This is the position of IT Specialist in the Computation Facility (CF) at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The position will be part of the CF Linux Support Group. The purpose of this position is to provide Linux system management, systems administration, procedures and policy development, and technical hardware and software expertise in support of IT infrastructure as well as the support of astrophysical data analysis and processing.
Summary
This is the position of IT Specialist in the Computation Facility (CF) at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO). The position will be part of the CF Linux Support Group. The purpose of this position is to provide Linux system management, systems administration, procedures and policy development, and technical hardware and software expertise in support of IT infrastructure as well as the support of astrophysical data analysis and processing.
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.
Works with the supervisor to provide Linux operating system management for CF servers and distributed computing systems. Participates in the planning and implementation of the CF Linux System management policy and the purchase of CF servers and client workstations. Deploys hardware and software, develops procedures, and writes software or scripts as necessary to operate and manage a distributed workstation environment. Keeps up-to-date with Linux hardware, operating systems, software, and security developments and trends. Investigates, tests, and documents operating system changes. Ensures user applications and software will work correctly under new operating systems prior to installation.
Works with CF Linux staff to maintain system software on the servers and distributed client workstations. This includes initial configuration of the hardware and installation of OS on client workstations, integration of the workstations with CF servers, configuration of client software services on the workstation as needed, and monitoring of the client workstation. Works with the other CF Linux system managers to install system software, provide system software support consultation, and install application software.
Manages user system accounts. Helps scientific and technical staff with operating system questions and problems. Helps staff use scientific applications, editors, command line applications, and web browsers.
Fulfills other system management, contract management, and programming duties and responsibilities as requested by the Supervisor of the CF Linux Support Group.
In addition to the duties listed above, duties at the grade 12 may include but are not limited to:
Develops system security plans and procedures for Linux Monitors the system for security breaches. Monitors the network news services for announcements of potential security problems. Take appropriate action to avoid a security breach. In the event of a security breach, has plans for restoring uncompromised system software. Coordinates with CF and SI Security personnel.
Maintains system software on the CF Linux servers and distributed client workstations. This includes initial configuration of the hardware and installation of OS on client workstations, integration of the workstations with CF servers, configuration of client software services on the workstation as needed, and monitoring of the client workstation. Works with the other CF Linux system managers to install system software, provide system software support consultation, and install application software.
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: Linux OS management, NFS, LDAP, and Shell Programming
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:Linux Security, Google Compute Engine Virtual Machines, Qemu KVM, and Perl, Python
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.
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions
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 management of various Linux OS versions used at the CF, including CentOS, RedHat, and Rocky Linux, and the ability to organize and administer complex systems of distributed computers and file servers into a cohesive system. Knowledge of NIS, NFS, automounter, and LDAP.
Knowledge of Linux commands and command line use as well as expertise in Perl and Bourne shell programming languages, sufficient to manage and maintain CF servers and desktops. Knowledge of programming languages used by scientific staff, such as C, Fortran, and Python.
Knowledge of Google Compute Engine Virtual Machines and Qemu KVM.
Knowledge of security in a distributed, Internet-connected environment is crucial, as is the ability to keep up-to-date with new security issues and vulnerabilities as they are announced.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Work effectively and cooperatively with all users, scientists, and administrative staff, as well as CF computer and network systems staff.
The ability to learn new skills and work independently and as part of a collaborative group is essential.
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.
