Technical Surveillance Specialist

Summary Serving as a Technical surveillance specialist (electronics specialist) in the Technical Operations Branch of the Special Operations Division (SOD). As such, he/she is an expert in the conduct of electronic/technical surveillance and is responsible for coordinating all technical activities relating to law enforcement clandestine technologies and operations at the ATF Headquarters program level and provides support to ATF field divisions and field offices. Duties Help The major duties of the Technical Surveillance Specialist position include, but are not limited to, the following: Serves as an expert source of technical electronics program knowledge and support for ATF Headquarters and field divisions. Develops operating guidance and maintenance procedures for Headquarters and field divisions. Attends and receives briefings concerning the objectives of specific investigations, available intelligence on the identified suspects, and the evidence collection requirements for the activity, all of which must be documented. Repairs systems and equipment to include detecting and diagnosing malfunctions, tearing down equipment, repairing or replacing parts or components, or aligning, calibrating and testing the modified or repaired equipment. Develops written operational plans that document the best technical electronic options for specific investigations. Reaching locations using a bucket truck and conducting techincal installations in a high-voltage environment. Requirements Help Conditions of employment The requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Key Requirements:Must be U.S. Citizen or National Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 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 subject to random drug test. Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation. You must meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements by the closing of this announcement. Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines. Required to have or obtain and continue to maintain a Contracting Officers Representative (COR) certification. Must operate a government-owned vehicle. Although not required, applicants with advanced law enforcement electronic training are highly desirable. MOBILITY PLAN: 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 will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position. Qualifications To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) by the closing dated of this announcement. Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume. Specialized experience includes: Requires significant expertise and a professional knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, techniques, uses, and operation of electronic/technical surveillance equipment, and demonstrated experience indicating use of complex ES investigative techniques. Must possess demonstrated experience in technical support and use of ES equipment; AND Working knowledge of electronic equipment design, development, evaluation, testing, installation, operation, and maintenance; AND Designing and analyzing circuits; determining design feasibility, evaluating equipment performance under varying environmental conditions, and collecting performance data; AND Analyzing and diagnosing faults in the operational configuration of electronic systems and equipment and abilityto interpret circuit wiring and ability to troubleshoot various systems. NOTE: Applicants with documented technical surveillance, basic technical operator certifications, training in and/or experience with the application of electronic surveillance technologies in a law enforcement environment are highly desirable. The selectee is required to adhere to the policy and training requirements in ATF O 3260.2A Certified Technical Operator Program to remain in good standing as a Technical Surveillance Specialist and is also is required to obtain and continue to maintain a Contracting Officers Representative (COR) certification to serve as a COR. Position requires moderate to heavy lifting, climbing high ladders and antenna towers, reaching locations via an aerial lift (e.g. bucket truck), bending, crouching, etc. These activities occur over prolonged periods of time during the installation, repair, and removal of surveillance systems in field environments. Installation, maintenance, and repair activities often take place outdoors or in isolated areas. May frequently be required to work outdoors under a variety of climatic conditions. AUO is a category of premium pay that generally applies when you are responsible for recognizing, without supervision, circumstances that require you to remain on duty to complete specific work assignments on a routine, ongoing basis. AUO pay is a substitute form of payment for irregular, unscheduled overtime work and is paid annually instead of hourly. AUO pay is determined as a percentage, not less than 10% no more than 25% of the rate of your annual adjusted rate of pay and is fixed by law or administrative action for the position. Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted. Additional information 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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division. Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. Reasonable Accommodation:ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at (202) 648-8760 or send an email to . The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis. Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: 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.

Created: 2026-03-10