Information Technology Specialist

Summary This position is located in the National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office (WFO), with one vacancy in Grand Forks, ND. This position is also announced under vacancy number NWS CR ND-25-12621490-ST, which is open to Status Candidates. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both. Salary Range by Grade GS-12: $86,962 - $113,047 GS-13: $103,409 - $134,435 Learn more about this agency Requirements Conditions of Employment Key Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation. Selectee may be subject to serving a one-year probationary period. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information. Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov) Payment of relocation expenses is not authorized. This position is in the bargaining unit. This position is covered by NWSEO 1538. Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position? A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. 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. Qualifications REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED: POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 1. Develops and implements technology solutions for the region with responsibility for reviewing and approving new information technology (IT) alternatives to increase operability. Evaluates organizational data needs and participates in security strategies. a. Provides detailed reports about system requirements, suggest possible changes, participates in end user training sessions, and directs and creates opportunities for growth for subordinate IT staff. b. Prepares documentation for future reference among the IT team. 2. Develops plans for IT projects and programs, determining factors such as project scope, specifications, costs, work plans, and materials and implements programs to ensure systems operability and security; manages the implementation of projects relating to the Region's software, hardware, networks, or other IT systems; advises Meteorologist in Charge (MIC) on IT use and considerations affecting budget and resources. 3. Provides applications and program support to users by performing installation, configuration and software maintenance of existing applications programs and develops programs and scripts as needed in both UNIX/LINUX and Windows environments. 4. Provides quality assessment and assurance for operation of Information Technology services and programs and identifies best practices and service improvement initiatives in support of systems; analyzes user and system requirements; determines input/output media and formats; evaluates software and hardware solutions; writes and modifies code/programs/scripts and performs testing and debugging to ensure software meets intended requirements and security. 5. Supports the monitoring and the security of IT systems and keeps security programs up to date. 6. Oversees technical staff working on projects, assigning tasks and ensuring work is on schedule and within budget. Maintains knowledge of and implements Government IT Solutions. 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 Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy 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. 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. EDUCATION: There is no positive education requirement for this position. To qualify for for 2210 series: IT COMPETENCIES: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the following four competencies: 1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. AND To qualify at the GS-12 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must 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: Coordinating application and program support for software installations and configurations; and Performing software maintenance in LINUX or Windows environments. To qualify at the GS-13 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must 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: Providing application and program support for software installations and configurations; Installing and maintaining software in LINUX and Windows environments; and Assisting with the development of plans for IT systems and programs. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: Employee Guide to Career Transition CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: A copy of your specific RIF notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice). A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting current position, grade level, and duty location; A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential. ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc; A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential. NOAA participates in e-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. The Department of Commerce (DOC) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Read more Benefits 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 window Learn 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.