Information Technology Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Business Center (FBC), Information Solutions Division (ISD).

The incumbent serves as an Information Technology Specialist for the FPAC-BC information technology business operations area and is instrumental in identifying and implementing IT Investment needs for new and existing systems and services based on analysis of business needs and practices.

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement.

For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.

Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.

For all positions, individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

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.

The specialized experience must include, or be supplemented by, information technology related experience (paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training, as appropriate) which demonstrates each of the four competencies, as defined below.

Specialized Experience Requirement For the GS-13 grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as: Experience in information technology, capital planning, budgeting, financial management, or federal contract administration that demonstrates application of business analysis concepts and methods, demonstrates management of complex business data used across multiple functions or customer bases, develops business analysis methods and procedures, identifies and resolves issues and problems, and communicates audience-appropriate information to functional and technical audiences.

There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the the GS-13 grade level.

Selective Placement Factor: You must have a minimum of one year experience as a Contracting Officer's Representative for an IT services requirement.

This experience must be reflected in your resume.

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.

Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

• Utilizes experience, discretion, judgment, and knowledge in developing and revising guidance for IT projects and investments impacted by changing requirements, legislative and business drivers, and/or emerging technologies.
• Provides digital services, analytical, and investment expertise and works with customer, program managers, subject matter experts, and contract specialists in formulating requirements.
• Applies information technology theories, concepts, and methods in implementing systems compliant with USDA baselines, standards, guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
• Researches specific problems identified in information technology investment management and develops solutions.
• Provides assistance and advisory services to customers, program managers, subject matter experts, and contractors concerning the resolution of problem areas and the policies, regulations, and provisions of IT Investment management.
• Recommends and implements changes and revisions in processes and approaches to allow for more effective programs and to reduce complexities of office operations.
• Advises management and/or collaborates with management in making recommendations to officials of FPAC regarding plans to shape, adjust or modify information technology business operations policy and procedures.
• Serves as a liaison to FPAC officials in addressing business operations needs.
• Incumbent will serve as a IT Investment Manager.