This is the position of IT Specialist (Systems Administration) in the High Energy Division (HEAD) of the Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory. The employee will perform all aspects of computer system management of the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) Unix workstation network of HEAD.
Summary
This is the position of IT Specialist (Systems Administration) in the High Energy Division (HEAD) of the Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory. The employee will perform all aspects of computer system management of the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) Unix workstation network of HEAD.
All qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 12 level. Candidates selected at the grade 11 may be non competitively promoted to the grade 12 level upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.
Act as the principal backup administrator of the HEA/CXC computer network. Doing regular backups of all critical file systems of the HEA/CXC computer network; Making sure that all backup tape stackers are regularly loaded with backup tapes and data volumes are regularly backed up. Duties also include proper labelling of backup tapes and safe storage and working with HEA/CXC offsite-storage contractor for safekeeping of backup tapes for disaster recovery. Duties also include regular monitoring of the backup software to make sure that backups are done on regular basis without issues; restoration of files/directories or data volumes in a timely and reliable manner when required by HEA/CXC. Working on regular basis with CXC procurement teams to order backup tapes and related consumables. Also reviewing and recommending new hardware and software solutions to improve the efficiency and integrity of the backups.
Management of all hardware and software associated with the backup infrastructure which includes managing the Unix servers which run the backup software, installation and daily management of the backup software, tape stacker and libraries and related activities. Troubleshooting of backup and restore failures/issues on multiple platforms with varied configuration and taking steps to prevent recurrence of such issues. Duties also include periodic checking, patching and upgrades of all backup related software and hardware. Advising and implementing (after review) best practices to improve the integrity of the backup and restoration process of HEA/CXC network
Providing helpdesk support to HEA/CXC users as part of SysHelp schedule. Serving as a point of contact for CXC computer users requiring assistance or instruction in the user of the LAN and IT resources under the guidance of the supervisor
Performs other systems related responsibilities as requested by supervisor, such as, but not limited to:
Responsible for installation and maintenance of server and client software for use in conjunction with current operating system versions and backup related software.
Design, implement, and make recommendations based on studies relating to CXC computing needs and performance including system backup and recovery strategy, LAN performance, optimization of system resources (disk, CPU, memory), application evaluation, writing utilities such as shell scripts to provide LAN resource information to users, and others as required by the supervisor
In addition to the duties listed above, duties at the grade 12 may include but are not limited to:
Ensuring CXC backup related IT systems and their usage are in compliance with FISMA, SI, SAO, HEA and CXC policies and guidelines including periodic report generations for CXC/HEA/SAO management. Creating and up-keeping of web based (or otherwise) documentation of CXC backup procedures, status reports and related information.
For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. 1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
AND
Candidates for grade 11 must possess minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as: managing backup tape stackers, controllers and associated hardware, and organizing and cataloguing backup tapes for safe storage; writing utility scripts and procedures to perform the duties of a backup administrator; trouble shoot hardware and software issues associated with the backup software and hardware; and utilizing storage file systems, snapshot technologies and backup techniques.
Candidates for grade 12 must possess minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as: performing regular periodic backup of large heterogeneous file systems and restores using NDMP based software like Catlogix DPX or similar; and writing and implementing disaster recovery plan for large heterogeneous data centres with diverse hardware and file systems.
or
Education: All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. Undergraduate or Graduate Education: Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.
Grade 11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Additional information
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
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.
Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualification will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
Knowledge of the Linux operating system with specific emphasis on management and networking aspects and management of the RedHat common code base “family” operating systems RHEL and CentOS
Knowledge of installation and management of NDMP based backup and restoration software systems like Catalogic DPX or similar backup software system.
Knowledge of snapshots, tape archives and restoration procedures.
Knowledge of management of tape backup stackers and related hardware.
Knowledge of scripting languages like shells scripts, PERL, python and HTML coding
Skill in oral and written communication and interpersonal relations
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.
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. If you are applying for the position and do not have a social security number please contact Mary Hebert at 617-496-7816.Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button.
Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully, which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed. Additional Information:
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses, but may pay a Recruitment Bonus.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. If you are applying for the position and do not have a social security number please contact Mary Hebert at 617-496-7816.Please Note:
You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button.
Faxes are received by an automated system, not a physical fax machine. Documents that are faxed as part of the application process must be sent with the system generated cover sheet by the closing date. Documents faxed without the system generated coversheet are not retrievable and cannot be considered as part of the application package.
Clicking the "DONE" tab does not submit your application. The "DONE" tab allows you to exit the system and save your information for completion at a later time. To submit your application, click the "FINISH" tab.
The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
SMITHSONIAN
Human Resources
60 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138
Mail Stop 17
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
United States
Next steps
You will receive an e-mail to acknowledge that your application has been received. Please be aware that the confirmation e-mail could reside in your "junk" or "bulk" mail folder depending on your filters. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully, which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed. Additional Information:
The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses, but may pay a Recruitment Bonus.
The Smithsonian embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
