IT Specialist (APPSW), (IS-2210-11/12)

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

1d•$84,579 - $109,959•Onsite

About The Position

This is the position of IT Specialist (Applications Software) in the Business Operations - Administrative Information Systems group at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The purpose of this position is to provide end user production support and the overall design, development, and integration of core financial and human resources applications. The employee reports to the Supervisor of the Administrative Information Systems Group within the Business Services Operations Department.

Requirements

For all positions, individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.
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.
Candidates for grade 11 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, such as the duties listed above.
Grade 11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
General knowledge of application development principles, programming languages, and softwareengineering practices sufficient to design, develop, evaluate, and deploy application components.
Knowledge of system architecture, APIs, data structures, and relational databases to support integration anddata exchange.
Knowledge of relational database management systems and database design concepts, including expertisein SQL.
Skill in troubleshooting application issues, analyzing logs, debugging code, and applying structuredproblem-solving techniques.
Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, secure coding practices, and agency policies governing applicationdevelopment.
Ability to interpret user requirements, translate them into technical specifications, and develop solutionsthat meet functional needs.
Knowledge of PeopleSoft Financials through the user interface as well as through queries of underlyingdata structures.
Knowledge of Microsoft Project/Project Server or other project management software.
Knowledge of basic project management concepts and related software including development andmaintenance of a networked, resource-loaded Integrated Master Schedule, monthly schedule status andupdate cycles, schedule projections, and risk assessments.
Knowledge of and experience with the LINUX/UNIX operating systems, utility software, Web services,Web-based and database applications development in a multi-user LINUX/UNIX systems environment.
Knowledge of one or more of the principal programming languages in use in SAO applications, includingJava, Java Script, Java Server Pages, Perl, PHP, Drupal, Tableau, and Visual Basic.
Knowledge of CSS,HTML, and XML. Knowledge of LINUX/UNIX editors and text formatting software is essential.
Knowledge of system software development lifecycles, including requirements generation, design, code,verification and test, systems integration, maintenance, and support.
Knowledge of security issues in a distribution, Internet-connected environment, and ability to developsecure applications for LINUX/UNIX and Windows systems
Knowledge of people skills required to obtain accurately or to effectively communicate information in anenvironment that can sometimes be marked with urgency or conflict to ensure the timely resolution ofsupport and development-related issues with users and other technical staff. The ability to write concise,readable, user-oriented documentation for software and/or hardware systems, and to write systemmaintenance documentation is essential.

Responsibilities

Participate in many aspects of the software development lifecycle: requirements generation, design, code, verification and test, maintenance, and support; provide schedule assessment from a technical standpoint, and overall integration of software modules and other subsystem components, both commercial and custom. Support frequently requires extensive troubleshooting and research into reports, processes, interfaces, and data structures, both delivered and customized.
Design software following SAO Information Technology Services (ITS) and SI Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) software design standards, applicable vendor’s literature, and established ITS practices. Conduct software development interpreting specific software project standards and developing software documentation, accordingly, ensuring compliance with applicable standards at a detailed level. Verify and evaluate all generated software and maintain code as part of an overall system. Obtain data necessary to define application and system by working closely with technical and administrative staff
Designs, codes, tests, and deploys application modules or components using established programming languages, frameworks, and development tools. Modifies and enhances existing applications to improve functionality, performance, and user experience. Conducts unit and integration testing, resolves defects, and ensures compliance with agency coding standards and security requirements. Participates in technical reviews
Performs routine maintenance on production applications, including patching, version updates, and configuration adjustments. Troubleshoots application issues, identifies root causes, and implements corrective actions to restore functionality. Monitors application performance and availability, recommending improvements to optimize stability and efficiency. Maintains technical documentation, including release notes, configuration guides, and change records.
Works with stakeholders to gather, refine, and document functional requirements for new or enhanced applications. Under supervisor direction translates user needs into technical specifications, workflow diagrams, and system logic. Provides Tier 2 support for application-related incidents, offering guidance to users and resolving escalated issues. Conducts user acceptance testing (UAT) coordination and support training or demonstrations of new features.
Supports database queries, data validation, and data migration activities as part of application deployments or upgrades. Collaborate with system administrators, cybersecurity staff, and database administrators to ensure seamless integration.
Implement application security controls in accordance with agency policies, FISMA, and industry best practices. Conducts code reviews, vulnerability scans, and remediation activities to ensure secure software development. Ensures applications meet Section 508 accessibility requirements and other compliance standards. Participates in quality assurance reviews and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives.
Performs other duties as assigned