IT Specialist (Applications Software)
What you'd do
This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), with vacancies in Silver Spring, MD; Durham, NC; Norfolk, VA; Seattle, WA. This position is also announced under vacancy number NOS-26-13006930-DE, which is open to all US Citizens or Nationals. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.
Major duties
As a IT Specialist (Applications Software), you will perform the following duties: Serve as a Geospatial Data Engineer applying mastery level expertise to initiate and lead application software development projects through development, coding, testing, evaluating, operational implementation and support of software. Utilize applications including Python, Integrated Development Environments, XML and geospatial applications such as QGIS to support cloud-based computing for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hydrographic data acquisition platforms and Office of Coast Survey (OCS). Lead and ensure continuous and efficient operation of NOAA hydrographic platforms and Coast Survey office by providing timely support of operational software, including in-house and third-party software, and their integration. Lead the analysis of existing software and systems to identify opportunities for improvement, automation, and efficiency. Develop and implement plans for the operational transition of new software and systems. Provide subject matter expertise for the development of documentation for new software and systems, including requirements and specifications, test plans and reports, and standard operating procedures. Coordinate with other NOAA offices, government agencies, academic partners, and industry through working groups, conferences, and meetings to identify and promote collaborative work and best practices. Conduct training on new software, systems, and procedures undergoing transition to operational use. NOTE: These duties are described at the full performance level of the ZP-4; the ZP-3 is developmental leading to such performance. This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band. The ZP-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12. The ZP-4 is equivalent to the GS-13/14.
What you need to qualify
Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ EDUCATION: There is no positive education requirement for this position. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. 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. This experience need not have been in the federal government. 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. To qualify for the 2210 series: IT COMPETENCIES: For all positions individuals qualifying based on experience must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four 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- To qualify at the ZP-3 or GS-11 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the IT Competencies above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-2or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Working with cloud-based computing systems and utilizing applications such as Python, Integrated Development Environments, and XML; and Monitoring the operations of systems to ensure they are functioning properly and that Information Technology (IT) protocols are met. OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks or 3 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the IT Competencies above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Supporting real-time data operations for cloud-based computing systems, utilizing applications such as Python, Integrated Development Environments, and XML; Performing Information Technology (IT) system administration and operations projects in support of development, testing and deployment of applications; and Participating in the installation and support of new or existing applications (e.g. the design, development, testing and debugging, installation, support of applications, etc.).
Before you apply
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