IT Project Manager (Plcypln) - CES Recent Graduate Job in Fort Meade, MD

Vacancy No. CESRG-DISA-12910452-26AB Department Defense Information Systems Agency
Salary $46,610.00 to $91,815.00 Grade 5 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 3/24/2026 Close Date 3/30/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Fort Meade, MD


Summary

The recent graduates program targets individuals who have graduated recently from qualifying educational institutions or programs. To be eligible, applicants must apply within 2 years of degree or certificate completion, except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligations, who will have up to 6 years after degree or certificate completion. Successful applicants will be placed in a dynamic, career development program.

This job is open to

Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Clarification from the agency

Individuals who have obtained a qualifying Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, Vocational or Technical degree/certificate from a qualifying educational institution, within the previous 2 years OR Veterans (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2108) who were unable to apply within 2 years of obtaining a qualifying degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution due to their military service obligation.

Duties

  • Provides technical advice and assistance to system programmers, system administrators, customer support and networking personnel, and system users.
  • Provides technical expertise in an advisory capacity to staff elements.
  • Make decisions and initiates actions that involve the interpretation of policy or the setting of precedents
  • Analyzes new support requirements, develops information system techniques, establishes criteria, and makes recommendations when procedures/guidelines do not exist, for telecommunication and automation resources/requirements that impact DOD Systems

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.

Qualifications

Who May Be Considered:
Individuals who have obtained a qualifying Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, Vocational or Technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution, within the previous 2 years.

OR

Veterans (as defined in 5 U.S.C. 2108) who were unable to apply within 2 years of obtaining a qualifying Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, Vocational or Technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution due to their military service obligation. Veterans have a full 2-year eligibility period to apply upon his/her release or discharge from active duty. The eligibility period for veterans must be within 6 years of degree completion. You MUST provide your DD-214 to support this claim.

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirement above, your resume must demonstrate the following qualifying experience:

  • For the GG-05 qualifying experience is defined as: Reading a workflow diagram, responding and performing tasks based on email correspondence, and using online applications to fill out forms.
  • For the GG-07 qualifying experience is defined as: Providing administrative support for project management functions under direct supervision; assisting with data collection and basic project documentation; in addition to performing basic research on project requirements and regulations.
  • For the GG-09 qualifying experience is defined as: Supporting project management activities under close supervision; assisting with basic project planning, scheduling, and budget tracking; participating in project delivery team meetings and coordination activities; and conducting research on project requirements and compliance standards.

Candidates must describe how they meet the qualifying experience and/or selective placement factor(s) within the body of their resume.

Transcripts are (Required) - and will render an ineligible rating if not submitted. Also, you are required to provide proof of degree conferral prior to appointment.

Veterans - DD-214 are required, and will render an ineligible rating if not submitted.

Education

  • Substitution of education for experience at the 05 grade level: Four-years (120 semester hours) of post high school education leading to a bachelor's degree or completion of a bachelor's degree in any field.
  • Substitution of education for experience at the 07 grade level: Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement or 1 academic year of graduate education (or law school, as specified in qualification standards or individual occupational requirements). Superior Academic Achievement: S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.
  • Substitution of education for experience at the 09 grade level: Completion of a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D.
  • Substitution of education for experience at the 11 grade level: Completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M.
Qualifying Education Institution: Any of the following educational institutions or curricula that have been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services at the time of application. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .

Additional information

  • Selectee of this recruitment will be required to sign a Recent Graduate Program Participant Agreement.
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
  • Moving costs MAY be paid.
  • For more information on veterans' preference click here.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (to verify your registration status click here).
  • The Department of Defense (DoD) policy on employment of annuitants issued March 18, 2004 will be used in determining eligibility of annuitants.
  • For more information regarding qualifications requirements please click here.
  • You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.
  • All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

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.


How You Will Be Evaluated:
Your application will be evaluated and rated under the Category Rating and Selection Procedures. We will review your resume and supporting documentation and compare this information to your responses on the occupational questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.
Eligible candidates will then be placed for selection consideration into 3 categories as described below:
1. Qualified Category. Meets the minimum qualifications and demonstrates minimum experience and/or training only based on responses to occupational questionnaire.

2. Highly Qualified Category. Meets the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates full-performance level experience based on responses to occupational questionnaire.

3. Best Qualified Category. Meets the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates experience as an expert in the field or recognized as a senior specialist, team lead, etc.

Application of Veterans Preference: The Category Rating Method does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three," but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligible's who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Qualified) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.

The Assessment Questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies:

You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12910452

Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil

Required Documents

FOR THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED AS THEY APPLY STATED BELOW AND MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.

  1. Resume: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two page resume requirement may be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ . Learn more about the new resume requirements
  2. Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.
  3. Transcripts (Required) - To be eligible for the Recent Graduates Program, you must submit official/unofficial transcripts. The absence of this information will result in an ineligible rating.
  4. Veterans Preference Documentation (If applicable):
  5. You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.
  6. If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability
  7. If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
  8. Military Spouse Preference (if applicable): Spousal Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, marriage certificate/license, and a MILITARY SPOUSE PPP SELF-CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST are required to claim Military Spouse Preference. The Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist can be found here: To download the checklist, select "Save" or "Save As" instead of "Open." Save the document to your device then open it as a PDF. Once the form is opened, select "Enable All Features" and the form will populate so that it can be completed. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd3000_3499/DD3145-4/

  9. Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification.


Your complete Application Package (containing the above required documents) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 03/30/2026.

WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) on03/30/2026 , or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

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 apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

  1. Your Resume
  • Your resume MUST include the following information for each job listed: Job title; duties (be as detailed as possible); month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); and full- time or part-time status (include hours worked per week). Read more about what should I include in my federal resume here.
  • DO NOT include the following information: Classified or government sensitive information; Social Security Number; Photos of yourself; Personal information, such as age, sex, religious affiliation, etc.; or encrypted and digitally signed documents. Read more about what should I leave out of my resume here.
  1. A complete Assessment Questionnaire
  2. Other required supporting documents: (SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS)
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
  1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
  2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Phone
(317) 212-0454
Email
dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil
Address
DISA - EM/Emerging Technology Directorate
6910 Cooper Road
Fort Meade, MD 20755-7088
US

Next steps


Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The occupational questionnaire and the resume that you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

(317) 212-0454
dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil