Public Notice - Information Technology Specialist (Direct Hire)

Positions are available across NASA Langley Research Center supporting information technology, systems, and mission needs. NASA may fill GS-2210 (Information Technology Management) positions at the GS-11 through GS-15 levels. Responsibilities will vary by position, grade level, and organizational need.

Major Duties

Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.

Plan, design, and deliver IT services and solutions across one or more specialties (e.g., systems analysis, applications, operating systems, network services, security), ensuring alignment with organizational mission, architecture, and policy.

Develop and maintain technical documentation (requirements, architectures, configurations, SOPs, test plans, runbooks) and ensure configuration/change-management traceability throughout the system lifecycle.

Conduct analyses and evaluations (e.g., performance, capacity, reliability, cybersecurity risk) and recommend improvements or remediation to meet service levels and compliance standards.

Administer and integrate platforms (servers/operating systems, cloud services, databases, network infrastructure) including installation, configuration, patching, monitoring, and incident/problem resolution.

Lead or support projects, define scope and milestones, coordinate stakeholders, manage risks and dependencies, and brief leadership on status and technical decisions.

Advise customers and leadership on IT strategies, standards, investment/capital planning, enterprise architecture alignment, and information security controls.

Implement and enforce cybersecurity practices to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data (e.g., planning, analysis, development, maintenance, and enhancement of security programs and tools).

Measure service performance and customer outcomes using metrics and analytics; drive continuous improvement and skills-based practices consistent with OPM’s competency-based standard.

Perform a full range of supervisory duties which includes assigning and evaluating work; recommending personnel actions; taking disciplinary actions; and identifying training needs and developing employees.

Qualifications

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. To qualify for the GS-11, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level: Independently executing segments of IT work (e.g., configuring platforms, developing scripts/components, conducting system tests, or performing systems analysis) and documenting results to support operational readiness and compliance. Resolving incidents/problems by analyzing logs and performance data, proposing corrective actions, and coordinating with customers and SMEs to restore services. Preparing technical artifacts (requirements, design notes, SOPs/runbooks) and communicating findings/recommendations to stakeholders, demonstrating the four core competencies. To qualify for GS-12, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level. Leading complete work packages or projects, defining scope/methods, integrating configurations across systems, conducting cybersecurity/control assessments, and ensuring conformance with standards and architecture. Serving as a technical resource, reviewing/approving submittals, adjudicating technical issues, and advising management on trade-offs, risk mitigations, and investment decisions using competency-based practices. Establishing and tracking service performance measures (availability, capacity, reliability, customer satisfaction) and driving process improvements. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level. Acting as a senior specialist/SME for one or more specialties (e.g., enterprise architecture, network services, security, applications), integrating cross-functional inputs and overseeing compliance and quality across projects. Leading multi-stakeholder initiatives, negotiating priorities, resolving complex integration issues, and aligning solutions with mission, architecture, and governance. Institutionalizing best practices and standards (e.g., architecture blueprints, secure configurations, change/asset management) and mentoring staff using competency-based frameworks. To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level. Institutionalizing best practices and standards (e.g., architecture blueprints, secure configurations, change/asset management) and mentoring staff using competency-based frameworks. Steering complex modernization/acquisition efforts; approving technical baselines, adjudicating high-impact trade-offs, and overseeing verification/validation strategies within a competency-based hiring and assessment context. Driving organizational capability, defining competencies and metrics, championing skills-based practices, and representing the program to senior leadership and external partners. To qualify for GS-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level. Leading enterprise-level information technology programs, strategies, or modernization initiatives involving complex systems, services, infrastructure, cybersecurity, or emerging technologies. Directing the analysis of complex technical, operational, security, and business requirements and developing enterprise IT strategies and solutions that advance organizational priorities, mission effectiveness, and technology modernization. Serving as a senior technical advisor to executive leadership and key stakeholders on enterprise IT strategy, architecture, investments, cybersecurity risk, emerging technologies, and high-impact technology decisions. AND You MUST also have IT-related experience in the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section below. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process. Promotion Potential: The full performance level (FPL) will vary based on the position in which the selectee is placed and does not default to the highest grade advertised.

