Summary Airway Transportation Systems Specialists-COMM at this level are recognized as the subject matter expert in their field. All duties of an ATSS are tied to maintaining safe and efficient operating capacity of the vast and complex network of electronics systems required for the world's largest air traffic control and navigation system. ATSS personnel install, evaluate, maintain, modify and certify facilities, services and equipment that support the National Airspace System. Responsibilities Serves as an ATSS with the Technical Support Operations Group. Performs a variety of functions directly related to the operation of the NAS. Responsibilities include integration, restoration, testing and evaluation of new advanced services or service components, hardware/software systems and processes. Applies comprehensive technical knowledge to protect the integrity of all components and systems to provide NAS service delivery. Has broad automated systems and networking responsibilities and is recognized as a principal technical specialist on legacy and newly developed systems within a large facility or multiple facilities over a large geographical area. The work performed at this level requires technical expertise on complex systems and/or emerging technology, systems interrelationships and management of the NAS. Performs work of broad scope and complexity with a high degree of independence. Provides the highest organizational level of technical support associated with analyzing, designing, developing, installing, repairing, fabricating, maintaining, modifying, or evaluating the most complex systems for which the FAA is responsible. As a principal specialist/expert for major projects and/or program areas resolves unique technical problems without managerial intervention, providing coordination and suggesting solutions. Plans, coordinates, and performs work with a high degree of independence, keeping the supervisor advised of only the most critical issues. Can be called upon to assist with repair and/or restore service or systems, providing guidance on the availability of back-up systems, recommending reconfiguration to minimize service interruptions to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the NAS. Carries out work in accordance with overall plans and objectives of the organization, resolving problems as they arise and making adjustments as necessary to handle unanticipated situations and organizational needs. This work includes responsibility for evaluating diagnostic data from multiple systems that are integrated to support a network of services or service products. Evaluation of this data is used for correcting deficiencies on Contractor Acceptance Inspection/Joint Acceptance Inspection, and timely resolution of equipment, systems or services with the NAS. Collaborates with system users, planners, engineers, and contractor personnel for the acceptance of new or modified systems and provide assistance for resolving problems with the installation or improvements. Develops recommendations for enhancing efficiency of systems by modification and application of existing or emerging technology. Monitors other employees time as a project or team leader. Identifies requirements (staffing funds, materials, and equipment) to accomplish projects and tracks the use of project resources. Provides training, mentoring, guidance and advice to FAA employees, contractors and other organizations as needed. Supervisor rarely reviews completed work. Integrates Operational Risk Management (ORM) into all planned activities ensuring that all customers and users of services are included and involved in implementation and planning. Utilizes appropriate Personal Safety Training and supplied Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when engaged in restoration and maintenance activities. Ensures all involved parties utilize PPE for the task appropriately. Contacts are both internal and external. Represents the organization as the primary technical point of contact on projects, programs, and other work activities to coordinate and implement plans or to obtain information and resolve problems. Performs other duties as assigned. Incumbent must possess a valid driver's license. Requirements Conditions of Employment We are not accepting applications from noncitizens. Qualifications To qualify for this position, candidate must show experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility that demonstrates an extensive amount of and experience in technology system interrelationships, and management of civilian or military automated aviation, navigation, and electronics systems. Generally, experience at the next lower level (Pay Band H/Level III or equivalent), meets the minimum qualifications for this position as long as the experience supports the DEMONSTRATED ABILITIES identified below. In addition to your resume, in the space provided under each Demonstrated Ability, you MUST provide a NARRATIVE justification on how you meet the this ability. The justification should be clear and concise, providing a description of your education, training, and experience that would describe the degree to which you possess each Demonstrated Ability listed below. Eligible candidates may be ranked based on demonstrated abilities. For assistance in responding to each of the Demonstrated Abilities "things to consider"/instructions have been provided for each of the demonstrated abilities at: https://employees.faa.gov/org/staffoffices/ahr/program\_policies/policy\_guidance/hr\_policies/media/AppendixVPromotionCriteria.pdf In addition to the minimum qualifications, the following has been determined to be a selective factor for this position. This means possession of this criterion is part of the minimum qualifications and is essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position. Applicants who do not possess this criterion are ineligible for further consideration. Experience with one or more of the following system(s) and service: COMM Equipment: Remote Comm Air/Ground (RCAG), Back-up Emergency Comm (BUEC), Remote Comm Outlet (RCO), Voice Recording Sys (VRS), Remote Transmitter/Receiver (RTR), Terminal Voice Switch (TVS), Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), Radio Comm Link (RCL); and Weather: VOR Test Facility, Runway Visual Range (RVR), FAA Telecommunication Infrastructure (FTI). Education Additional Information We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions. Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required. The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome. If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family. This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Narratives for Demonstrated Abilities are Mandatory. Failure to submit demonstrated abilities statements will prevent you from receiving further consideration. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you possess this type of experience at a later stage in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. Interviews: If one applicant is interviewed, all applicants must be interviewed. Temporary Position: This is a temporary position not-to-exceed two years (104 weeks); it may be extended, terminated, or made permanent without further competition at any time. Security Requirements: Moderate Risk (5): This position requires completion & favorable adjudication of a National Agency Check with Inquiry (NACI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained. Supervisor Endorsement: If your selection for this position would be considered a PROMOTION, then a Supervisory Endorsement is REQUIRED by the closing date of this announcement. The endorsement must be signed (wet/ink or digital signature), dated, and must include the vacancy announcement number. To obtain the Supervisory Endorsement form or memo, please contact your manager. NOTE: For ingrade/downgrade candidates, a supervisor's endorsement is not required. Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date of the announcement will result in in loss of consideration. FAA's Core Compensation Plan: This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation Pay Plan. Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA