Summary
The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Diplomatic Technology Officer (DTO) vacancies based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about the Department and a career as a Foreign Service Specialist, please visit us at https://careers.state.gov.
There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Please refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
Clarification from the agency
Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Foreign Service career.
Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position.
If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).
Duties
Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officers (DTO) are responsible for the Department’s Information Resource Management (IRM) programs and Information Technology (IT) systems world-wide.
The duties of DTO vary according to the size of the post and the requirements of the specific diplomatic mission. At various times, at posts around the world or in domestic locations, the following are some examples of the types of duties and responsibilities a DTO is expected to perform:
Customer Service Skills:
- Provide assistance to users of information management services (for example, by configuring and optimizing software).
- Train users in the use of new software applications, providing guidance and assistance with new or amended IT-related policies and procedures.
- Promote end-user involvement in technology and technical decision-making.
Information Technology Skills/Problem solving:
- Administer computer systems and manage system performance. Set up networks. Start up, operate, and shut down systems.
- Manage user access, train new personnel, identify and resolve problems, report, track and research incidents, counsel users, set up customer equipment, and replace equipment and parts.
- Manage and operate classified and unclassified client/server solutions, desktop systems, messaging solutions, web-based technology, database solutions, and virtual servers to support LAN/WAN.
- Manage telecommunication network services.
- Manage communications equipment, install cabling, provide circuits, support video conferencing, manage communications flow, coordinate with host country officials, and manage wireless communications and Wi-Fi programs.
- Manage voice communication services. Coordinate equipment provision, manage the telephone and radio programs, the personal mobile device program, and VoIP convergence devices.
Information Management Skills/Problem solving:
- Implement IT projects gathering requirements, designing solutions, and assisting with development.
- Acquire IT products and services, test solutions, deploy products, and maintain IT procurement and inventory.
- Manage cloud requirements and support collaboration tools and IT Shared Services efforts.
- Manage pouch programs, diplomatic post office, and telephone operator program.
- Supervise locally employed staff system administrators, mailroom employees, telephone technicians, radio technicians and switchboard operators.
- Manage work assignments and individual performance.,
- Serve as part of the embassy or consulate management team and perform additional duties outside of normal information resource management activities as determined by embassy or consulate management or as dictated by special circumstances.
- Support emergency planning and response and manage emergency wireless communications.
- Ensure emergency destruction capability.
- Maintain alternate processing site.
- Manage emergency digital communications.
- Keep current with specialty, gain and maintain certifications.
Information Security:
- Maintain internal controls on Department of State automated information systems.
- Protect classified documents and classified communications equipment and workspace.
- Promote communications security.
- Update security settings, manage physical security, monitor security, and network security, etc.
- Manage telephone system security.
- Manage the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) program.
Essential Physical Requirements:
Some of the essential functions of the Diplomatic Technology Officer (DTO) job have a physically demanding component. In the execution of the duties and tasks listed above, DTOs are required to:
- Crawl under desks, office furnishings, and other objects and work in confined spaces such as under desks or equipment or in crawlspaces, attics, communication closets, etc.
- Walk and climb stairs. Bend, twist, reach, stoop, crouch, climb, and work on feet for extended periods.
- Lift up to 70 pounds and carry up to 50 pounds. Push, pull, or drag heaving objects or equipment. Carry equipment up and down stairs.
- See small objects such as fonts, wires, and computer components and see under low illumination.
- Hear voices in noisy offices, on poor phone connections or at low volume or soft spoken, including distinguishing words in heavy accents. Hear to audibly monitor computer equipment for a faulty condition such as noise from a server or hard drive.
- Pull wires, cables, and ropes that can involve climbing and working on ladders.
- Coordinate precise movements with hands and fingers to assemble electronic components including using hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers. Feeling and manipulating small objects with hands and fingers.
- Type quickly for extended periods of time.
