Information Technology Specialist (Application Software)

Department of State Headquarters•Washington, DC

About The Position

This position is located in the Executive Secretariat, Office of Executive Technology (S/ES-ET). The Information Technology Specialist (Application Software) is responsible for designing, documenting, developing, modifying, testing, installing, implementing, and supporting new or existing application software for the office. The specialist develops and implements computer applications, software solutions, and specialized utility programs; establishes and enforces IT standards and policies; and independently plans, coordinates, and monitors application development and testing to ensure systems meet functional, operational, and security requirements. The position evaluates Windows-based technologies and services and recommends potential adoption to support office mission requirements. The specialist also serves as a technical authority representing the office in discussions with customers and stakeholders about application software development, application hosting services, and related technology solutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance, and obtain or maintain eligibility to access Sensitive Compartmented Information. The incumbent is subject to random drug testing. For GS-14, applicants must meet the listed competencies and have at least one year of specialized IT experience equivalent to the GS-13 level. Education cannot substitute for specialized experience. Situational telework may be permitted with supervisory approval if eligible.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Must obtain or maintain eligibility to access Sensitive Compartmented Information.
Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to meet time-in-grade requirements.
For GS-14, applicants must demonstrate the four competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving.
At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service is required for GS-14.
Specialized experience must include developing, designing, modifying, testing, and implementing computer applications, software solutions, and specialized utility programs.
Specialized experience must include advising upper-level management on application design capabilities, architecture considerations, and long-term maintenance responsibilities to resolve complex technical challenges.
Specialized experience must include consulting with customers to evaluate functional requirements and translate operational needs into technical solutions using Windows-based platforms.
Specialized experience must include analyzing industry trends and developments in application hosting technologies.
Qualifying experience must be IT-related and may include paid or unpaid experience or completion of specific, intensive training such as IT certification.
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for the GS-14 position.

Responsibilities

Develop, design, modify, test, and implement computer applications, software solutions, and specialized utility programs.
Set standards and policies in IT program areas and establish, interpret, and enforce technical requirements and methodologies for the organization.
Independently plan, coordinate, and monitor application development and testing activities to ensure systems meet functional, operational, and security requirements.
Evaluate new and updated Windows-based technologies and services and recommend their potential adoption to support office mission requirements.
Represent the office as a technical authority in meetings with customers and stakeholders on application software development, application hosting services, and related technology solutions.
Advise upper-level management on application design capabilities, architecture considerations, and long-term maintenance responsibilities to resolve complex technical challenges.
Consult with customers to evaluate functional requirements and translate operational needs into technical solutions using Windows-based platforms.
Analyze industry trends and developments in application hosting technologies.
Study operations and revise operational programs to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and services.
Ensure software applications are fully operational; troubleshoot and analyze problems, isolate causes, and set technical priorities.