Senior Field Surveillance Electronics Specialist

Summary

This position serves as a technical surveillance specialist (electronics specialist) in a field division office in the Office of Field Operations (FO), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The incumbent is responsible for coordinating all technical activities related to law enforcement clandestine technologies and operations in the field division and often throughout the United States.

• Serves as an expert source of technical electronics program knowledge and support for an assigned field division. Designs, acquires, assembles, modifies, tests and prepares technical surveillance equipment for installation.
• Develops operating guidance and maintenance procedures for field offices throughout the field division and at times throughout FO. Testifies on behalf of the Federal Government in criminal prosecutions.
• Attends and receives briefings concerning the objectives of specific investigations, available intelligence on identified suspects, and the evidence collection requirements for the activity, documenting all provided options and recommendations. Reviews affidavits and court orders prior to conducting technical surveillance activities. Assists AUSAs in the preparation of applications and court orders. Develops written operational plans that document the best technical electronic options for the specific investigations.
• Repairs systems and equipment, including detecting and diagnosing malfunctions, tearing down equipment, repairing or replacing parts or components, and aligning, calibrating and testing the modified or repaired equipment.
• Conducts covert installations in a variety of locations, including high‑voltage environments, and directly accompanies, participates and assists authorized personnel in making court‑authorized entries onto a suspect's property to install, adjust, repair and/or recover surveillance units. Accesses elevated or restricted locations to conduct technical surveillance installations, including work in hazardous environments.

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on or after December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• May be required to serve a one‑year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and be subject to random drug testing.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• Must meet all applicable time‑in‑grade requirements by the closing of this announcement.
• Financial disclosure may be required in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan facilitates the movement of employees through special short‑term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement will be removed from the hiring process.

This is a non‑bargaining unit position.

To qualify for this position at the GS‑13 level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS‑12) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience includes:

• Demonstrating experience planning, deploying, operating, and supporting technical surveillance equipment in a law‑enforcement environment.
• Conducting site surveys; installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electronic surveillance systems.
• Applying audio, video, tracking, and network‑based technologies.
• Ensuring compliance with legal authorities governing surveillance activities.
• Ability to support criminal investigations through the use of technical surveillance techniques and to operate in covert or sensitive operational environments.

NOTE:

Applicants with documented technical surveillance certifications, technical operator training, or experience applying electronic surveillance technologies in a law‑enforcement environment are highly desirable.

The selectee is required…