Promotion Potential

GS-None

How You Will Be Evaluated

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and veterans' preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet. Veterans: Under the provisions of Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information please see: Veterans' Preference information on the FedsHireVets website. You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or assessment questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. You will be assessed on the following competencies: Accountability Attention to Detail* Customer Service* Decision Making*** Information Management*** Interpersonal Skills* Oral Communication*** Problem Solving** Reasoning* Strategic Thinking Teamwork** Technical Competence Technical Management Technology Application * GS-9 and above ** GS-11 and above *** GS-12 and above To preview the application questionnaire, click on the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13058706 NASA considers 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. NASA will not ask you to disclose criminal history record information during the application process or before we make a conditional/tentative offer of employment. If you apply for this position and are selected, NASA will conduct a suitability/security background investigation after you accept a tentative job offer. If you feel you are asked to disclose your criminal history before you accept a tentative offer and wish to file a complaint within 30 days, please contact: [email protected].

Benefits

View benefits details ↗

Who Can Apply

• Open to the public

Required Documents

All submitted resumes must not exceed two (2) pages in length. Resumes longer than two pages will be rejected by USAJOBS. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize including experience and relevant qualifications that directly align with the position advertised. All work experience and accomplishments must be associated with dates (month/year) to allow for accurate qualification assessment. A complete application package includes a resume, required documents and completion of the vacancy announcement questionnaire. Please see this guidance: What to include in your resume. Your resume should describe your specialized experience and support your answers to the vacancy announcement questionnaire. If you are using a Curriculum Vitae (CV) as a resume, it must meet all requirements listed above for a complete resume package. Please note: if any of the following types of information are included on your resume, your application package will be disqualified: Classified or government sensitive information. Social Security Number (SSN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents. If your resume contains any of the above information, you must redact that information prior to the submission of your application. The following documents are required: Resume There may be other supporting documents (licenses, certification, veterans preference, etc.), depending on your answers to the questionnaire and job announcement description, that you may have to submit, please verify your application. Do not submit an OF-306 with your application. If you are a surplus or displaced employee (CTAP and ICTAP), submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP. This includes copies of your agency notice, most recent Performance Rating and most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Official documents are required at the time of appointment for verification of eligibility and qualifications.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application and have all required information available. We encourage you to provide a complete description of your educational achievements and include both paid and non-paid work in the experience portion of your resume. If you submit a resume that does not contain the required information, you may lose consideration. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: To begin the application process, you will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application process. Once logged in to your account, click on the "Apply" link. Follow the prompts to select your resume (2 pages or fewer) and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. Resumes longer than 2 pages will be rejected by the system. Resumes submitted via other document types will not be forwarded to the hiring manager, nor will they be used in the review of your qualifications. We strongly encourage you to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder when creating your resume. Using the resume builder will help you ensure your resume includes important information related to your qualifications and eligibility for this position. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. During the application process you can review, edit, delete and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the 'Include Personal Information' section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the vacancy questionnaire which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify all required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. NASA's online application process provides step by step guidance to ensure you provide all needed information. If you are unable to apply online, please contact [email protected] for assistance. Be advised - application materials faxed, emailed, and/or mailed to Langley Research Center will not be accepted for this announcement. NASA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact center listed on the job vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

What to Expect Next

Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgement email. Throughout the process you will receive regular status updates through USAJOBS. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (Account Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: Application Status. Whether or not you are contacted for an interview depends upon the location of the position and the judgment of the hiring manager. If you are selected, you will be notified by phone or email with a tentative job offer. If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing a scheduled appointment, we may rescind a tentative job offer. An official, written job offer will be issued once all requirements have been verified.

Other Information

In the Announcement Questionnaire, you will be prompted to select the lowest grade you wish to be considered for. Supervisory and/or non-supervisory positions may be filled from this announcement at any applicable grade. For purposes of ICTAP selection priority, well-qualified is defined as possessing knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position, as determined through SME review of the resume/application. If you have special priority selection rights under ICTAP, you must: Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. Exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. Submit proof that you meet the requirements for ICTAP as indicated in "Required Documents." For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap. Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal government within the last five years based of the closing date of this announcement, if selected, may be required to repay the full amount prior to establishing a start date. For additional information on the VSIP repayment requirement, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-separation-incentive-payments/. Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit. Probationary Period You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Supervisory probationary periods are not subject to the above process, although, if a standard probationary period is required. You are subject to the conditions of both a standard probationary period and the supervisory probationary period. Other duty locations not specifically listed on this announcement may be considered at management's discretion.

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