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).

Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officers (DTO) manage the Department’s Diplomatic Technology (DT) programs and systems worldwide.

The duties of DTOs vary depending on the size of the post or office and the specific diplomatic mission.  Across overseas posts and domestic offices, the following examples illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities typically performed by a DTO:

Customer Service Skills:

• Provide support to users of information management services, including configuring and optimizing software.
• Train users on new software applications and provide guidance on updated IT policies and procedures.
• Encourage and facilitate end-user participation in technology and technical decision-making.

Information Technology Skills:

• Administer computer systems and manage system performance, including network setup and system startup, operation, and shutdown.
• Manage user access: onboard and train personnel, troubleshoot and resolve issues, track and report incidents, support users, and install or replace equipment and components.
• Operate and maintain both classified and unclassified IT systems including client/server environments, desktops, messaging platforms, web technologies, database and virtual servers supporting LAN/WAN.
• Oversee telecommunication network services.
• Manage communications infrastructure, including cabling, circuits, video conferencing, communications flow, coordinate with host country officials, and wireless/Wi-Fi programs.
• Manage voice communication services. telephone and radio systems, mobile device programs, equipment provisioning, and VoIP technologies.
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, telephone systems, local and regional radio, and crisis communications systems at U.S. missions.
• Provide technical expertise and rapid response support to missions with urgent technology needs.

Information Management Skills:

• Implement IT projects by gathering requirements, designing solutions, and supporting development and deployment.
• Procure IT products and services, test and deploy solutions, and maintain IT inventory and procurement processes.
• Oversee cloud requirements and support collaboration tools and IT services.
• Manage pouch operations, the diplomatic post office, and telephone operator programs.
• Supervise locally employed staff, including system administrators, mailroom personnel, telephone and radio technicians, and switchboard operators.
• Assign work and manage individual performance.
• Serve as a member of the embassy or consulate management team and perform additional duties as directed or required by mission needs.
• Support emergency planning and response, including management of emergency wireless and digital communications.
• Ensure emergency destruction capabilities and maintain alternate processing sites.

Information Security:

• Maintain internal controls for Department of State automated information systems.
• Safeguard classified documents, communications equipment and workspaces.
• Promote and enforce communications security practices.
• Configure and update security settings; monitor security; and manage physical security and network security. 
• Oversee telephone system security.
• Support cybersecurity requirements and centralized server systems across multiple posts.
• Manage the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) program.

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.
• 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 your potential to perform in progressively more responsible positions in the information technology field. We will evaluate your work experience 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: Upgrade, repair, and replace hardware and software components.
• Network Configuration: Configure network devices such as switches and routers.
• Customer Service and System Administration:  Provide substantial helpdesk/customer service support and perform System Admin functions such as managing accounts, setting permissions, and configuration of systems.
• Windows Technology: Apply working knowledge of current Windows Server and Windows client technology, MS Office Suite, SharePoint administration
• User Management:  Add, delete, and assign users to roles; manage patches and maintain servers.
• Virtual and Cloud Systems: Configure and administer virtual network environments and cloud systems.
• Program Management: Manage IT projects.
• Data Analytics:  Use Data Analytics tools to make informed, data driven decisions that identify and prioritize technical needs and requirements
• Cybersecurity: Detect and respond to threats, educate users, review logs, respond to events, ensure compliance, and apply patches and updates.  Detect and respond to threats, educate users, review logs, respond to events, ensure compliance, and apply patches and updates.
• Endpoint Devices:  Apply working knowledge of endpoint devices such as desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and other devices to deliver proper service to customers.
• Audio/Video Equipment: Operate and configure audio/video teleconference equipment.
• Network Environments:  Apply knowledge of customary approaches, techniques, and requirements appropriate for evaluating, analyzing, planning, installing, operating, maintaining, managing, or improving LAN/MAN/WAN environments and WIFI.
• Telecommunications:  Apply in-depth technical knowledge of VoIP and other computer-based office telephone exchanges and systems; understand fiber optical cables and media cables such as CAT5 and CAT6; install and terminate all cables in accordance with building industry standards.
• Radio Systems:  Survey, install, maintain, and repair radio systems, including HF/VHF/UHF land mobile and avionics.
• RF Systems: Use associated test equipment proficiency and technical knowledge of RF systems, Federal Communications, or radio licenses
• Industry Standards:  Demonstrate 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 bases its hiring decisions on extensive job analysis research that identifies the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes that lead to successful performance in this position. Hiring officials will evaluate each candidate’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications against these KSA-based criteria.

