IT Specialist (Data Management) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. CFTC-DOD-2025-0001 Department Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Salary $149,389.00 to $219,430.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/16/2025 Close Date 1/27/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The Division of Data (DoD) is headed by the Chief Data Officer and serves as the leading authority on developing, implementing, and operating the Commission’s data strategies.  The Division is comprised of the Data Operations and Standards Branch (DOSB) and the Enterprise Data Analytics (EDA) section.  The DOSB focuses on the data architecture and development, data requirements collection and analysis, data standards development, and data strategy development.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all US Citizens

Duties

As an IT Specialist (Data Operations) you will:

Have the responsibility for supporting the timely, effective and continuous receipt and processing of operational data used by Commission's automated systems. Data loading and ingest services requires the proactive monitoring, analysis, support and communication necessary to ensure that data is available for mission staff to answer their priority analytic questions to achieve their mission outcomes.

Duties include:

Managing and guiding the development of the day-to-day data ingest streams at the CFTC. This duty includes ensuring that data is being processed effectively at the Commission and is made available to meet mission needs.  Specifically, this would entail ensuring that the data is being received, extracted, transformed and loaded into the production databases accurately.  This may entail: regularly surveying the operation of production data processing systems, performing routine system administration tasks such as starting and stopping services, ensuring resource availability for the loading processes (disk space, memory, etc), resolving data flow issues, and responding to events which affect data loading.  The Data Operations IT Specialist would ensure that all loading processes are operating normally, and resolve issues with those processes as they arise.

Guiding the implementation and development of a data environment/data warehouse which will support the query and analytics needs of CFTC staff as they develop Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) capabilities in their mission functions.  The guidance may include identifying areas for development, and designing and guiding the implementation of solution architectures in high performance big data environments.

Currently, the data expected to be managed by this individual is used to support the Integrated Surveillance System (ISS), the Trade Capture Report (TCR), SPARK, Owner and Controller Report (OCR), and other databases such as Swaps Large Trader.  It is expected that the data flows and systems managed will grow in the years ahead to include those data flows required to support the CFTC mission.  The Data Operations IT Specialist will be responsible for the Data Ingestion projects in the AWS Cloud environment and the Microsoft SQL Server environment.

Duties will include analyzing and independently monitoring performance of custom and COTS computer software to ensure the effective and appropriate operation of CFTC data ingest processes.  This duty includes the monitoring of online and background system activity, ensuring adequate system response time for all processes, verifying data integrity of the system, ensuring the appropriate completion of all processes. Advises management of any problems in this area and provides solutions to the problems.

Duties include the creation and management of a set of procedures, ensuring the timely execution of procedures, validating proper procedure outcomes, and the logging of those outcomes as they relate to the execution of data ingest and loading operations activities. Procedures are revised as necessary to ensure maximum efficiency.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Background/Security Investigation
  • May be required to serve a one-year probationary period
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas:

Cloud Data Engineering Design- Knowledge of the software, services, data structures, data warehouses, data marts, data orchestration, and data design for processes that ingest formatted and unformatted data, and make this data available for use in a Cloud Data environment.  

Database Design Engineer- Knowledge of the design and implementation of SQL relational databases, including techniques to derive the data structures.  Includes complex database design, data warehouse design, and the use of performance related topics such as indices, keys, and other concepts used to extract improved performance out of large data sets. 

Operational IT Environmental Support- Knowledge of tools, techniques and processes to monitor and control operational environment that includes both server based and cloud based assets. Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and tools used to analyze the environment (for example, comparative, trend, diagnostic, root cause, predictive) used to ensure the continued reliability of the entire data ingest environment.   

Technology Management- Technical knowledge applying Agile, Scrum, DevOps and lean principles in implementing cloud-based custom built cloud-based Extract-Transform-Load capabilities.  Maintains expertise providing technical advice, guidance, and recommendations to management and other technical specialists on critical Data and IT issues related to the receipt, extract, transform, and load of data.

Qualifications

Experience must be related to the application of Cloud-based technology and the use of relational databases to solve data ingest and processing related challenges; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, AWS Cloud certifications), as appropriate demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.

Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.

Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

CT-13 Level: To qualify for the CT-13 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS/CT-12 level). 

Specialized Experience - Specialized experience is defined as a skill in applying, database management concepts and techniques; AWS Cloud computing and development concepts and techniques, project management principles and methods; data mining, storage, and warehousing methods; and the organization IT infrastructure sufficient to:

Independently develop and manage large-scale, organization-wide, data acquisition, development and standardization projects for mission critical data, using in-depth knowledge of components, interfaces, data requirements and data standards. 

Develop and interpret procedures, and strategies involved in planning and delivery of data-centric services throughout an organization. 

Conduct complex business analyses and complex studies, leading to the successful development of data solutions and risk mitigation strategies.

Education

Please refer to the OPM Information Technology (IT) Management Series 2210 for the specific Education/Experience requirements for this position.

To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see www.ed.gov.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 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 a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

All employees are required to follow the Agency’s telework policy. If selected, you will be required to report to your assigned duty station to complete all onboarding procedures.

This is a Bargaining Unit Position located in the National Treasury Employee Union (NTEU) Chapter 337.

Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid. 

Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period, if applicable. 

More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement.

The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade.  A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information.  

The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions. This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.

This Job is also open in another announcement: CFTC-DOD-2025-0002

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.

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.

Your application will be evaluated and rated under CFTC Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the online assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. Your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Names of all candidates in the best qualified category will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. Candidates within the best qualified category who are eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

You must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:

  • Resume showing all relevant and related experience (cover letter optional).  If selected, your resume will be used to determine your initial pay setting decision;
  • Performance appraisal (optional);
  • Transcripts (if required, an unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy with date degree was awarded is required prior to firm offer letter being extended);

Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to veteran preference, you should indicate the type of veteran preference you are claiming on your resume. In order to verify your veteran preference entitlement, please submit a copy of your veteran's documentation including a DD-214 (member 4 copy preferred, however, the documentation provided must contain dates and character of service); official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty; or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions.  In addition, if you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the natural mother of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, “Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference,” and the other required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim. Although veteran preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under “How You Will Be Evaluated,” veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified. 

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy.  To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at:
http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.ICTAP

Candidates MUST submit:
1. A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice;
2. A copy of your most recent Performance Rating;
3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and
4. A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local
commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or
transfer of function outside the local commuting area.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP): Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.

How to Apply

YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE:  Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV.  To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already. LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV.  Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents. If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or phone at 1-866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.

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

Jenna Giles
Phone
202-418-5625
Fax
202-418-5521
Email
jgiles@cftc.gov
Address
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
CFTC
Three Lafayette Centre
1155 21 Street, NW
Washington, District of Columbia 200581
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.


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


© 2006-2025, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements