Information Technology Specialist (APPSW)

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Information and Technology (OIT).

within these services: Product Engineering Service, Chief Technology Office, Compliance, Risk and Remediation and End User Operations.

The incumbent will serve as Senior Information Technology (IT) Specialist.

The purpose of the position is to develop, coordinate, and monitor, assess and elevate development schedules for applications assigned to OIT.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/26/2026.

Applicants must meet all requirements when a request is received to fill a vacancy.

You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Basic Requirements Experience: 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 five competencies listed below.

The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

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.

AND Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-14 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience is defined as: Leading large, modern software development teams using Agile, and DevOps methodologies in the delivery of applications, APIs and cloud-based infrastructure which fully satisfies NIST 800-37, and the Dept of Veterans Affairs Authority-to-Operate (ATO) policy and procedures.

Specifically demonstrates experience as Product Manager or Product Owner leading delivery teams building complex software and/or cloud infrastructure to support a large and diverse enterprise community.

Demonstrated experience leading API and infrastructure cross-functional product, engineering, and human-centered-design teams building software in modern, cloud-based environments.

Demonstrated knowledge of modern APIs and cloud-native software delivery. Experience with software services and SaaS acquisitions.

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.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.

Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those who have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Major Duties:

OIT Mission: The mission of the Office of Information and Technology (OIT) is to collaborate with our business partners to create the best experience for all Veterans.

OIT Vision: To become a world-class organization that provides a seamless, unified Veteran experience through the delivery of state-of-the-art technology.

Major Duties: Ensure that all acquisitions, procurements, and outsourcing efforts address information security requirements consistent with organization goals.

Participate in the acquisition process as necessary. Lead and oversee budget, staffing, and contracting. Develop methods To monitor and measure risk, compliance, and assurance efforts.

Perform needs analysis to determine opportunities for new and improved business process solutions.

Provide ongoing optimization and problem-solving support Provide recommendations for possible improvements and upgrades.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm Travel Required: Up to 25% travel may be required, as needed, for this position.

Compressed/Flexible: As determined by the Agency Policy Telework: Adhoc telework may be authorized at management discretion.

Financial Disclosure Report: Not applicable Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Information Technology Specialist (APPSW)/PD18421A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Demands: Work is primarily sedentary but involves use of a personal computer so a degree of dexterity and visual acuity sufficient to utilize these tools is required.

Working Conditions: Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office setting or remote teleworking via computer and telephone.

Designated Drug Testing Position: Not applicable This is a non-bargaining unit eligible position.