Knowledge of Information Technology: including IT telecommunications, radio systems, cloud computing, commercial 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, IT planning, IT acquisition processes, techniques for leveraging IT to satisfy business needs, problem and resolution tracking procedures, customer service theory and techniques,  process and operations management, and management theory.

Specialized Skills in IT Modernization: including integrating local IT missions 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.

Strategic Leadership, Complex Operational Management and Technical Proficiency: You must demonstrate critical thinking, active learning, instructing, active listening, coordination, service orientation, persuasion, monitoring, equipment selection, time management, installation, learning strategies, complex problem solving, systems evaluation, personnel resource management, systems analysis, material resource management, judgment and decision making, financial resource management, equipment maintenance, mathematics, negotiation, technology design, repairing, operations monitoring, operation and control and quality control analysis.

English language proficiency: To perform the duties of a DTO, you must consistently meet a high standard for English, both grammar (structure, spelling, and punctuation) and syntax (structure, clarity, and succinctness).

Knowledge of complex digital and voice communications systems: including classified and unclassified computers, printers, multiplexers, fiber optic isolation devices, Local and Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN) systems, satellite communication systems, cryptographic systems, building electrical wiring, power distribution boxes, and electrical codes.

Teamwork: You must work and interact effectively with others, demonstrating tact while obtaining cooperation and confidence from supervisors and subordinates when performing official duties.

Work Independently: You must work with minimum supervision and willingly accept responsibility.

Adaptability and Professional Requirements

 You must adapt to changing physical environments, work with varying levels of technology, and stay current with the latest IT developments and innovations.  You must also demonstrate cross-cultural awareness, tolerate travel and on-call duties, accept overseas assignments, work in varying environments, accept assignments based Foreign Service needs, tolerate living away from family, maintain attention to detail, and exhibit dependability and integrity.

The Diplomatic Technology Officer (DTO) position demands significant physical capabilities. To execute your duties and tasks, you must:

Essential Physical Requirements

Mobility and Flexibility

• Crawl under desks, office furnishings, and other objects.
• Work in confined spaces such as crawlspaces, attics, and communication closets.
• Walk and climb stairs regularly.
• Bend, twist, reach, stoop, crouch, and climb throughout the workday.
• Stand and work on your feet for extended periods.

Strength and Endurance

• Lift up to 70 pounds and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Push, pull, and drag heavy objects and equipment. 
• Carry equipment up and down stairs.

Visual Acuity

• See small objects such as fonts, wires, and computer components.
• Work under low illumination.
• Distinguish fine details on electronic components. 

Auditory Skills

• Hear voices clearly in noisy offices, on poor phone connections, at low volumes, and from soft-spoken individuals.
• Distinguish words spoken with heavy accents.
• Monitor computer equipment audibly to detect faulty conditions such as noise from servers or hard drives. 

Manual Dexterity

•      Pull wires, cables, and ropes while climbing and working on ladders.
•       Coordinate precise movements with your hands and fingers to assemble electronic components.
•       Use hand tools such as screwdrivers and pliers.
•       Feel and manipulate small objects with your hands and fingers.
•       Type quickly for extended periods.

 Environmental Adaptability

• Work in adverse environmental conditions, including extremes of heat, cold, wet, dirt, and dust.
• Work erratic, unusual, and unexpected hours, including long shifts.
• Travel frequently and manage jetlag, temperature change and humidity variations.

How you will be evaluated

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

We will evaluate candidates on their total background, including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as these relate to the position.  We will select candidates only from among those who possess the best qualifications.  Part-time work experience will be prorated accordingly.

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.

When requested, candidates with qualifying DTOT scores must submit the following documentation to demonstrate they possess the educational level and specialized skills required for this position. 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.

• Official or unofficial college or university transcripts. Progress reports and grade reports will not be accepted. Candidates should not submit university diplomas in lieu of higher education transcripts.

 All documents must comply with the following requirements to be accepted:

• Must be in PDF format. Any other format will be rejected.
• Must be an attachment. Documents sent via link or secured message, in any other non-attachment format, or sent directly from credential evaluation services will be rejected.
• Must have no missing pages.
• Must be legible.
• Transcripts must include candidate’s full name, school’s name, degree and date awarded/conferred. Candidates with a name change should submit an official document reflecting the change.
• All foreign education transcripts must adhere to additional requirements. See Foreign Education Information in the Education Requirements section. 

Submit Veteran’s Preference documentation in PDF format for candidates aged 60 to 64 when requested.

 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 when requested. 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 the 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.

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