Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officer (FP 2885) Job in Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic

Vacancy No. DTO-2024-0002 Department Department of State - Agency Wide
Salary $64,803.00 to $128,106.00 Grade 04 to 05
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/1/2024 Close Date 9/30/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic


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.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Must be a U.S. citizen. Candidates should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements. Candidates may reapply one year after their most recent date of application submission for the same position. Candidates may not apply if a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years for any position, (except if the denial was for a DS Special Agent (SA) candidate whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs).

Duties

Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officers (DTO) are responsible for the Department’s Diplomatic Technology (DT) programs and 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:

  • 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:

  • 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 jetlag, changes in temperature, humidity, etc.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
  • Be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret / SCI Security Clearance.
  • Be able to meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
  • Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
  • Be at least 20 years old at application and 21 years old to be appointed.
  • Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***

Please do not submit the application through USAJobs.

Please submit application and register to take the Diplomatic Technology Officer Test (DTOT) at: https://gov.pearsonvue.com/dtot.html 

Qualifications

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 Abilities

The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. An applicant’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria.

  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, and tolerance of varying work environments. Accepting assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service, experiencing frequent global travel, and travel or work without family in hardship posts, during a crisis, or to support mission-critical needs. completing orientation and initial training in Washington, D.C., employees are assigned to two sequential tours, typically two-years each, directed by the Department. These entry-level assignments may be overseas or in the United States.  After the initial two tours, employees have greater choice as to the location, length, and substantive nature of assignments. 

Education

At the time of application, candidates must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-05 grade:

  • 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 at https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Feb2024_DTO-MOS-List-.pdf.  Please note that this list is not all inclusive.
  • Minimum 36 months "fully successful" employment in a State Department Expanded Professional Associates Program- Information Management (EPAP-IM) or Expanded Associates Program – Diplomatic Technology (EPAP-DT) position at FP-06 level, or any grade above, and met the training requirements in place at the time of prior EPAP-IM or EPAP-DT 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 or EPAP-DT.
  • 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
  • IT-related degree or training must be in the following: Information Technology Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking, 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, candidates must possess one of the following to be considered for the FP-04 grade:

  • 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 at https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Feb2024_DTO-MOS-List-.pdf. Please note that this list is not all inclusive.
  • HS Diploma or GED Certificate and 5 years of specialized experience; and 1 current certification in an IT-related field (for example: A+, N+, 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+, CSMA, CCNP or CISSP); or
  • MA or MS or higher in an IT-related field and at least 1 year of specialized experience; or
  • IT-related degree or training must be in the following: Information Technology Management, Telecommunications Management, Computer Information Systems, Information Systems, Information Security, Networking, 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.

Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.

Foreign Education

Foreign education acquired outside of any state of the U.S., the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or any territory or possession of the U.S. must be evaluated by a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services (NACES or AICE) in order to be given credit towards qualification.

  • The accredited interpretation must include the summary and the foreign education transcripts.
  • Foreign education transcripts that have not been evaluated by a credential evaluation service will not be accepted and the candidacy will be terminated.

For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management, Foreign Education section, 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  

Please refer to the Required Documents Section on how to submit the required educational documentation for this position.

Additional information

*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.

U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the U.S. – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.

**The U.S. Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/

***For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the selection process, please visit: https://careers.state.gov/faq-items/are-veterans-given-hiring-preference/.

No candidate will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.

A Foreign Service Specialist separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 may not re-apply to be a Foreign Service Specialist in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.

The U.S. Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to candidates with disabilities.  Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodations in advance.  For more information visit Requesting Reasonable Accommodations - Careers (state.gov). Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

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 and 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 range listed is extracted from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. The starting step is determined in part by the highest education level achieved and specialized experience beyond minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on their highest previous rate as a federal employee. For information on salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/benefits/.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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.

The U.S. Department of State prohibits candidates from plagiarizing any portion of their employment application materials to include responses to questions in which candidates must provide a narrative response.  Candidates must create their own responses originally and not copy or adapt them from other sources.  The Department analyzes candidate submissions for plagiarism and will discontinue any individual’s candidacy if found to have violated this plagiarism policy.

While the Department of State encourages candidates to create their narratives with great care, including correct use of grammar and style, candidates are prohibited from using any artificial intelligence (AI) tool, to include but not limited to ChatGPT, to aid in their written responses. The Department will discontinue any individual’s candidacy if found to have violated this prohibition on use of AI tools in the application process.


