Summary This vacancy is for a GS - 2210 - 13, Information Technology Specialist located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, CG R&D CENTER TECHNICAL DIVISION. Responsibilities DVIDS - Video - Coast Guard research and development overview (dvidshub.net) Research and Development Center (uscg.mil) youtube.com/watch?v=MKs2_lEMneI As an Information Technology Specialist at the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC), you will join a fast-paced, diverse, and collaborative group of scientists, engineers, computer scientists, and analysts to contribute to research in focus areas such as radio frequency communications systems, autonomous systems, networking, connectivity, software-defined radios, cloud computing, cyber security systems, intelligence systems, command and control systems, and maritime domain awareness sensors. The RDC's goal is to produce analyses and prototypes that increase suitability, effectiveness, and security of connected systems and can be transitioned to and sustained by operational Coast Guard units with available resources. Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include: Conceiving, evaluating, justifying, planning and executing applied research projects. Developing products that improve the operational effectiveness of Coast Guard IT systems. Serving as a consultant and technical procurement expert to senior management in the procurement and oversight of major IT assets (software, hardware, and services). Applying analytical processes to the planning, design, and implementation of new and improved information systems to meet the business and operational requirements of the Coast Guard. Identifying and evaluating new technologies, systems and/or techniques to address IT technology and/or procedural shortfalls. Cloud computing design and administration. Evaluating the capability of current IT systems to meet standards. Ensuring integration of all systems components (i.e., procedures, databases, policies, software, and hardware. Formulating and refining procedures and technical approaches to satisfy IT project objectives. Collecting and analyzing data, and providing comprehensive written and verbal reports, presenting findings to sponsors and stakeholders, and briefing a wide range of audiences from field technicians and operators to senior level agency executives. Reviewing directives, policies, programs, enterprise-wide functional user requirements and acquisition strategies/vehicles for program related issues to determine the impact and implications in supporting information systems. Performing resource management control including procuring IT equipment or services necessary for project execution. Contributing to test events, field exercises, lab demonstrations, and outreach events to conduct test and evaluation to support projects and share information with internal and external sponsors and stakeholders Designing, implementing and monitoring various network systems including IP, NAVNET, NMEA 2000, MESH and MANET technology, and various RF and protocols both terrestrial and satellite. Requirements Conditions of Employment All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Key Requirements: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See A one-year probationary period may be required. Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation. This is not a Bargaining Unit position. Qualifications Basic Requirements: Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. For all positions individuals 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 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Specialized experience must include all of the following: Applying analytical processes to plan, design, and implement new and improved information systems to satisfy business requirements of customers; Ensuring integration of all IT systems components (i.e., procedures, databases, policies, software, and hardware); Evaluating the capabilities of current systems and/ or new technologies, noting their shortfalls; Performing resource management control including procuring equipment or services necessary for project execution; Reviewing directives, policies, programs, enterprise-wide functional user requirements and acquisition strategies/vehicles for program related issues to determine the impact and implications in supporting information systems. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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. The Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule, C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Education This position does not have a positive education requirement. If you are including education on your resume, report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Required Documents section for detail. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications click here Additional Information E-Verify DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities. Fair Chance Act The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to Suitability Statement If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. Shared Certificates Statement Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. Special Employment Consideration The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. Recruitment incentives may be authorized. Recruitment Incentive - Selectee(s) for this position who are newly appointed to a permanent position are authorized to receive a one-time recruitment incentive of 10% of the salary, including locality for this position. Receipt of the bonus will require a 12-month service agreement. "Newly appointed" refers to the first appointment (regardless of tenure) as an employee of the Federal Government, an appointment following a break in service of at least 90 days from a previous appointment as an employee of the Federal Government, or, in certain cases, an appointment following a break in service of less than 90 days from a previous appointment as an employee of the Federal Government. If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application and hiring process, please contact 1(888)992-7387. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit Reasonable Accommodation Below is the link to the list of CRSP's, which are assigned by area: