Applications Programmer Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. CAFC-24-17 Department U.S. Courts
Salary $60,266.00 to $128,992.00 Grade 26 to 28
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/6/2024 Close Date 3/6/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) is unique among the thirteen Circuit Courts of Appeal. It has nationwide jurisdiction in a variety of subject areas, including international trade, government contracts, patents, trademarks, certain money claims against the United States government, federal personnel, veterans' benefits, and public safety officers' benefits claims. For additional information about our court please click here.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This posting is open to all US Citizens and those eligible to work in the United States. This announcement will be open until filled. A FBI Background; Master Background Investigation High Sensitive is required for this position.

Duties

The Applications Programmer position is in the Circuit Library and reports to the Circuit Librarian. This position will play a critical role in the creation of digital content for the Federal Circuit's Innovation Center. The incumbent will perform duties to assist with the support, maintenance, and enhancement of all Innovation Center applications, including development of interactive touchscreen content using a content management system, process automation, mobile/responsive websites and applications, workflow management software, calendaring, reports, and business intelligence dashboards.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Information Technology and Automation: Knowledge in creating digital content for interactive touchscreens to enhance user experience. Knowledge of computer systems and software utilized for graphic and web design. Skill in website design and layout. Knowledge of applicable programming languages, databases, and application design. Skill in the use of automated equipment including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and publishing applications, and various other types of software. Skill in generating or adapting programs, equipment, and technology to serve user needs. Skill in writing computer programs for various purposes.
  • Application Support and Maintenance: Help maintain and troubleshoot databases and software related to the Innovation Center. Review, update, and maintain the Innovation Center website. Help maintain Library internal website, integrated library system, and other databases.
  • General Responsibilities: Communicate and respond to judges, chambers staff, and management requests regarding circuit operations. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to explain complex operational matters and concepts to individuals and groups with varying experience and backgrounds. Interact effectively with the public and staff, providing quality customer service and resolving difficulties efficiently while complying with regulations, rules, and procedures. Develop, implement, and maintain written procedures for assigned functions. Comply with the Guide to Judiciary Policy, applicable Administrative Office policies and procedures, internal controls guidelines, and all local policies and procedures. Abide by the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees and court confidentiality requirements. Demonstrate sound ethics and good judgment at all times. Display a careful and deliberate approach in handling confidential information in a variety of contexts.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and must travel at their own expense. Reimbursement for relocation is not available. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.

The position will report to downtown Washington, DC; however, telework may be available on an ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy. Employees of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit are excepted service appointments. Federal government civil service classifications or regulations do not apply. All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination. This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.

Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States. Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C.§ 1324b(a)(3)(B). Under 8 U.S.C.§1324b(a)(3)(B), a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen), at which point he or she must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible, and must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application). Non-citizens who have not been permanent residents for five years will be required to execute an affidavit that they intend to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
Entry Level Candidates: CL-26 ($60,266 - $97,925)
Entry Level candidates will receive tailored training and experience necessary for the incumbent to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to progressively assume increasing responsibilities.

To be considered at this level, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related field from an accredited college and hands-on experiences with one of the major programming languages (e.g., C#, Python, JavaScript, etc.).

Experienced Candidates: CL 27 - CL 28 ($66,197 - $128,992)
  • CL-27: Candidates must have a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible IT experience that provided thorough knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and skills required in software/application development.
  • CL-28: Candidates must have a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible IT experience that provided thorough knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and skills required in software/application development. The experience must include mentoring other developers, leading technical teams, or providing deep subject matter expertise used to advise leadership on the technical direction of the organization.
Required Competencies*
  • Hands-on experience in architecting, developing, testing, supporting, and documenting software deployed on a variety of platforms such as desktop applications, command-line interfaces, web-based applications or websites, or mobile applications.
  • Knowledge of the latest programming technologies, frameworks, and source control methods.
  • Programming experience with one or more of the following languages: C#.Net, JavaScript, Linux shell scripts.
  • Knowledge of and experience with HTML, CSS, and SQL, including complex SQL queries and scripting.
  • Excellent working knowledge of software development trends and a proven track record of delivering high quality solutions that meet or exceed business needs.
  • The ability to exercise innovative and creative skills to solve challenging issues.
  • Excellent communication (both oral and written) and organizational skills.
  • The ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and work effectively under pressure, as well as the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
* Entry Level candidates only: The above required knowledge and experience may be demonstrated through relevant coursework, internships, other non-professional, or unpaid experience, and/or professional experience.

Preferred Competencies
  • Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office 365, Power Platform, and Azure DevOps.
  • Knowledge of and experience with both Windows Server 2019/2022 and Red Hat Linux Server 7/8 operating systems.
  • Experience working in the information technology field for the federal judiciary.

Education

At a minimum, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Additional information

A generous benefits package is available to full-time permanent court employees including:

  • Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.
  • Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits plans (health, dental and vision); Federal Employees Group Life Insurance; Flexible Benefits Program; Long-Term Care Insurance; Health Care Reimbursement (HCRA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement (HCRA).
  • Public transportation subsidy, on-site fitness center, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions).
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the terms of the (PSLF) program.
  • For more benefit information visit the Judiciary's Benefits Page.
Other Information

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and must travel at their own expense. Reimbursement for relocation is not available.

The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will be evaluated based upon review of their qualifications and the application package.

Required Documents

Cover letter, résumé, and completion of the provided online application (AO 78) and testing modules. See job announcement for the "Application Process."

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To be considered application packages must include:

  1. Cover letter of no more than two pages, wherein the applicant describes the required knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience that would make them well qualified to fill this position.
  2. Resume outlining educational background, employment history, and other relevant information.
  3. Completion of the online AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment.
  4. Completion of the online cognitive aptitude test and personality profile.
Once you have the cover letter and résumé (items 1 and 2 above) readily accessible in PDF format, follow the below link to submit your files and complete the online AO-78 and online tests (items 3 and 4 above): https://www.ondemandassessment.com/link/index/JB-ZT0RZN3DO?u=1142493.

Applicants who require an exception to the online application may contact Human Resources to request an alternate method using the following email: hr@cafc.uscourts.gov.

Agency contact information

Human Resources
Address
US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
717 Madison Place, N.W.
Suite 410
Human Resources
Washington, DC 20439
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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