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Required Documents

It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that the application is complete. Incomplete applications will disqualify the application from further consideration.

In the online application, candidates must answer all questions, include 10-years of work history, and complete the Personal Narrative Questions and Statement of Interest. Applications missing any responses will be terminated.

    • Personal Narrative Questions
      These questions provide an opportunity to describe examples/accomplishments from the candidate’s education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate their qualifications for becoming a Foreign Service Specialist. Examples can be drawn from any part of the applicant’s professional/personal experience. Each response is limited to 300 words or fewer. Compose carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Information contained in cover letters, resumes, or CVs, but not in the online application, will not be accepted as responses to online entries and will not be accepted/reviewed.

    • Substantive Knowledge: Give 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.

    • 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?

    • Interpersonal Skills: 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?

    • Communication Skills: Describe a situation in which you used your communication skills to describe a technical issue to a non-technical audience.

    • Managerial Skills: DTOs 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.

    • 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?

  2. Statement of Interest

This required narrative should discuss:

  • Motivation for joining the Foreign Service.
  • Relevant work experience, including unique strengths not previously mentioned, special skills (e.g. computer skills), current licenses, certifications, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position.
  • Experience living/working in a multicultural environment, overseas, or in the United States.
  1. Education Documents

Candidates with qualifying DTOT scores will be requested via email to submit educational documentation. Candidates should add *@state.gov as a trusted sender. Neither the Department of State nor Pearson Vue are responsible for the failure of candidates’ internet service provider to deliver e-mail messages.

Candidates must submit the following documentation to demonstrate that they possess the educational level required for this position. 

  • A high school diploma or official or unofficial high school transcripts; and/or
  • Official or unofficial college or university transcripts. Candidates should not submit university diplomas in lieu of higher education transcripts.

The transcripts must comply with the following requirements to be accepted:

  • Must be sent in PDF format. Any other format will be rejected.
  • Must be sent as an attachment. Documents sent via link, via a secured message, or any other non-attachment format will be rejected.
  • Must include applicant’s name, school’s name, degree and date awarded/conferred.
  • Must have no missing pages.
  • Must be legible.
  • Accredited foreign education transcripts should conform to the transcript requirements outlined above. Documents received directly from credential evaluation services will be rejected. (See Education Requirements)
  1. Veteran’s Preference Documentation (submit when requested)

Submit Veteran’s Preference documentation for candidates aged 60 to 64. If claiming Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the candidate’s DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" that must include the candidate’s Character of Service must be submitted with the application. If claiming a 10-point Veteran’s Preference, the candidate’s VA letter and SF-15 must be submitted in addition to the DD-214. A certification from the armed forces is required only if a veteran has not yet received their DD-214. It must confirm that the service member is expected to be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days and include service dates, expected discharge date, character of service, and any applicable disability rating.

How to Apply

Application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.

Submit your application and register to take the Diplomatic Technology Officer Test (DTOT) as indicated in step 1 below. Do not apply through USAJobs.

  1. Visit https://gov.pearsonvue.com/dtot.html.
  2. Create a web account.
  3. Follow the instruction to complete and submit the online application.
    • Candidates must answer all self-assessment questions;
    • Candidates must include work history with a description of work duties, accomplishments, skills, and knowledge for the past ten (10) years; and
    • Candidates must complete the Personal Narrative questions and Statement of Interest. (Please see the Required Documents section for more information.)
    • Applications are automatically saved. Candidates may pause the application process and return to it as many times as needed until the application is submitted.
    • Complete, review, and submit the application. Submitted applications cannot be edited. Application packages must be complete before candidates can register for the DTOT test.
    • The submitted application will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
    • Candidates have six months to register for and take the DTOT after submitting their online application. Candidates must restart the application process if they have not taken the DTOT within six months of submitting the online application.
  4. Select an appointment to take the DTOT at one of Pearson Vue’s test centers. The test is an important part of the selection process, covering the Job Knowledge, English Knowledge, English Expression, and Situational Judgment necessary to perform the functions of this position.

Candidates experiencing technical difficulties with the application process should 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 at www.pearsonvue.com. The Help Desk is available Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time and is closed on local holidays.

For more information on the Foreign Service Specialist hiring processes, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs. 

Agency contact information

DTO Office
Address
U.S. Department of State
2401 E. Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Candidates will be notified by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and if they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. Applicants should add the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.

Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before applicants are informed of the application results.

The Department of State will invite candidates who pass the qualifications review process to participate in the Virtual Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (VFSSA). For more information, please visit Our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs.


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


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