- Work in adverse environmental conditions, such as extremes of heat, cold, wet, dirt, and dust.
- Work erratic, unusual, unexpected hours and long hours.
- Travel and experience jet-lag, changes in temperature, humidity, etc.
Conditions of Employment
- Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
- Be able to obtain a Top Secret - SCI Security Clearance.
- Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
- Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
- Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed.
- Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***
Please do not submit your application through USAJobs.
Please submit your application and register to take the Diplomatic Technology Officer Test (DTOT) at: https://home.pearsonvue.com/DTOT
This is a 2885 Foreign Service skill code (Information Management Specialist) equivalent to the 2210 series in the Civil Service.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience
Qualifying Specialized Experience must demonstrate the potential to perform in progressively more responsible positions in the information technology field. An applicant's work experience will be evaluated for level of responsibility and length of experience.
To qualify as Specialized Experience, 60% or more of the duties must be related to:
- System Maintenance functions such as upgrade, repair, replace hardware and software components
- Configure network devices such as switches and routers
- Substantial helpdesk/customer service experience and perform System Admin functions such as managing accounts, setting permissions, and configuration of systems
- Working knowledge of current Windows Server and Windows client technology, MS Office Suite, SharePoint administration.
- Add, delete, and assign users to roles, patch management and server maintenance
- Configure or administer virtual network environment and cloud systems
- Program Management for IT projects
- Use Data Analytics tools to make informed data driven decisions that identify and prioritize technical needs and requirements
- Cybersecurity detection and response, user education, log review, event response, compliance, patching, updating
- Working knowledge of endpoints devices such as desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and other devices to deliver proper service to customers
- Experience with operating and configuring audio/video teleconference equipment
- Knowledge of customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate in evaluating, analyzing, planning, installing, operating, maintaining, managing, or improving: LAN/MAN/WAN environments and WIFI
- In-depth technical knowledge of VoIP and other computer-based, office telephone exchanges and systems, an understanding of fiber optical cables, media cables such as CAT5 and CAT6, and familiarity with installing and terminating all in accordance with building industry standards.
- Hands-on experience in surveying, installing, maintaining, and repairing radio systems, including HF/VHF/UHF land mobile and avionics. Proficiency in using associated test equipment and technical knowledge of RF systems. Federal Communications or radio licenses
- Familiarity with industry standards and certifications such as BICSI Installer Level 2 and EIA/TIA grounding systems is desirable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Other Characteristics
1. Knowledge of information technology, IT telecommunications, radio systems, the cloud, off-the-shelf (COTS) software, IT technology assessment, systems integration, information security, cybersecurity, virtualization, PBX and VoIP convergence, IT shared services, data analytics and data management, project management principles and IT planning, IT acquisition process, techniques in leveraging IT to satisfy business needs, problem and resolution tracking procedures, customer service theory and techniques, managing processes and operations, and management theory.
2. Specialized skills in IT modernization, integrating local IT mission with Global IT vision, translating business needs into technical solutions, IT asset management, IT project management, information security, customer service, presenting technical concepts in layperson terms, enterprise systems, desktop and peripherals, network infrastructure, mobile services, and video conferencing.
3. General skills in critical thinking, active learning, instructing, active listening, coordination, service orientation, persuasion, monitoring, equipment selection, time management, installation, learning strategies, complex problem solving, systems evaluation, management of personnel resources, systems analysis, management of material resources, judgment and decision making, management of financial resources, equipment maintenance, mathematics, negotiation, technology design, repairing, operations monitoring, operation and control and quality control analysis.
4. Superior communication skills: In order to perform the duties of a DTO, successful applicants must consistently meet a high standard for English, both grammar (overall structure, spelling, and punctuation) and syntax (overall structure, clarity, and succinctness).
5. Expert knowledge of complex digital and voice communications systems to include classified and unclassified computers, printers, multiplexers, fiber optic isolation devices, Local and Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN) systems, satellite communication systems, cryptographic systems, and building electrical wiring, power distribution boxes, and electrical codes.
