Information Technology Specialist

Summary This position is located in the Information Technology Services Division for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Clay Center, NE. In this position, you will provide support and administer scientific data systems and operations to meet research-specific information technology (IT) requirements. Responsibilities Works closely with the Research Leader management team and provides leadership in the needs assessment, evaluation, procurement, and implementation of hardware, software, and cloud solutions; and engages with researchers on all IT-related activities. Serves as the liaison between services from partnering organizations (including collaborators such as university personnel, nonprofits, etc.) and/or IT hardware and software vendors. Monitors, evaluates, and responds to systems’ compliance with cyber security requirements. Works with scientists in maintaining and updating computational severs and software for the analysis of scientific data while ensuring scientists have access to servers and resources needed. Applies protocols, guidelines, standards, and policies in ensuring functionality and user interface. Installs and manages hardware and related software on computers, printers, electronic scale systems, bar code equipment, and other scientific equipment. Manages the operation of Window servers, Linux servers, workstations, and ancillary devices for LAN and Internet access. Maintains the operating system software, and assures all systems are operational. 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 Requirement: 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 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 make recommendations. AND In addition to the basic requirement above, all applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications: GS-11: 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-11 includes one year of specialized experience comparable to GS-09 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 recommending IT methods or procedural guidance; performing the installation and maintenance of computer hardware or software; providing data management support; and identifying, troubleshooting and resolving IT problems. OR Education: Completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related major field of study; or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks. GS-12: 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 modifying IT procedures; recommending IT methods or procedural guidance; determining system compatibility requirements; performing the installation and maintenance of computer hardware or software; providing data management support; and identifying, troubleshooting and resolving IT problems. 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 (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. The final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at the time of job offer. 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. If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed. 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.