IT SPECIALIST

Summary

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO), Enterprise Security Services Division.

The primary purpose of this position is tot serve as an IT Specialist technical expert who is responsible for extremely complex, state-of-the-art systems administration functions.

Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Duties

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As a IT SPECIALIST, GS-2210-13, your typical work assignments may include the following:

• Serving as a technical expert responsible for analyzing and verifying the feasibility of advanced systems design and integration within established and planned frameworks; evaluates technological advancements and determines optimum hardware and software requirements for new initiatives.
• Planning, managing, and directing information systems administration projects and operations; monitors the implementation of approved programs and projects, ensuring compatibility with broad policies and program guidance.
• Providing expert guidance on all matters pertaining to planning, implementing, and managing computer automation and networking technology; provides authoritative program-related advice and recommendations regarding current and future information systems concepts, doctrine, and methods.
• Coordinating with users and the technical community on operating requirements; analyzes and evaluates proposed services and technology and assists in developing fielding requirements throughout the DHS community to ensure successful implementation.

This announcement will be open for 5 business days OR until the first 100 applications have been received, whichever happens first.

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required.
• You must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
• Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements.
• You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
• You must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Frequent Temporary Duty (TDY) travel is required.

Qualifications

All Applicants must meet Basic Experience Requirements:Applicants may qualify by meeting or exceeding the minimum proficiency level established for each of the required competencies, in addition to meeting the specialized experience requirement as demonstrated through the assessment of skills. You must possess IT-related experience (paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (e.g., IT certification), as appropriate) demonstrating each of the nine competencies listed below.

1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (i.e., any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
3. Decision Making - Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
4. Information Management - Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
5. Interpersonal Skills- Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations.
6. Oral Communication- Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
7. ProblemSolving- Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
8. Teamwork- Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
9. Technical Competence- Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

And Specialized Experience described below.

Specialized Experience:

To qualify for the GS-13 grade level the applicant must possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal government, performing duties such as:

Developing, interpreting, and implementing enterprise-wide IT policies, procedures, and service delivery strategies, while providing expert technical advice to management on critical IT issues and new developments; designing and executing infrastructure migration strategies, utilizing advanced systems administration theories and information systems security standards to plan for continuity of operations during server technology deployments; formulating and presenting comprehensive integration plans that successfully incorporate new server technologies into existing enterprise IT architectures; utilizing systems concepts and simulation tools to evaluate, verify, and project the impact of new systems administration developments on current and planned enterprise IT infrastructure; translating complex user requirements into technical system specifications, aligning them with existing technology, policies, equipment limitations, and service contracts to coordinate IT service delivery; analyzing and interpreting highly technical datasets to project trends, apply strategic conclusions, and communicate technical information clearly in oral and written formats to diverse audiences.

Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience will not be used for this grade level.

All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Time-in-grade: Current General Schedule (GS) federal employees, and those that have served in GS positions within the last 52 weeks, must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade, or a combination of the next lower grade level and an equivalent band in the federal service by the closing of this announcement.

Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job. DO NOT submit cash award SF50s they will not be used to verify time in grade). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

Not Applicable.

Additional information

This position will be filled at the GS-13 level.

You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.

Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will NOT be paid.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for a Secret Clearance as a condition of placement in this Non-Critical Sensitive position. This review may include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

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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.

Benefits

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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.

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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.