IT Specialist

As an IT Specialist you will perform the following duties:

• The working title for this position is Information Technology Officer. As an Information Technology Officer provide operational support for National Weather Service (NWS) mission applications by performing installation configuration troubleshooting operation maintenance and lifecycle management of mission applications Linux and Windows operating systems enterprise services and supporting infrastructure.
• Plan coordinate implement and evaluate projects involving mission applications software hardware operating systems networks enterprise platforms and services cloud computing technologies cybersecurity requirements automation and other information technology systems supporting operational and modernization initiatives.
• Ensure the availability reliability security and operational availability of information technology services by monitoring system performance analyzing and resolving technical issues implementing best practices and identifying opportunities for continuous service improvement.
• Provide technical leadership and coordination for operational information and technology activities by collaborating with customers and stakeholders enterprise support teams vendors and other technical organizations. Provide technical guidance and advise management on technology resource and operational support considerations.

NOTE: The duties are at the full performance level of the GS-13; the GS-12 is the developmental leading to such performance.

Key Requirements:

• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
• Suitable for Federal employment as determined by background investigation.
• More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Additional Information.
• Must be registered for Selective Service if applicable ()
• Qualification requirements must be met by closing date of the announcement.

Additional Considerations:

• One year probationary period may be required.
• Payment of relocation expenses (PCS) may be authorized.
• This position requires Moderate Risk Security Clearance.
• Background investigation will be required. Continued employment is subject to applicants successful completion of security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

*Note: A one year probationary period will be required unless you are a current Department of Commerce (including NOAA) employee and are in the same line of work and with no more than a 30 day break in service.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position for those required to serve a 1-year probationary period we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• Your performance and conduct;
• Needs and interests of the agency;
• Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of then Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Managements website located at: is no positive education requirement for this position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.

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.

To qualify for the 2210 series:
IT COMPETENCIES: For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of theposition being filled.

• 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.

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To qualify at the GS-12 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the IT Competencies above applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

• Assisting with operational support for mission applications or enterprise information technology systems through software installation configuration maintenance and troubleshooting; and
• Performing software or operating system administration and maintenance in Linux or Windows environments.

To qualify at the GS-13 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the IT Competencies above applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

• Performing independent operational support for mission applications or enterprise information technology systems through software installation configuration maintenance troubleshooting and lifecycle management;
• Administering and maintaining software and operating systems in Linux or Windows environments; and
• Planning coordinating or implementing information technology systems projects or operational technology improvements.