Transportation Security Administration (TSA) - Information Technology Specialist - Annapolis Junction, MD

Job Title: Information Technology Specialist - SV-2210-I/J

Department: Department Of Homeland Security
Agency: Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Job Announcement Number:  HQ-OIA-TA54-12-505117

SALARY RANGE: $72,662.00 to $137,402.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:  Monday, July 16, 2012 to Monday, July 30, 2012
SERIES & GRADE: SV-0343-I/J
POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time - Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: J
DUTY LOCATIONS: MANY vacancy(s) - Annapolis Junction, MD
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Open to All U.S. Citizens and U.S. Nationals

Salary range listed includes Locality Pay of 24.22%. 

JOB SUMMARY: 

Do you desire to protect American interests and secure our Nation while building a meaningful and rewarding career? If so, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism, secure borders, enforce and administer immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace and ensure resilience to disasters. The vitality and magnitude of this mission is achieved by a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.

Securing Travel, Protecting People - At the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you will serve in a high-stakes environment to safeguard the American way of life. In cities, towns, and country-sides across the nation, you will be on the front line of the Department of Homeland Security's TSA team as they secure airports, seaports, railroads, highways, and public transit systems, thus protecting our transportation infrastructure and ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce. For additional information about our agency, please visit http://www.tsa.gov/join/index.shtm 

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
• You must complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI).
• You must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
• You may be required to work shifts.

DUTIES:

This Information Technology (IT) Specialist position is located in the Technology Solutions Division, Office of Intelligence and Analysis (OIA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  If selected for this position, you will serve as a Desktop Support Specialist and the primary point of contact providing IT support for all computer related issues, including back-end infrastructure (network hardware, core equipment cabinets, auxiliary equipment cabinets, etc.)  Your assignments will require in depth knowledge of complex operating systems, and the ability to work across functional and organizational lines in resolving complex IT problems and ensuring continuity and system security.  You will also be responsible for preparing detailed status reports and briefings addressing problems and recommending courses of action for senior management officials.  Typical assignments include:

• Providing overall IT support utilizing knowledge of various operating systems such as Windows and Unix; supporting productivity tools to deploy and maintain software images and systems.  Coordinating with end users and utilizing various desktop products and services to support end users. 
• Serving as the primary IT support person for the OIA, supporting 100 users and working with other IT Specialists (Network Administrators) to maintain network services, test and apply patches, and insure maximum security and peak operating performance of all equipment.
• Creating, removing, and modifying user accounts, resetting passwords using Active Directory, managing connectivity using Group Policy settings, and troubleshooting complex issues in resolving sensitive issues effectively.
• Providing technical support to application development teams and program managers in identifying IT issues, threats, and vulnerabilities; proposing how to integrate potential countermeasures and technologies into complex operational and evolving systems; and developing and recommending solutions and policy interpretations as the situation requires.
• Planning, coordinating, and implementing network security measures to protect data, software and hardware.  Monitoring network performance to determine whether adjustments are needed and determining where systems changes are required.
• Consulting with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess IT needs and system requirements.  Diagnosing hardware and software problems, and replacing defective components. 

The major duties described above reflect the full performance level of this position. Typically, the lower pay band (I Band) performs the same duties but will receive more guidance and training; and/or projects/work assignments may be less complex.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

FOR ALL IT POSITIONS:

To qualify, you must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.

• In addition to the above requirements, to qualify for the SV-I Pay Band (equivalent to GS-13), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-H Pay Band or GS-12 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector.  Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.  Such experience includes:
• applying knowledge of information technology systems and application requirements in solving IT issues regarding risk management of transportation industry customers and users;
• using, maintaining, and installing network computer hardware, software, and peripheral computer systems and equipment to solve problems and issues; and 
• instructing users on new or upgraded computer applications, hardware, and software systems.

In addition to the above requirements, to qualify for the SV-J Pay Band (equivalent to GS-14), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-I Pay Band or GS-13 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector.  Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.  Such experience includes:

• applying knowledge and experience of information technology systems and application requirements in solving complex IT issues regarding risk management of transportation industry customers and users;
• using, maintaining, and installing network computer hardware, software, and peripheral computer systems and equipment to solve complex technical problems and issues; and 
• instructing users on new or upgraded computer applications, hardware, and software systems and communicating technical concepts and procedures to non-technical users.

You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

TSA will only accept applications submitted via USAJobs. To view the full job description and apply online, please visit http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/321303700