Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software)

Full Job Description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for STEM Positions, Cyber Security & Related Positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: The incumbent will serve as a Senior IT project management specialist and software/systems developer responsible for duties related to support.

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below.

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).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service which includes: 1) Managing acquisition life cycle processes by identifying, analyzing, and resolving technical and contractual issues to ensure successful program execution; 2) Providing technical guidance and recommendations to program managers for monitoring and evaluating acquisition phases from development through deployment; 3) Designing, developing, and/or testing IT systems and software applications using Agile methodologies to support mission-critical operations; and 4) Delivering high-level technical briefings, reports, and presentations to internal and external personnel to communicate project status, risks, and recommendations.

This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).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: (1) Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

Examples of IT-related experience demonstrating this competency include completing thorough and accurate work independently, even in the most difficult or stressful situations; occasionally reviewing work completed by others.

(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.

Examples of IT-related experience demonstrating this competency include: resolving routine and non-routine problems, questions, or complaints; developing and maintaining strong, mutually supportive working relationships with customers; conducting evaluation of support to determine quality of services and customer satisfaction, and recommending procedural changes based on customer need or changes in policy and/or regulation.

(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.

Examples of IT-related experience demonstrating this competency include: convincingly conveying complex information to customers; presenting thoughts that are well-organized and demonstrating confidence in the facts and ideas; adjusting style when working with individuals with different levels of understanding; using various methods to explain and convey information.

(4) Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Major Duties:

• Manage IT project lifecycles by planning, executing, monitoring, and closing projects to ensure successful system development and implementation.
• Oversee software development using Agile methodologies to optimize system functionality and responsiveness to user needs.
• Evaluate contractor proposals for technical suitability, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with acquisition and IT program requirements.
• Analyze IT system designs and software architectures to ensure compatibility, security, and mission effectiveness.
• Develop automated systems and applications by coding, testing, and integrating software solutions to support operational needs.
• Troubleshoot software, network, and system issues by performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Assess project risks and develop mitigation strategies to address potential challenges in IT development and implementation.
• Support software modernization efforts by researching emerging IT trends and recommending innovative solutions for system improvements.