Telecommunications Specialist

Summary

Organizational

Location:

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Information and Technology, Field Support Directorate East Texas Region and Southwest Regions, located in Harlingen, TX or Tucson, AZ.

Location Preference:
You may select one location where you would be willing to work. The position starts at a salary of $61,722.00 (GS‑09, Step
1) to $97,087.00 (GS‑11, Step 10) with promotion potential to $ (GS‑12, Step 10).

Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Information and Technology will allow you to use your communication skills to design, develop, and monitor voice, data, and video surveillance systems. In this role you will coordinate and conduct performance measurements on new and advanced wireless telecommunication equipment and techniques. Typical work assignments include:

• Installing, troubleshooting, repairing, redesigning, and maintaining telecommunications systems.
• Configuring and maintaining telecommunication networks and applications, such as intrusion detection systems, land, mobile radio communication, and video surveillance.
• Resolving telecommunication equipment failure and unsatisfactory performance problems.
• Providing recommendations and proposals on new and advanced equipment and techniques based on performance capabilities, limitations, and cost.

• Assisting with the installation of new standardized telecommunications equipment.
• Assisting with training to users on telecommunications systems and services.
• Configuring and maintaining telecommunication networks and applications.
• Assisting with designs, development, monitoring, coordination, and completion of technical evaluations on voice communications systems.

• Maintaining telecommunication system performance through use of established tools and instructions.
• Installing, configuring, troubleshooting, repairing, maintaining, and operational testing of telecommunications systems including voice communications, telecommunications, stationary and mobile video and radar surveillance systems, microwave systems, fiber optic equipment, wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), switched equipment, intrusion detection and access control systems.
• Assisting with the installation of permanent and temporary tower related equipment, such as antennas, transmission lines, emergency generators, RF/Wireline and AC polyphaser grounding rods and other peripheral site equipment as required.
• Monitoring and alerting telecommunication managers regarding deterioration in system performance.

Education substitution requirements for GS‑09 and GS‑11 are described in the qualifications section. A graduate degree in electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, public utilities, statistics, computer science, telecommunications management, information systems management, business administration, industrial management, or a related field is preferred.

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
• All pre‑employment processes are conducted in English.
• Background investigation and security clearance required.
• Compliance with CBP's Drug‑Free Workplace Plan and equal employment opportunity policies.

• Possession of a valid state driver’s license at the time of appointment (commercial driver’s license may be required).
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Potential for overtime exceeding the 40‑hour work week.
• On‑call requirements up to 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
• Possibility of international duty assignments requiring a passport.
• Physical demands include climbing ladders, towers, and other structures and lifting equipment in excess of 50 pounds.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees. Requests for accommodations for assessments must be submitted prior to the assessment. DHS is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a safe and accessible workplace for all.