IT Spec (Sysadmin)

Full Job Description

This position is located within the Office of Infrastructure Operations (IO) service line under the Office of Information Technology (OIT).

IO provides efficient, secure, and reliable infrastructure services with availability, capacity and timeliness that match our customer's demands.

We relentlessly focus on exceptional customer service, risk-based Zero Trust cybersecurity, a best-in-class workforce, and putting the Veteran first in everything we do.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/30/2026.

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

You must meet both the Basic Requirement and the Specialized Experience to qualify for this series as described below.

BASIC REQUIREMENT Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below at a proficiency level equivalent to the next lower grade level in federal service.

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-12 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Specialized experience includes planning, installing, configuring, testing, implementing, and managing the mainframe systems environment in support of VA IT architecture and business needs.

Serves as the technical authority in IBM mainframe systems hardware and software and provides support for the development and implementation of short and long-range Department Information Technology (IT) activities.

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/.

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; religions; 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. 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.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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: Detailed technical knowledge of IBM z/OZ mainframe operating systems software in one or more of its component areas (operating systems design, virtual machine design, database design and implementation, data communications subsystem design, transaction processing subsystem, storage administration and performance and capacity management).

Plans and coordinates the installation upgrade and maintenance of mainframe systems software and/or hardware, including complex and sophisticated systems involving interagency, vendor and higher-level management coordination; and evaluates, selects and coordinates the acquisition of related software and hardware.

Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of information technology (IT) assessment, planning, management, monitoring, and evaluation, such as IT baseline assessment, interagency functional analysis, contingency planning, and disaster recovery.

Understands the VA's mission and uses this knowledge to guide actions; provides outstanding customer service and represents the organization effectively.

Position Description/PD#: IT Spec (Sysadmin)/PD10513A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Telework: ADHOC telework may be authorized at management discretion.

Travel Required: Up to 5% travel may be required, as needed, for this position. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm; Tour of duty may be subject to change based on organizational needs.

Compressed/Flexible: As determined by the Agency Policy. Virtual: This is NOT a virtual position. Physical Demands: The work is sedentary.

Some work may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the work site.

Some employees may carry light items such as papers, books, or small parts. Working Conditions: The work area is adequately lighted heated, and ventilated.

Some employees may occasionally be exposed to circuitry of electronic equipment during testing and must apply precautions to avoid personal injury.

Designated Drug Testing Position: Not applicable This is NOT a bargaining unit position