IT SPECIALIST (CUSTSPT) (Title 5) Job in Fort Smith, AR

Vacancy No. AF-24-310-12550278 Department Air National Guard Units
Salary $73,286.00 to $95,270.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/25/2024 Close Date 10/24/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort Smith, AR


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION

This National Guard position is for a IT SPECIALIST (CUSTSPT) (Title 5), Position Description Number T5906P01 and is part of the AR ANG 188 WGH WG, National Guard.

Duties

1. Manages the assigned IT/communications environment with privileged access at the network level for the Wing, Geographically Separated Units (GSU), and Tenants. Plans, coordinates, installs, and continuously analyzes system design, hardware and software. Develops, recommends, and installs solutions and upgrades to ensure availability, integrity, efficiency, and reliability of all components of the assigned system. Provides Information Assurance systems support for all disciplines, ensuring the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of network services. Performs system audits to assess security parameters and performance of IA controls within the network environment Serves as a focal point for ensuring functionality and operability of the assigned IT/data systems/functions, voice and wireless systems to support mission requirements of Wing, Geographically Separated Units (GSU), and Tenants. Optimizes the functionality and performance of hardware and software systems and ensures availability, integrity, efficiency, and reliability of system/functional resources while managing the communications focal point coordination and workload distribution duties. Analyzes, manages, and directs installation of any new hardware or software introduced into the environment to ensure its compatibility with existing architecture, its reliability, and functionality in relation to the organization's business requirements. Runs tests to verify operability and functionality; analyzes hardware and software malfunctions to resolve physical and logical processing problems; and recommends acquisition of programs, process or equipment which will resolve operational problems. Provides on-going optimization and problem solving support; continually surveys system operation to identify potential systems problems which could lead to loss or serious interruption of service. Oversees and initiates corrective or preventative measures to rectify immediate problems and prevent future occurrences through the CFP. Troubleshoots and diagnoses system failures to isolate source of problems. Performs testing, troubleshoots, corrects problems, and distributes workload relative to interface and interoperability of system components such as hardware, systems software, and applications programs. Provides proactive consultation and instruction with system users and technical specialists to ensure seamless implementation of changes. Assesses and mitigates security vulnerabilities of installed system hardware and software.

2. Provides customer technical assistance and support for all users. Provides ongoing technical support to customers to ensure proper functional use of equipment and programs and to preclude undue interruptions to IT and communications services. Works with customers to ensure efficient operations which support each units' requirements. Assists in solving problems associated with delivery of hardware and software orders. Provides management with information necessary to address difficult and complex problems in automating work processes. Tracks life of system equipment, prepares and provides analyses to determine future maintenance and replacement costs to help justify budget submissions. Reviews purchase requests and statements of work, ensuring documentation is sufficient to justify enhancements necessary to keep systems current and ensuring requested equipment and applications are compatible with existing infrastructure. Promotes use of assigned systems by providing instructions to functional area users on IT/communications processes and procedures associated with each supported system. Works with the CFP and customers to resolve integration or configuration related issues associated with a variety of different system platforms, operating systems, applications, and equipment configurations. Determines customer requirements and assists customers by recognizing and analyzing trends and providing instruction and orientation services. Identifies and documents system requirements for specific needs of customers. Conducts in-depth analyses of system usage, user complaints, traffic interruptions, hardware and software capabilities, and other relevant factors. Recommends methods and procedures and coordinates corrective action to optimize utilization of present equipment. Ensures upgrades to the base IT and communications infrastructure are identified and assists customers in developing and submitting recommendations for additional equipment and funds. Cooperates and works with unit personnel in planning and developing new or additional infrastructure/architecture capabilities. Identifies potential performance or capacity problems. Works with technical support personnel in resolving problems. Manages system user accounts, resets system passwords, and resolves firewall issues.

DUTIES CONTINUED UNDER EDUCATION:

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
Information Assurance Certification is a condition of employment. Per DoD 8570.01-M, the incumbent must achieve the appropriate IA certification within six months of assignment of these duties.
Must be able to obtain/maintain appropriate security clearance

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Experience, education, and/or training that has provided a basic knowledge of data processing functions and general management principles that enabled the applicant to understand the stages required to automate a work process. Experience may have been gained in work such as computer operator or assistant, computer sales representative, program analyst, or other positions that required the use or adaptation of computer programs and systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Specialized experience examples for positions in this series, apply the Functional Manager Specialized Experience Requirements below. Specialized experience time requirements of 1-year equivalent to at least next lower grade level apply for two-grade interval work.