6. Ability to work and deal effectively with others; tact and the ability to obtain cooperation and confidence from supervisors and subordinates in performing official duties.
7. Ability to work with minimum job supervision and a willingness to accept responsibility.
8. Ability to lift and maneuver equipment weighing 20-40 pounds from the floor to a workbench height without assistance, and 40-70 pounds with assistance.
9. Other requirements: the ability to adapt to changing physical environments, work with differing levels of technology, and keep abreast of the latest developments and innovations in the IT field , cross-cultural awareness, tolerance of travel and being on call, tolerance for working overseas, tolerance of varying work environments, willingness to accept assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service, tolerance of living away from family, attention to detail, dependability and integrity.
Education
At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-05 grade:
- Minimum 36 months "fully successful" employment in a State Department Expanded Professional Associates Program- Information Management (EPAP-IM) position at FP-06 level, or any grade above, and met the training requirements in place at the time of prior EPAP-IM employment; or
- Minimum 36 months "fully successful" employment in a State Department Information Management Assistant position at the FP-06 level, or any grade above, and met the training requirements equivalent to an EPAP-IM.
- HS Diploma or GED Certificate and 5 years of specialized experience; or
- AA or AS or higher in an IT-related field; or
- AA or AS or higher degree in a non- IT field and 2 years of specialized experience; or
- Served in a US Military IT Specialty Code, or Civil Service IT Specialty, or as an IT contractor to the USG, and 2 years specialized experience. A list containing U.S. military occupational specialty codes or designators is provided for your reference only. Please note that this list is not all inclusive.
- IT-related degree or training must be in the following: Information Technology Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking, Data Processing, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Cloud Computing, IT Acquisition and Control Management, IT Business processes, Computer Support Specialist, IT Project Management, Data Science/Analytics, Software Engineering/Development, Health Information Management, Video Game Design, Management Information Systems; or other related computer networking fields.
At the time of application, applicants must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-04 grade:
- HS Diploma or GED Certificate and 5 years of specialized experience; and 1 current certification in an IT-related field (for example: A+, N+, MCSA, MCSE, CSMA, CCNP or CISSP); or
- AA or AS in an IT field and 4 years of specialized experience; or
- BA or BS in an IT-related field and at least 3 years of specialized experience; or
- BA or BS or higher in a non-IT field and 5 years of specialized experience, and 1 current certification in an IT-related field (for example: A+, N+, MCSA, MCSE, CSMA, CCNP or CISSP); or
- MA or MS or higher in an IT-related field and at least 1 year of specialized experience; or
- Served in a US Military IT Specialty Code, or Civil Service IT Specialty, or as an IT contractor to the USG, and 3 years of specialized experience. A list containing U.S. military occupational specialty codes or designators is provided for your reference only. Please note that this list is not all inclusive.
- IT-related degree or training must be in the following: Information Technology Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking, Data Processing, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Cloud Computing, IT Acquisition and Control Management, IT Business processes, Computer Support Specialist, IT Project Management, Data Science/Analytics, Software Engineering/Development, Health Information Management, Video Game Design, Management Information Systems; or other related computer networking fields.
You must submit a copy of your high school diploma or GED Certificate, university transcript(s), or your DD-214 and your military training report with the title of training when requested. PDF documents are strongly recommended; illegible documents will not be accepted. Documents sent via link will not be accepted. If you do not submit this documentation to demonstrate your educational achievements, your candidacy will not continue.
Before your application moves to the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP) official or unofficial transcripts will be requested. Your transcript must include your name, the school’s name, the degree and date awarded, and have no missing pages. A transcript missing any of these elements will not meet the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
Education completed in foreign high schools, colleges, or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Only accredited organizations recognized as specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) are accepted. If documentation from an accredited organization is not provided, your candidacy will not continue.
