Technical Information Specialist
What you'd do
If selected, you will create and manage databases, interfaces, and information systems that connect customers with the information they seek.
Major duties
The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Identifies, enters, indexes, and curates technical content in CIRD and other APHIS content management and information systems. Reviews and performs comprehensive quality assurance content checks within information systems and applications. Assists in managing user interfaces, updating system navigation or architecture, and creating specifications for ISMU products and other APHIS content management and information systems working with appropriate content, technical, and outreach staff. Conducts studies with customers in order to improve customer experience. Conducts pilot studies of new technical applications to ensure appropriateness and usability. Uses Information Science tools and practices to assess user satisfaction and to improve user interactions with Agency platforms. Plans usability-testing activities for specific product releases and for incremental improvements to existing interfaces of content management systems. Provides customer service and training on ISMU digital products and other APHIS content management and information systems and ensures the day-to-day use of content by customers meets Agency and stakeholder expectations. Duties may include, but are not limited to, preparing replies to correspondence, preparing briefing papers and informational reports, and making oral and written reports and presentations. Other duties as assigned.
What you need to qualify
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Education: A full 4-year course of study that meets all the requirements for a bachelor's degree with major study in Biological Sciences, Library Sciences, or closely related field. OR Experience: Four years of experience that provided a knowledge of the basic principles, theories, practices, techniques, and terminology of a discipline or subject-matter field; an understanding of the standard methods, procedures, and techniques of research and analysis in the subject-matter field; and where appropriate, ability to read and comprehend nontechnical material in one or more foreign languages. Such experience must have been equivalent to that which would have been gained through a 4-year college curriculum. OR A combination of education and experience as described above. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must demonstrate the below: FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-9 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Applying diverse information management methods to biological sciences (including plant, animal, horticulture, ecology, and food science) to evaluate and adapt scientific resources, support specialized information needs, and clearly communicate complex scientific and regulatory material in a professional, easy-to-understand manner. Developing and delivering user-centered information products and services that improve customer engagement with agency resources and build effective partnerships with agency and other federal and non-federal stakeholders to ensure high-quality information access and compliance with USDA policies. Adapting automated information systems and creating new solutions to address complex information organization, access, and disseminate needs; evaluate and refine existing methods to support specialized information requirements within USDA programs Applying practical knowledge of content strategy-including accessibility, security, lifecycle, and governance-and government-wide digital content development standards to complete diverse information management tasks while adhering to USDA policies. OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) related to the position in Biological Sciences, Library Sciences, or closely related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.