Education

DUTIES CONTINUED:

3. Conducts feasibility studies to identify and analyze system failures and analyzes data to determine if trends exist which forecast the need for future replacement or modification of system hardware and software. Based upon the results of studies and the analyses of trends in usage and system problems, determines the feasibility of significant modifications vs. replacement to improve reliability. Participates with operating officials, system users, and others in progress review of established systems to determine the reliability, productivity, and user friendliness of the existing system hardware and software. As budget constraints dictate, evaluates alternative means of satisfying user requirements and provides management with the most technically feasible and cost efficient approaches to meet changing needs. Uses benchmarks, performance measurement, and evaluation data in conjunction with modeling and simulation techniques in planning for increased capacity and to support additional workloads. Performs independent research of literature and consults with a variety of vendors, IT and communications specialists in other agencies, and members of professional associations to determine availability and feasibility of modifying existing systems. Provides cost analyses for new/upgrade infrastructure and architecture capabilities. Keeps abreast of changes in technology to assist management in preparing for future enhancements. Forecasts future needs and prepares recommendations, justifications, and specifications for equipment and applications. Examines and evaluates alternative means of satisfying user requirements and makes recommendations to management regarding the most effective and efficient approaches.


5. Coordinates frequency needs with command level spectrum management office to maintain current allocations and obtain new authorizations. Secures operating authority, and ensures minimal interference by ANG radio frequency (RF) operations. Analyzes RF spectrum requirements and determine compatibility with other users considering transmitter and receiver specifications, antenna data, emission characteristics, and modes of radio wave propagation. Reviews and validates radio frequency allocations. Maintains frequency records and associated databases. Examines spectrum allocation data and frequency assignment records to determine suitability of specific equipment planned for deployment. Provides spectrum management guidance to units deploying equipment in support of contingency, exercise, or wartime requirements. Installs, maintains, and repairs hardware devices supporting a broad range of information and communications systems. Uses detailed knowledge of concepts, principles, methods, and practices with sophisticated diagnostic equipment and complex diagnostic software to identify and resolve internal system and network conflicts. Applies diagnostic equipment to test, configure, evaluate, and optimize all high bandwidth circuits. Designs, develops and conducts technical and operational tests and evaluations of a wide range of communications equipment and systems using performance management and measurement methods. Coordinates and prepares items for contract or warranty repair or replacement as required. Receives, inspects, installs, and verifies the proper operation of equipment returned. Accomplishes required documentation. Adheres to management control plan requirements by conducting self inspection and staff assistance visits. Resolves identified discrepancies.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional information

Veteran Preference may apply if the first area of consideration are not met.

Veterans Information: Veterans' information must be validated by formal submissions including all necessary supporting documentation. You must provide acceptable documents for eligibility. Acceptable documentation may be:

1. A copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions.
2. A "certification" that is a written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed.
3. You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center or online. If claiming over 30% disability a SF-15 is required to be submitted with your letter.

NOTE: Prior to appointment, an agency will require the service member to provide a copy of the DD-214.

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

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.

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.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, general and specialized experience):

-- Knowledge of applying analysis concepts to IT network systems and independent IT platforms, integration methods, performance tuning methods, test and evaluation methods and procedures, IT security principles and methods plus, project management principles and methods sufficient to plan and coordinate the installation of new products or equipment.-- Ability to analyze, apply methods and practices for recovering, adjusting and modifying IT systems to solve complex problems, while improving customer support practices, that minimizes interruptions in service.

-- Knowledge of network operations, security methods, and network architecture optimization techniques; the capabilities and limitations of the IT systems, infrastructure and software configuration in order to manage the tenant network, carry out network and/or independent platform projects and coordinate efforts with others affected in the organization.

-- Knowledge of systems development, modification, testing, installation, operations, and support concepts as well as the organization's network and infrastructure architecture and protocols to provide support related to: test, evaluation, installation, configuration and modification of hardware and software for operating systems, network platform, and interface connectivity. Provision of network services and planning for increased or changed requirements; modifications and integration of network systems and infrastructure consistent with existing or planned infrastructure/architecture; configuration management changes and upgrades; and connectivity between remote sites.

-- Knowledge of the interrelationship of multiple IT systems, utilizing methods, principles, and practices covering restoral from complex computer and infrastructure system failures, recovery of systems, adjusting, modifying, and improving systems to include hardware and software components.

-- Knowledge of methods and practices involved in the integration of system components sufficient to optimize system performance.

-- Knowledge of performance measurement tools, systems testing and diagnostics, COTS products, Internet technologies, analytical methods and practices, requirements analysis techniques in order to: test and optimize the functionality of the systems, networks, and data; provide advice on a wide range of IT issues; ensure optimal use of commercially available products; represent the organization in interactions with other organizations; prepare and present reports; conduct analyses and recommend resolution of difficult issues; identify and define business requirements applied to the development, implementation management and support of systems and networks; etc.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.

2. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application.

a. A copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify)
b. SF-50's (current/former Federal employees)
c. DD-214
d. Other Veterans Document
e. SF-15 (VA Disability Form)
f. SF-50 (Mandatory for Internal Announcements)


RESUME REMINDER-
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) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions in the assessment by addressing your work experience in detail. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

DO NOT COPY THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS WORD FOR WORD AND PLACE INTO YOUR RESUME; YOU MUST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS IT PERTAINS TO EACH STATEMENT.

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 complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

AR HRO Customer Service
Address
AR ANG 188 WGH WG
Bldg 7300-Camp Robinson
North Little Rock, AR 72199-9600
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


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