understanding in the theory of electronics, including fiber optics, amplifiers, principles of computers; interpreting publications, blueprints, wiring and logic diagrams, and schematics; communications theory; data analysis procedures; test equipment and circuit analysis; principles of multiplexing, analog to digital conversion, digital data transmission; networks associated with multichannel equipment; installing and testing current broadcast television equipment specifications, capabilities, costs, technologies, and techniques in order to design, coordinate, plan and resolve well defined and/or difficult requirements for equipment, systems, and services dealing with TV, transmitter, and satellite communications technologies.
2. Completion of a formal course in television systems maintenance from an industry-recognized school (such as those found within DOD requiring over 1,000 hours of instruction) requiring knowledge of performance characteristics of telecommunications equipment, systems, services, and transmission media to evaluate new devices, proposals, and approaches.
3. Extensive experience of television production, broadcast operations, television programming principles, remote delivery of audio-video input as well as computer hardware and software networking principles, including knowledge in design, development, and construction of interactive television classroom, broadcast booth, and satellite operations center.
4. Extensive experience (at least five years is preferable) as a broadcast engineer in maintaining a television broadcasting network using High-Definition TV digital compression. Expert knowledge of all types of telecommunications, including terrestrial, streaming, and live delivery is essential.
5. Extensive knowledge of setting up, or set up and operating audiovisual equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, computers, interconnecting equipment, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for training classrooms, events, and/or conferences.
6. A certification to operate Cad design and documentation software is desired along with and experience in designing and creating detailed three-dimensional drawings and architecture floor plans of video production equipment and facilities.
7. Practical knowledge of computer applications, computer networking, and IT principles is required. Experience with word processors, automated spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and databases methods to install, configure, test, and implement modifications and to interface hardware and software programs with operating systems is a must.
8. Ability to perform formalized instruction on telecommunication operations, design, theories, and equipment.
9. Strong interpersonal skills. Incumbent works with individuals of all ranks and positions.
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.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Marketing Message:
The mission of the United States Air Force is: To fly, fight, and win...Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:
Additional information
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Summary
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as Telecommunications Specialist/Broadcast Engineer for theANGs Training and Education Centers (TEC) Warrior Network (WN) and serve as audiovisual specialist for TEC campus.
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Duties
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- Serve as Broadcast Engineer for TEC TV studios.
- Serve as technical advisor for the ANG's WN.
- Serve as Audiovisual Specialist for TEC campus.
- Provide engineering support for various TEC, ANGRC, and DoD conferences/events.
- Serve as the computer-based design system operator for TEC/PCE Transmission Branch.
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Conditions of employment
- U.S. Citizenship Required
- Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
- If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at:
- This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
- Disclosure of Political Appointments
- Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
- Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
- The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
- Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station.
- The employee may be required to travel on military and commercial aircraft.
- Recall to duty may be a requirement of this position.
- Overtime and/or emergency overtime may be required.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.
In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions to include the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for the GS-0391, Telecommunications Series.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: Experience in telecommunications theories, concepts, principles, and practices, procedures, policies, standards, operational requirements; and of operational and performance characteristics of satellite telecommunications and broadcast technologies to develop procedures, policies, and practices, including the theory of electronics, fiber optics, amplifiers, principles of computers, interpreting publications, blueprints, wiring and logic diagrams, and schematics; communications theory; principles of fixed and transportable wideband and earth terminal communications systems and equipment, and their operational procedures; satellite orbital mechanics; data analysis procedures; test equipment and circuit analysis; principles of multiplexing, analog to digital conversion, digital data transmission; networks associated with multichannel equipment; installing and testing practices; voice and data communication equipment; and Defense Communications Agency technical and satellite control and testing procedures. Experience with performance characteristics of telecommunications equipment, systems, services, and transmission media to evaluate new devices, proposals, and approaches. Experience with television production, broadcast operations, television programming principles, remote delivery of audio-video input, audio & video conferencing operations, as well as computer hardware and software networking principles, including knowledge in design, development, and construction of interactive television classrooms.
OR
EDUCATION: Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. with a major study in electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, public utilities, statistics, computer science, telecommunications management, information systems management, business administration, industrial management, or other fields related to the position to be filled.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Extensive knowledge of a wide range of telecommunications theories, concepts, principles, practices, procedures, policies, standards, operational requirements and of operational and performance characteristics of satellite telecommunications and broadcast technologies to gather and analyze and present data to make effective recommendations, procedures, policies, and practices changes. In addition, have an in-depth understanding in the theory of electronics, including fiber optics, amplifiers, principles of computers; interpreting publications, blueprints, wiring and logic diagrams, and schematics; communications theory; data analysis procedures; test equipment and circuit analysis; principles of multiplexing, analog to digital conversion, digital data transmission; networks associated with multichannel equipment; installing and testing current broadcast television equipment specifications, capabilities, costs, technologies, and techniques in order to design, coordinate, plan and resolve well defined and/or difficult requirements for equipment, systems, and services dealing with TV, transmitter, and satellite communications technologies.
2. Completion of a formal course in television systems maintenance from an industry-recognized school (such as those found within DOD requiring over 1,000 hours of instruction) requiring knowledge of performance characteristics of telecommunications equipment, systems, services, and transmission media to evaluate new devices, proposals, and approaches.
3. Extensive experience of television production, broadcast operations, television programming principles, remote delivery of audio-video input as well as computer hardware and software networking principles, including knowledge in design, development, and construction of interactive television classroom, broadcast booth, and satellite operations center.
4. Extensive experience (at least five years is preferable) as a broadcast engineer in maintaining a television broadcasting network using High-Definition TV digital compression. Expert knowledge of all types of telecommunications, including terrestrial, streaming, and live delivery is essential.
5. Extensive knowledge of setting up, or set up and operating audiovisual equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, computers, interconnecting equipment, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for training classrooms, events, and/or conferences.
6. A certification to operate Cad design and documentation software is desired along with and experience in designing and creating detailed three-dimensional drawings and architecture floor plans of video production equipment and facilities.
7. Practical knowledge of computer applications, computer networking, and IT principles is required. Experience with word processors, automated spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and databases methods to install, configure, test, and implement modifications and to interface hardware and software programs with operating systems is a must.
8. Ability to perform formalized instruction on telecommunication operations, design, theories, and equipment.
9. Strong interpersonal skills. Incumbent works with individuals of all ranks and positions.
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.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Marketing Message:
The mission of the United States Air Force is: To fly, fight, and win...Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:
- AF DCIPS Interchange
- AF Internal Employee
- EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
- Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
- Land Management Employee
- Military Spouse Preference
- PPP DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians
- PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
- PPP Mil Res (MR) and Nat Guard (NG) Pref Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement
- Veterans Employment Opportunities Act
Additional information
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.