IT SPECIALIST (SYSADMIN)

Summary This position is part of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Responsibilities As a IT SPECIALIST (SYSADMIN) at the GS-2210-13 some of your typical work assignments may include: Performs server systems administration duties on clustered virtual servers and within a blade server environment to ensure optimal data availability and functionality on installed network servers and desktop workstations. Monitors and performs the maintenance of server client and server log files, databases, and server-installed software. Manages the creation of user accounts and maintains configuration management control records and access of data storage, space allocation, and device usage for authorized users of command information systems. Works closely with assigned cyber-security personnel to ensure timely implementation of all approved security updates. Reviews and manages server logs, performs diagnostics, and executes system backups and recoveries. Performs highly technical systems tasks, computer systems administration, and customer support tasks involving state-of-the-art technology in a rapidly changing environment. Adapts and implements systems diagnostics and maintenance tools and coordinates with enterprise service administrators to ensure the availability and functionality of enterprise systems required to support organizational objectives. Configures, installs, and maintains servers, software, and hardware. Applies software and security patches. Develops group policy objects and performs scripting. Configures, integrates, and installs client hardware and software baselines, managing and executing operating system and application upgrades and security patches utilizing distribution and systems management software. Administers systems in accordance with Department of Defense (DOD) and command guidance and policies. Responds to system failure caused by software and hardware deficiencies. Performs diagnostic testing and, using various analytical techniques, isolates sources of problems. Directs extensive and comprehensive data analysis to identify potential risk areas in avoiding operational failure. Resolves hardware problems that may require replacing internal parts of servers. Implements software upgrades, patches and service packs to correct OS deficiencies and vulnerabilities. Determines the nature of problems, applies corrective actions, and refers related problems to appropriate personnel (e.g., contractors, communications specialists, data mangers). Evaluates computer hardware and software deficiencies and makes recommendations to procure items necessary to correct deficiencies noted. Escalates problems outside the IT Directorates ability to manage to the appropriated vendors as needed. Prepares briefings and attends conferences to present operational capabilities, limitations, and related information. Researches, designs, implements, integrates, and provides support for new/emerging technologies associated with NIPRNET and SIPRNET systems in a wide area of responsibility. Performs comprehensive needs analyses to define opportunities for new or improved business process IT solutions; consults with customers to identify and specify requirements. Researches and recommends technologies for virtual instances, SANs, backups, and mirroring. Provides highly technical, professional, and courteous customer support. Ensures networks servers and DAN data systems are properly configured, installed, secured, operated, and maintained. Serves as a subject-matter authority in the operations and configuration of operating systems, IT products, and their effect or utility in the wider network, SANs, backups, restoral, virtual servers, as well as other designated systems on DTRAs networks. Administers and coordinates DTRAs implementation of operating systems, which include system software, hardware configurations, network communications, system operations, systems security, and hardware and software maintenance. Determines appropriate configurations for each system without violating higher-level Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG). Anticipates problem areas, researches trends in system needs, and develops techniques and specialized programs for evaluating possible changes to systems. Implements approved procedures to ensure necessary standards for data administration and information security efforts are implemented in operating systems. Implements DOD and DTRA policy and guidelines to accomplish assigned tasks while ensuring compliance with all DOD, DISA and DTRA established cyber-security policies. Optimizes overall system configuration to achieve the best system performance. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service: Maintaining and designing IT infrastructure (e.g., network servers, virtual hosting environments, technology tools, user account and file system managements, access control, host based security systems, data backups and recovery), development, testing, installation, operations, management, and maintenance concepts and methods, sufficient to plan, design, integrate, and provide IT services that support business requirements consistent with existing or planned IT infrastructures; Designing network systems (e.g., architecture, topology, protocols), using a strong understanding of network infrastructure and management tools; Applying high-level problem-solving skills, systems testing and evaluation principles, methods, and tools sufficient to test, evaluate, and correct new or enhanced systems programs and tools; Identifying needed IT infrastructure system modifications sufficient to relate all aspects of the work to the environment and user requirements; Managing personnel administrative and work assignments ensuring sound technical principles are adhered to Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. For all positions 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. 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 Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. Additional Information Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs (ICTAP eligibility): This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ Military Spouse Preference: If you are entitled to military spouse preference, in order to receive this preference you must choose the spousal eligibility in your application package referencing MSP Military Spouse Preference. Your preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. If you are claiming military spouse preference and qualified for the position, your name will be placed below preference eligible veteran candidates and above non-preference candidates on a list sent to the hiring manager for employment consideration. To claim Military Spouse Preference (MSP) please complete the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist, save the document and attach it to your application package. Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the “Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP)” eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant. Information and required documentation for claiming MSP may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below. To be eligible as a RGP, you must submit the following supporting documents with your application package: a signed Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 (whs.mil)); a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) effecting the placement in retained grade status; or a copy of the notification letter you received regarding the RIF or classification downgrade.