Information Technology Specialist

Beltsville, MD, United States

Summary This position is located within the Agricultural Research Service, Northeast Area, Information Technology Services Division in Beltsville MD. In this position, you serve as a technical resource responsible for planning, developing, adapting, managing, and administering scientific data systems and operations in support of research-specific IT requirements. This is a term, time-limited appointment with an initial duration no less than 13 months and can be extended up to a total of 10 years. Responsibilities Works in collaboration with Research Leader and scientists as an IT technical participant in the multi-scientific research-related initiatives. Develops and implements the long-range plans dealing with the integrity, security, and adequacy of data management in the interrelated systems and operations. Performs activities designed to ensure, protect, and restore IT systems, services, and capabilities. Decides the most effective approach or methodology to be applied, and ensures that solutions are thoroughly developed, scheduled, tested, and documented, and the security reviews are obtained prior to deployment. Monitors, evaluates, and responds to systems’ compliance with cyber security requirements. Implements and administers database systems for the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of data for use by unit scientists and collaborators. Works with researchers in planning and assessing the current format of data and determining how the data is to be reconfigured to meet protocol requirements. Installs and manages hardware and related software on computers, printers, electronic scale systems, bar code equipment, and other scientific equipment. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Basic Requirements Individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below: Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, 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. 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. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. AND in addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above, all applicants must meet the following minimum qualification requirements. Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. Specialized experience must be described for each grade level advertised. The specialized experience requirements for this position are: Qualifying experience for GS-12 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-11 which is directly related to the work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. For this position, specialized experience is experience working with high-performance computing clusters; ingesting a wide array of data types collected manually or with Internet of Things technologies (i.e., proximal sensors, tractor and drone-mounted sensors, and satellites); using a myriad of database management systems including setting up relational databases; and using traditional statistics and machine learning. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified based on an evaluation of the following competencies: Customer Service, Database Management Systems, and Information Technology Program Management. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer. Selections made under this authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given a new appointment to the civil service. For information on benefits available to federal employees, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/New-Prospective-Employees/ Please see the Benefits section below for additional information. This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.