NACES: https://www.naces.org/index
AICE: https://aice-eval.org/
For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.
OPM: www.opm.gov
U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
The salary listed comes from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. DTOs are hired at the FP-04 or FP-05 grade based on education and experience. The starting step is determined in part by highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond the minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Veteran’s Preference documentation for applicants aged 60 to 64. If claiming a 5 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of Service upon request. If claiming a 10 pt. Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification. A Certification must be from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service and disability rating, if applicable.
See How To Apply for information on how to submit your application and register to take the Diplomatic Technology Officer Test (DTOT) at https://home.pearsonvue.com/DTOT. Please do not apply through USAJobs.
After creating a web account, answer all the self-assessment questions, include work history for the past 10 years, and complete the Personal Narrative questions and Statement of Interest. An application missing any of these elements will not meet minimum qualifications and the candidacy will not continue.
Personal Narratives and Statement of Interest
These required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters). You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as a Foreign Service Specialist is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Answers to all items in the Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest are required and must be completed in the online application.
1. Substantive Knowledge – Give what you consider to be the best example of a situation where you found a solution to a practical problem by using your knowledge of information technology (IT) programs. Indicate the nature of the problem, who was affected by the problem, in what way, and the results or benefits of your solution.
2. Intellectual Skills - Describe a time when you had to analyze a complex IT situation and make a quick decision. What process did you follow for making the decision? Were you satisfied with the results?
3. Interpersonal Skills - Please provide an example that demonstrates you are good at working with others in difficult situations. What exactly did you do that shows you have this skill?
4. Communication Skills - Describe a situation in which you used your communication skills to describe a technical issue to a non-technical audience.
5. Managerial Skills - Information Management Specialists are often required to manage projects, demonstrating the ability to plan and organize, set priorities, employ a systematic approach, and allocate time and resources efficiently. Describe a project that you managed or helped to manage and how you sought to achieve the project’s goals.
6. Leadership Skills - Describe a time when you identified a serious problem involving IT services or IT solutions that required immediate action. How did you take the lead in solving the problem?
Statement of Interest
Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:
- Motivation for joining the Foreign Service,
- Comments about your work experience, include special skills (e.g. computer), current licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position,
- Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in U.S.
Submit your application and register to take the Diplomatic Technology Officer Test (DTOT) at https://home.pearsonvue.com/DTOT.
Please do not apply through USAJobs.
- Visit www.pearsonvue.com/DTOT
- Create a web account.
- Follow the instructions to complete and submit the DTOT online application:
- Answer all self-assessment questions;
- Include work history with a description of your work duties, accomplishments, skills, and knowledge for the past 10 (ten) years; and
- Complete the Personal Narrative questions and Statement of interest. (Please see the Required Documents section for more information.)
- Your application is automatically saved as you proceed through it. You may interrupt the application process and return to it until you submit it.
- Complete, review and submit the application.
- After you complete and submit the above this becomes your online application and will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
- You have six months to complete the application process outlined in this announcement and must take the DTOT. If you have not done so within six months, you must restart the application process.
- Application packages must be complete before you can register for the Diplomatic Technology Officer Test.
- We strongly recommend that you go back into your application and verify that everything is completed properly.
- Select an appointment to take the Diplomatic Technology Officer Test (DTOT) at one of Pearson VUE's test centers. The Diplomatic Technology Officer Test (DTOT) is an important part of the selection process, covering the job knowledge, English expression and situational judgment necessary to work as a Diplomatic Technology Officer.
If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Pearson VUE Customer Service Desk by calling 1-866-389-8339 (toll free), 1-952-905-7483 (toll) or by utilizing the Chat function on www.pearsonvue.com. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time; closed on local holidays.
For more information on the Foreign Service Specialist selection process, please visit https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/specialist/fss-selection-process/.
Next steps
Applicants will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the application and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.
The Department will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/specialist/information-technology/dto-selection-process/ .
|