Information Technology Specialist

Federal Emergency Management Agency • Bothell, WA

2d

About The Position

The Information Technology Specialist works as a member of FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery, Response Directorate, Disaster Emergency Communications Division, Bothell MERS Detachment Team. The role administers LAN services, network infrastructure, and telecommunications to provide reliable connectivity and maintain network performance. It includes planning new LAN installations and complex modifications to existing networks, and supporting IT services during disasters, special events, emergency operations, and other mission assignments.

This is a full-time excepted-service position in the Mobile Emergency Response Support (MERS) Detachment. Employees do not acquire civil service status. The role is subject to around-the-clock recall for emergency operations, which can involve irregular hours, extensive travel with little notice, extended deployment or relocation to emergency sites, and physically austere and operationally challenging conditions. A three-week in-person training course in Emmitsburg, Maryland must be completed within six months of onboarding; FEMA covers travel expenses.

The position requires a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information background investigation, U.S. citizenship, Selective Service registration where applicable, and the ability to obtain and maintain a Government credit card. The selected employee must be able to deploy throughout the United States and its territories with little or no advance notice, and must obtain, possess, and maintain an active Class A Commercial Driver’s License. The position also requires lifting up to 45 pounds and a one-year trial period. The role is subject to random drug testing if designated as a Testing Designated Position.

Applicants must meet the listed IT competencies and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level. There is no educational substitution for the experience requirement. The stated GS-12 starting salary is $100,602.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must successfully pass and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information background investigation; the investigation may include a credit check and review of financial matters and criminal or drug-related history.
• Selective Service registration is required where applicable.
• Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements.
• Must obtain and maintain a Government credit card.
• Must be able to deploy with little or no advance notice anywhere in the United States and its territories for an extended period.
• Must obtain, possess, and maintain a valid active Class A Commercial Driver’s License.
• Must lift up to 45 pounds.
• Must complete a three-week in-person training course in Emmitsburg, Maryland within six months of onboarding; failure to participate may result in disciplinary action up to termination.
• Must demonstrate IT-related experience in attention to detail, customer service, decision making, information management, interpersonal skills, oral communication, problem solving, teamwork, and technical competence.
• Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level, including planning, installing, and modifying LANs and providing user support; installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and testing network hardware and wired/wireless systems; and monitoring network performance, applying security updates, and maintaining system documentation and configuration records.
• No educational substitution is available for the experience qualification.
• A one-year trial period is required.
• If the position is designated as a Testing Designated Position, must submit to random drug testing.

Responsibilities

• Administer and manage LAN network services and telecommunications to ensure reliable connectivity and optimal network performance.
• Monitor network servers, analyze performance, apply security patches, and adjust network resources to maintain system availability and throughput.
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, test, and document computers, network hardware, and IT equipment, including routers, switches, modems, wired and wireless devices, cellular hardware, and satellite hardware.
• Plan new LAN installations and complex modifications to existing networks, including recommending hardware, software, communication lines, and network segments.
• Prepare equipment specifications, layouts, cost estimates, user training materials, and system documentation; track network configuration changes.
• Deploy to disasters, special events, emergency operations, and other mission assignments to support IT network services, telecommunications, and continuity of operations.
• Complete a three-week in-person training course in Emmitsburg, Maryland within six months of onboarding.
• Respond to emergency-management operations, including potential recall around the clock and deployment to locations away from the official duty station.

Benefits

• Standard and optional federal employee benefits.
• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
• Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan.
• Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program.
• Personal leave days and paid federal holidays.
• Potential flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, health and wellness programs, and fitness centers.
• Employee training and developmental opportunities.
• Disabled veteran leave for qualifying veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
• FEMA covers travel expenses for the required training course.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed